What is the New Washington State Mandatory Boating Safety Education Law?
Mandatory Boating Safety Education is now a reality for Washington Boaters. Started January 2008, boaters 20 years old and under will need to have their cards with them when operating a personal boat or jet ski.

For 2010, persons 30 years and younger will be required to have their Boater Safety Cards. Although a person who is renting a vessel have been exempted from the requirement to have an education card.

Note: The Boater Education Card is not required to rent a houseboat.  But, if someone in your group brings their own personal boat or jet skiis it is required.

All rentals require a Motor Vessel Rental Safety Checklist for any individual who chooses to command any of our vessels. Only the persons who have completed the Checklist are allowed to drive the boat. (WAC 352-78-090).

RRE has listed these two links for your references. Please educate yourself and group, we would like to see everyone enjoy their time here on the Lake without incident. The two links are: www.parks.wa.gov/boatsafefaq.asp and www.boat-ed.com/wa/wa  for your review.

Captain of the Boat | Drivers    MANDATORY
The Washington’s Mandatory Boating Education law requires agencies that rent, charter or lease motorboats or vessels with engines of 15 horsepower or more, to review the Motor Vessel Rental Safety Checklist (1MB PDF) with renters/operators.

The checklist covers both safety practices and equipment for all types of motorboats and personal watercraft. The Commission-approved checklist must be used to ensure uniformity and compliance with the law, even by rental agencies that have developed their own safety checklist.

RRE staff must review the contents of the checklist with every renter/operator to insure each statement about operation and safety equipment is understood. The renter/operator must review the checklist and initial each item on both sides of the checklist. Boaters must carry their signed checklist with them, or they may be ticketed if stopped by a marine law enforcement officer.

Things to Bring:
You will need to bring pillows, bath towels, wash clothes, bedding or sleeping bags, hangers, hand and body soap, and shampoo. Don't forget Medical release for any minor children in your temporary care. Other items you may want to bring would be lawn chairs, battery lanterns, books, magazines, cards, games, binoculars, battery operated stereo, flashlights, camera, air mattresses.

Some of our past guests suggest you bring ziploc bags, compass, larger first aid kit, heavy duty trash bags, folding table for top deck, clothesline and clothes pins, blender. Extra plastic grocery bags are great for wet swim suits or sandy socks on the trip back home. If someone is allergic to bees, it would be recommended to have antihistamine on hand or for severe allergy an epi-pen for emergency use (please consult with your physician first as a prescription is required). RRE has staff that are First Aid Certified through the American Heart Association for simple first aid assistance.

How Much Fuel will we use?
Fuel Capacity varies depending on the boat rented, and usage also depends on weather, weight on board, number of tag alongs being towed, and individual engine differences. The 52'Sunseekers and 54'Mirage Houseboats have twin O/B four-stroke engines. Previously guests would average 40 gallons. Not only are they fuel efficient, but better for the environment (and your pocket book).

How much of the Lake can I see during my vacation?
It depends on how much time you would like to spend each day traveling.  The boats travel at approximately 7-10mph, and you can go about 85 miles north of Keller Ferry, 20 miles south of Keller Ferry, 11 miles up the Spokane River Arm, and about 9 miles up the San Poil Arm. Or simply find a great spot and stay! It is up to you.

How much fresh water is on board each houseboat?
Although each houseboat varies, you will have a minimum of 50 gallons of fresh water on board.  There are separate faucets for fresh water. 

How large are the Holding Tanks?
All of the houseboats have a 300-gallon holding tank capacity. Capacity of Grey Water & Black water is 150 gallons each.

Will the holding tanks fill up during my vacation?
The gray water tank may fill if there is high usage with the shower, kitchen sink, etc.  Keep showers short, and don't run water in the kitchen sink unnecessarily.  If holding tank fill, there are many places on the lake that provide pump out services.  This information is provided during your orientation.

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Can I beach my houseboat anywhere on the lake?
Yes, but you should try to locate a cove, inlet, or finger of land to assure you have the best protection from the wind or waves caused by other boats.  Houseboats are restricted outside a half mile of NPS Campgrounds. Look for a fairly steep sand or dirt bank, to make anchoring easy and to cushion your pontoons.  A slope that is to shallow, or flat, signals the water will not be deep enough for your engines when beaching.  Also if the area is too shallow, if there is any lake fluctuation, you risk being stuck.  If this occurs, call for assistance ASAP so that you can be dislodged before it becomes a problem.

Can I cruise my houseboat after dark?
All RRE Boats must be beached before dusk. This is a safety precaution, as well as an insurance requirement. Violation of this rule will result in automatic forfeiture of your deposit, the boat will be confiscated (trip over), and voids insurance. Renter will be responsible for all damages, fees, fines. Strictly Enforced. 

What is the Hot Water Capacity on the boats?
On our 59'Colville and DreamCatcher Luxury, the capacity of the hot water tank is 10 gallons.  This will allow you about 15 minutes of continuous use, and it takes approximately 15 minute to recover.  On the other boats, you would have an endless supply of hot water with an on demand system.  

How do I Beach my Houseboat?
When you select your beaching area, approach slowly. Have someone stand on the front deck to keep you apprised of the depth as you approach.  It would also helpful if someone was monitoring the rear-deck to make sure the propellers are not in danger of being damaged.  Approach the beach straight and sail right onto it slowly.  After the pontoon tips are on the beach, throttle the boat up to higher rpm's to set the boat on shore.  Next make sure that your 150 foot beaching rope is secured to the rear cleat on the houseboat deck (not the railing), while you are still manning the helm, have a member of your party take each line and anchor as far up on the beach as they will go at a 45 degree angle from the boat.  Each anchor should be buried in the beach to hold the boat secure.  If it is not possible to bury the anchor deep, a number of heavy rocks should be placed on top to help secure the anchors.  Adjust the slack in your anchor rope at the cleat at the back of the boat. Once secure, then shut off engines.

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How does the battery system work?
Sunseekers have multiple batteries on board;  to run motors, for power and lights and water pump.  The engine charges the batteries while you are operating the boat.  If you do not run your houseboat all day and you are using your lights, sink, and showers, you will need to charge your batteries daily.  Start the motors, and rev them to 2800 rpm and let them run approximately 45 minutes to recharge the house batteries.  Your batteries will fully charge if you are operating the boat a few hours each day. 

The luxury boats each have house batteries that require charging daily. To charge the Inverter System batteries, you must start the generator, and turn the charger on the electrical panel to the On position.  There is a voltage meter on the 54' boat, and if the batteries are allowed to drain to 9 volts, your refrigerator will shut down, you will not be able to use the computer controlled shifters at your helm, your radio may not function.  Simply start the generator and you should regain the use of these controls.  Also if the batteries drain to 9 volts, they may not maintain a charge, or may not recharge.  If this occurs, start your generator, and explain the situation to one of our maintenance technicians.

RRE is not responsible for loss of running time.
If a situation should arise and you choose to cut your vacation short, such as bad weather, illness of someone in your party, an accident, or a change in your own personal schedule, we cannot be responsible for compensating you for any loss of your rental.  In the unlikely event that a major malfunction occurs, you are responsible for contacting the marina to report. If no contact is made, there will be no consideration of adjustment of rates.

If you experience an emergency-don't panic. 
Use your onboard radio to call us for assistance.  Confirm your location, seek landmarks to assist exact location. Staff will respond accordingly to assist the situation. Either directing you to closest location for aid, getting aid to you, giving directions to assist the situation. You can also use Channel 5 (Marine 16) for the distress call, this is an All Hail Channel for Safety and Emergency calls monitored by all marinas and enforcement. RRE marina has facilities to land emergency helicopters if needed.  We recommend that if you will have minors who are not related to you, that you have a written medical consent form for treatment with you, signed by their guardians should a emergency or medical treatment be needed.

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Important Notifications:

Fire Restrictions
Fires are NOT permitted on exposed lakebed from May 2–October 31. Fireworks are prohibited. Violators will be fined, RRE will be notified of violation and possibly end the vacation without refund. Fires are only allowed in designated NPS campgrounds unless posted otherwise. 

Beach Fires on the Colville Reservation shoreline  follow similar guideline dates. However, if allowed, you obtain a fire-permit. Permits are subject to cancellation due to high fire danger.  Permits are available at the boat rental office when you checkout. Fines are issued by the law enforcement, not by RRE.

Fishing
You may fish on the lake from a boat with a Washington State fishing license. However, you are not allowed to stand on the shore of the Colville Reservation to fish unless you purchase a Colville Tribal Fishing permit.  Refer to state regulations for lake tributaries. Tribal Permits available at RRE Marina Store.

PLEASE NOTE:
Washington State Fishing Licenses are no longer available at the RRE Marina Store so get them before arriving at the marina.

The Wilbur Department Store located at 106 Main Street, Wilbur WA 99185 has the Washington State Fishing License available (and extras).  Hours are Monday through Friday 8am - 5pm and Saturday 9am - 3pm. Their phone number is 509.647.5841.

Shooting Regulations
You are not allowed to shoot a gun from a moving platform, such as a boat while under power from the engines.  Shooting is not allowed on Tribal Land.  You are allowed to use guns on the non-Tribal side of the lake, only during hunting season if you have a state-hunting license.

Trash Removal
Please do not leave any trash on the shoreline, or bury trash.  We recommend that you deposit accumulated trash at the marina when refueling or purchasing supplies.  If necessary, you may leave trash at maintained NPS campgrounds along the lake.  Violators are subject to citations and fines by the NPS or the Colville Tribal Park Rangers.  If you observe any visitors leaving or burning trash on the shoreline, please make a note of the boat number, date, and location and report it at any marina.  Your cooperation will ensure the continued status of Lake Roosevelt as a Class AAA lake.

Lake Level Fluctuation
At certain times of the year the lake level fluctuates up/down up to 2 feet a day.  Watch out for sand bars and do not travel between the shore and the channel marker buoys, as they are markers for shallow water.  During times of lake level fluctuation, you must untie your houseboat, back off the beach, and then reset  every 8-10 hours.  This is particularly important if you moor on a beach with a shallow incline.  Also, always attempt to beach the boat into prevailing winds. We recommend using a stick to mark your waterline to observe fluctuations of the lake.

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Lost Items
Lost items not claimed within 60 days are promptly turned over and retained as property of the National Park Service.

Rear Slide & Swim Platform
Never allow anyone to use the water slide or swim platform while any engines are running.  Anyone in the water at the rear of the boat can be seriously injured, or suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning if they are swimming behind or under the boat with any engine running.  Also, be aware that it is possible to strike your head on the slide while on the swim platform.

Exterior Cabin Walkways
Exterior walkways are to be used by employees of RRE only. Never allow anyone to use the ledge on the side of the standard boats.  A slip or a fall could cause serious injury. 

Top Sun Deck
Never attempt to beach your houseboat or enter any marina or cove from the upper helm.  Your field of view is restricted, and you are unable to restart the boat from this position if your boat were to stall.  Driving the boat from the upper helm into any marina will result in an immediate forfeiture of your security deposit.  Beware of the low railings on the upper decks, and never jump off the upper deck as injury could result.

Engine warning and Buzzers/Lights
If an engine-warning buzzer or light (mounted inside the control console-standard boat) sounds, immediately identify the malfunctioning engine and turn it off.  Continued operation with a warning sound will result in expensive damage. Use the marine radio to call base and wait for instructions. Do not attempt to fix anything yourself, this will forfeit deposit as penalty.

Charging Batteries 
Sunseeker requires that the house batteries are charged at least once a day (minimum).  To charge the house batteries, you must start both motors and power them up to 1800 RPM's in the neutral position for at least 30-45 minutes a day.  The batteries will also charge if you are underway on the lake at these RPM's or higher.  If for some reason your electrical amenities on this boat all quit at the same time, there is a breaker switch located on the starboard side of the boat on the rear deck near the house batteries.  This will either be a push button or a lever switch.  Simply reset the breaker, and see if this resolves the problem.  If it does not, contact the Marina for assistance.

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Luxury Boats 54'Mirage
There are 2 sets of batteries on this particular boat, that require your attention, the house, and starting batteries.  Your starting batteries are charged as you operate the boat through normal running time.  The house batteries require that you start the generator, and turn the charge switch on the electrical panel located in the forward stateroom.  It is very important that you keep these batteries charged, as the radio, and starting/throttle controls are powered off of the house batteries.  If you find that you cannot shift the boat immediately start the generator and charge these batteries.  You should immediately regain radio and throttle controls once the generator is started.  If you still experience problems, CALL the Marina for assistance.

59'Colville and DreamCater Luxury Boat
In addition to having starting batteries, they incorporate the use of a 3500-watt power inverter.  Because of the increased power draw from all of the amenities, we recommend that you still use the generator the majority of the time while on your vacation.  There is an electrical panel in the hallway, which has a gauge showing how much power is available at anytime in your inverter system.  Pay close attention at orientation time to discuss all of the features of this panel, and make sure to ask questions if you do not fully understand the operation of this panel.  Your trip will go much better if you fully understand these features.

Fueling Procedures
Always be sure to shut off the propane in your boat at least half hour of approaching a fuel dock.  Make sure that you restart the refrigerator(s) if applicable after you leave the marina and are clear of the docks. The 59'Houseboats have separate fuel systems on board. The engine/generator run off starboard tank and the port side for the refueling station. Your generator will stop operating before you are on empty and before your drive engine stops. Monitor your gauges. If you have any questions, call the marina.   

Engine stops will not Start
This may sometimes happen on your trip, but is usually resolved by checking the following.  1. Did the engine get flooded? Sometimes when we start the motor we may hold the key down too long which will result in flooding.  By holding the key too long will flood it.  If you think you may have flooded the engine, wait approximately 20 minutes and try to restart.  2.  Check the fuel line connection at the motor. If these do not correct it, notify the marina. More often, staff can walk you through instructions to troubleshoot. Otherwise, our maintenance staff will come to you. The 52'Sunseeker and 54'Mirage are equipped with twin O/B motors, if one fails; you can continue your vacation with one motor. Still contact marina to report concern.

Refrigerator Procedures
LP Gas (liquid propane) operated refrigerators are used on our 54'Mirage and 52'Sunseeker. They are not like the one used at your home.  In order to improve cooling capacity of the unit, please note the following:  1.  Keep your food cold during your travel to Lake Roosevelt.  2.  Do not overstock your refrigerator, as this will reduce the airflow needed. 3.  Minimize the amount of frozen or perishable foods you bring.  4.  Utilize the cooler provided by RRE (120 qt.) or additional coolers you bring to stock beverages/fruits so that it will minimize the number of times you must open/close the refrigerator doors.

Ice is available at our marina. Block ice sells quickly, grab it while its there.

Extra Notes:
1.  It is prohibited to have extra fuel aboard our houseboats because of the fire hazard.  Please do not bring extra fuel unless you plan on storing them on your personal boat.  You can lose your deposit if this rule is violated.  2.  Rafting is strictly prohibited (tying houseboats together).  If you are caught rafting you will forfeit your deposit and houseboat - no exceptions.  3.  RRE has a No Pet Policy.  This will be strictly enforced.  You will forfeit the deposit, in addition to a cleaning fee if this rule is violated. Please be respectful of other customers and your own animal, keep them at home. Thank you.

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