Need help on finding out info on houseboats. Looking for specifically: what do you need to know, what is a good place to rent from, etc. We would be first timers and not knowing anything about boats or water. The thought is to try it out as it looks like a fun and relaxing time. Is there a place you could do it with other couples for people who know nothing. Any help for all you water lovers would be appreciated. Thinking right now for Lake Powell.

I can't help you with Lake Powell info, but we did a houseboat on Lake Roosevelt (Eastern WA) a couple summers ago - about 14 of us. One word of advice - be sure you really like your travel companions as the space is very small. We travel with the same couples all the time so not a problem for us. It was one of our best trips and we travel regularly I'm sure you'll get some good advice on the boards.

My husband and I rented a houseboat on Lake Powell a few years ago. It was an awesome experience. We'll definitely do it again someday. We've always had boats so we felt comfortable on our own. I would say that as long as you are responsible and conscientious, you should be able to handle it after some training. We heard a story while we were there about someone who was drinking and rammed one of the big houseboat into some rocks, puncturing one of the pontoons. The boat sank and he was liable for the whole expensive thing.

We had a good time by ourselves, but I think it would have been even more fun with others along. For one thing, I really wanted to do some waterskiing, and you need a third person for that.

It looked like most people also rented runabouts for waterskiing and exploring smaller canyons. Next time we'll do that.

If you decide to do it, remember, never, ever leave the boat without a competent operator on board (unless the boat is beached or docked).

One other tip: take a pair of powerful binoculars to scope out places to beach the boat for the night.

Before you spend the time, money, and energy on a week, do a weekend first.

Things that you think are important to have on a boat you'll find are useless and vice versa.

You'll be much happier with a trial run because you'll know your comfort level and what size boat suits you.