So, with that in mind, or staff and visitors have come up with some super ideas virtually guaranteeing that when push comes to shove, you won't be the one who has to "walk the plank":

• All types of food are particularly delicious on your houseboat.
• Appetites are usually much larger than normal. We eat and eat and eat when we are on our houseboat and don't seem to gain a pound! Linda S., Texas
• Beverages are a mainstay...almost everyone will naturally have some type of beverage with them 90% of the time onboard. Keep plenty of drinks onboard. Natural drinks like iced tea, bottled water, Gatorade and fruit juices are more satisfying that heavy sugar carbonated sodas.
• For children, smaller containers are generally best so they can finish the whole drink without leaving extra that turns warm.
• If possible, try to stay away from glass as much as possible. Smaller kids seem to love "juice box" type drinks. Bigger kids and adults will appreciate their beverages in quick cooling, aluminum cans.
• If alcoholic beverages are allowed and are to be consumed, they must be consumed in moderation. The inebriating effects of alcohol are intensified by being onboard a moving vessel in the fresh air. When in doubt, back off on the alcohol consumption onboard your houseboat. Remember, better safe than sorry.
• Bottled water goes quickly when onboard so bring plenty of it with you.
• Sometimes it is practical to do some basic food preparation before you embark on your houseboat vacation.
• Bite sized foods are fun. Keep veggies, dip and chips ready to go at all times.
• Most houseboats include a grill so plan to bring foods that are great cooked that way. The normal hot dogs and hamburgers are fantastic but don't forget tender steaks, kabobs and succulent seafood, too.
• I can still remember the incredible taste of filet mignon that my mom used to prepare for our houseboat weekends. She would take 6 ounce, bacon wrapped filets from a place in Atlanta called Casselberrys, put them in stainless steel bowl and then slather them with French dressing and some other herbs and spices. Then she would cover the bowl with aluminum foil and keep them chilled in the cooler. Cooked on the charcoal grill, they were mouth watering and delicious. Filets are a nice treat! Thanks Mark M., Florida
• Try to spread the cooking chores around equally. They are much more fun that way and it promotes a strong sense of working together while taking some of the load off of the traditional meal maker in the family. She will definitely appreciate it!
• Along those same lines, try to make entire meals or even entire days that give the Mom the entire day off of what she probably considers to be primarily her function. You'll be amazed at just how much fun it will be for everyone involved and the smiles and hugs you get from her will be even more priceless.
• Send your dining tips to us by e-mail at: [email protected]

Reminder: Be sure to share your vacation experience with us by taking our vacation survey. We would love to learn about your houseboat vacation firsthand!

The Houseboat Rental Center Resource Center