Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I require a boat license?
Do you allow pets?
How many people can sleep on each boat?
What is included / not Included in the rental fee?
What is the Damage Deposit Buydown?
Date Changes
Cancellation Policy
Do you offer ‘Early Boarding’?
How far can we get?
Can we travel on Lake Simcoe?
How much can we expect to spend on gas?
Where can we stay at night?
How big is the refrigerator?
Which boats have a flybridge?
Which soaps are biodegradable?
Can I use a CPAP onboard?
Are the bugs bad?
Do cell phones work on the water?
What else do you rent?
Do you supply kid’s life jackets?
Do I need a fishing license?
Emergency on board?
I Left Belongings Behind?
Onsite EV Charging?

Other questions we get alot
What to Bring With You
What’s Provided For You
What’s included with the Boat

Do I require a boat license?

No. We highly encourage our guests to obtain the PCOC but it is not required to rent with us at this time. However, you must be at least 21 years of age, hold a valid driver’s license, completed our orientation training and provide a signed waiver. As well as, a signed copy of the Rental Boat Safety Check List Standard that is valid only for the duration of your rental agreement period.

The link below will take you to a PCOC Course.

Click Here to Take the Boaters Operators Card Course

The PCOC will give you a base theory of boating and operating the houseboat, we also offer driving and docking lessons, to ensure our guests are comfortable before heading out on their adventure.

Do you allow pets?

A $75 pet fee covers cleaning for up to two pets onboard.
Please bring a pet bed/blanket for your pet to sleep on and keep them off cushions and beds.
Do not leave pets unattended. If you must leave them, they need to be crated. Crates are not supplied, you are responsible to bring your own. Even with the pet fee, additional cleaning fees up to $300 may apply if excessive cleaning is required.

How many people can sleep on each boat?

Must not exceed maximum capacity:

56’ – 15 persons.
42′ – 10 persons.
40′ – 6 adults & 2 children, total 8
32′ – 4 adults & 2 children, total 6.

What is included in the rental fee?

The rental rate includes the use of our houseboat, full propane tanks, a lock pass for travelling through the Locks, kitchen supplies, safety equipment, a tablet using Aqua Map Marine app for digital navigation, water chart book and final pump out.

What is not included in the rental fee?

The posted rental fee does not include 13% HST tax, Damage Deposit (or the Damage Deposit Buydown), fuel at end of trip, online booking fee.
Requests for additional propane will be charged at the following rates:
$25 for 20lb tank
$38 for 30lb tank
Additional fees may apply for overnight dockage/mooring if you choose to stay at the Locks, private marinas or parks overnight.

What is the Damage Deposit and the Damage Deposit Buydown?

With all of our houseboats you will need to leave a Damage Deposit of $2500. We will hold this Damage Deposit as a Preauthorization on your credit card for the duration of your rental and return this back to you at the end of your rental if all equipment is returned in good working order without damage.
Alternatively, we offer a Damage Deposit Buydown program at a cost of $30/day to reduce the amount of liability depending on the size of houseboat that is rented.

32′ Houseboat – $2500 Damage Deposit can be reduced to $500
40′ Houseboat – $2500 Damage Deposit can be reduced to $750
42′ Houseboat – $2500 Damage Deposit can be reduced to $1000
56’ Houseboat – $2500 Damage Deposit – No Damage Deposit Buydown currently offered.

Date Changes?

This Policy outlines the terms if you wish to change the departure date of your trip.

More than 90 days prior to departure:
You may change the departure date, but you will be charged the price difference in the vacation where the new vacation is more expensive.
15-89 days prior to departure:
You may change the departure date, but you will be charged an administration fee of $500 and the price difference in the vacation where the new vacation is more expensive. New date must fall within the same cruising season.
14 days or less:
No changes permitted. Any change will be considered a cancellation and subject to the cancellation terms.

Cancelation Policy

This policy outlines the cancellation terms for Egan Houseboat Rentals.

91 Days or More Prior to Reservation:
- A full refund will be issued for cancellations received 91 days or more prior to the scheduled reservation.
Within 90 Days of Reservation:
- Cancellations received within 90 days of the scheduled reservation will result in the forfeiture of the booking deposit.
Within 30 Days of Reservation:
- Cancellations received within 30 days of the scheduled reservation will result in the forfeiture of the full investment amount.

Exceptions:
For extenuating circumstances, such as documented medical emergencies, a case-by-case review may be considered. Supporting documentation may be required.
Notification:
All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to eganhouseboats@gmail.com.
Disclaimer:
This cancellation policy is subject to change without prior notice. Please refer to the most up-to-date version at the time of booking.

Do you offer ‘Early Boarding’?

Yes, we offer a Preboard option for 7-day and 4-day midweek rentals. Time and weather permitting, this allows you to board the evening prior to your booking date and can give you an early start the next morning.
There is a $99 charge for this, and it must be pre-arranged with the office.

How far can we get?

Your rental will begin and finish from our Marina, at the southern tip of Pigeon Lake, at our Marina.
You are able to travel 3 lakes without going through any locks: Pigeon Lake, Upper Buckhorn Lake and Chemong Lake.
A 7-day rental will allow you to travel to Peterborough OR to Balsam Lake and back to our Marina.
A 4-day rental weekend or midweek will allow you to travel to Fenelon Falls OR Burleigh Falls and back to our Marina.

These travel estimations will vary based on weather conditions & time of departure.

Absolutely no crossing Lake Simcoe in our houseboats.

Can we travel on Lake Simcoe?

No. For the safety of our guests, we do not allow our houseboats to travel on Lake Simcoe. This body of water is large, weather may be unpredictable and our houseboats travel at slow speeds.

How much can we expect to spend on gas?

Typically our guests travel about 3-4 hours a day. The fuel cost will vary depending on how far and how fast you travel each day. Our vessels use approximately 18L/hr of driving ($34.56/hr). And hold anywhere from 220L – 600L of fuel. Marina fuel is $1.92/L for the 2025 Season, prices will vary as gas prices do from marina to marina. You will not need to fill up everyday, and you will be filled again at the end of your vacation at our Marina.

Where can we stay over night?

You are always welcome at our Marina, at no additional charge. You may also tie off to crown land or provincial park islands. You may anchor in a bay or shoreline that is sheltered from the winds, out of major traffic ways and a respectful distance from privately owned waterfronts – all free of charge. Please do not moor anywhere with a posted ‘no trespassing’ or ‘no houseboats’ sign. The Locks are not able to be reserved but will cost $2.25/ft of boat for overnight mooring in the 2025 Season. Private marinas, some campgrounds and trailer parks along your route will offer overnight mooring options, we recommend calling them directly ahead of your vacation for pricing, availability and amenity inquiries.

Please see our maps here for more information: https://eganhouseboats.com/plan-your-adventure/#maps

How big is the refrigerator?

Our 32′, 40′ and 42′ have a single 7.5 cu.ft. RV fridge with separate freezer.
Our 56′ has two 7.5 cu.ft. RV fridges with separate freezers.

Which boats have a flybridge?

A Flybridge allows you to drive your houseboat from the roof/top deck of the boat.
All of our 32′, 40′ & 56’ houseboats have a flybridge.

Which soaps do we recommend?

Dawn dish soap.
Herbal Essence Shampoo and Conditioner.
Bar and liquid Soaps that are marked biodegradable.

Can I use a CPAP onboard?

There are a few options for using a CPAP machine onboard:

Overnight where you can plug into shore power – note, our Marina is free of charge, but other private marinas or lock stations will have an overnight fee for this service
Bring a small generator
Bring a 200w inverter

It is your responsibility to ensure that your machine is being used according to the manual.

Are the bugs bad?

A common question we get is about the bugs, and it’s a great one to ask!

On most days, the open water provides a refreshing breeze that naturally keeps bugs to a minimum, especially while you’re cruising. However, it’s important to remember that we are guests in a beautiful natural environment, and we should expect to share these spaces with a variety of local insects.

What to Expect and When:

- Mosquitoes & Black Flies: These are most active at dusk and into the evening, particularly in forested or reeded areas.
- Deer Flies: These can be particularly bothersome in July.
- Spiders: You can expect to see more spiders as August progresses.

Your Comfort is Key: If bugs make you uncomfortable, we highly recommend bringing bug spray. It’s a good idea to pack both a personal repellent for your skin and an indoor/outdoor area spray to manage your comfort level, especially when moored for the night.

Embracing the local wildlife is part of the adventure, and with a little preparation, you can ensure a peaceful and enjoyable trip!

Do cell phones work on the water?

Yes. You will find good coverage throughout most of the Kawartha Lakes with some exceptions depending on your carrier and how remote of a location you choose to stay in. The best ones for our area are Bell and Rogers. Most U.S. carriers have an arrangement with Canadian carriers to pick up your service in this area.

What else do you rent?

Linens $50/Bed: includes; 2 flat sheets, 1 comforter, 1 Pillow (with pillow protector and case) per person, 1 bath towel per person, 1 hand towel per person, 1 face cloth per person and 2 dish towels
Children’s Life Jackets are FREE upon request. We will require the child’s weight in advance to provide the correct size.

Do you supply kid’s life jackets?

Yes. We offer children’s Personal Floatation Devices (PFD). However, we would prefer you to bring your own to ensure a proper fit.
We have 30 – 50lbs or 60 – 90lbs available, please let us know your child’s weight requirements prior to your check in.

Do I need a fishing license?

Canadian residents between the ages of 18 and 65 and all non-residents over the age of 18 need to obtain a fishing license. Canadian residents under 18 or over 65 do not require a license. The cost will vary depending on the type of license (conservation vs. sport). Licenses and more information are available at https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing (Zone 17).
The nearest locations from our Marina to get a fishing license would be Bridgenorth Home Hardware or Peterborough Canadian Tire.

FISHING SEASON Opens:
2nd Saturday in May – Walleye/Pickerel
1st Saturday in June – Muskie
3rd Saturday in June – Large and Smallmouth Bass
4th Saturday in April – Trout

See Ontario Fishing Regulation Summary Zone 17 for slot size and limits.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/fisheries-management-zone-17-fmz-17

Emergency on board?

You will be provided with a service phone number for any questions or concerns that may arise throughout your holiday. In the event of a breakdown or an emergency, please anchor where you are and call this number.

I Left Belongings Behind?

We are not responsible for lost or left behind items. You are welcome to come back and visit us anytime to retrieve your left behind items. If you would like to have a forgotten item shipped back to you, please arrange for pick up from our marina through the courier of your choice.

Onsite EV Charging?

We do not have EV charging, to find your nearest charging stations please click Here.

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

Everything you want to eat and drink, including drinking water
All bedding including sheets and pillows – all double beds
(We offer linen rentals for $50/bed)
All personal belongings and hygiene items
Everything for the bathroom except toilet paper (2 rolls supplied / MUST BE 1-ply RV-grade or septic safe)
Towels – kitchen, bathroom, shower, swimming
Coarse grind coffee for the percolator
Bug spray and sunscreen
Drying rack or rope and clothespins for drying bathing suits/towels
Entertainment (water toys, playing cards, board games, PWC (kayak, paddle board, canoe, fishing boat), etc.)
Bluetooth speaker
First Aid kit
PFD for children for best fit, and adults for casual recreational use (as the emergency equipment life jackets will not dry for storage between rentals)
Please bring any alcoholic beverages in cans, plastic, or cardboard
Extras to consider: fishing gear, flashlight, rain gear, First Aid kit

Provided For You

Dining: Dinner plates, side plates, bowls, mugs, drinking cups, mixing bowls, butter knives, steak knives, forks, spoons, tea spoons.
Cookware: One stovetop kettle, three pots, one cast-iron frying pan, colander/strainer, cutting board, chopping knife, large serving/cooking spoons, spatula/egg flipper, can opener, corkscrew, lighter, BBQ tongs, BBQ brush, stovetop coffee percolator.
Cleaning: broom, dust pan, wet-jet mop, dish sponge, dish drying rack.
Propane: 3-burner stove, small fridge/freezer, BBQ and heater.

**No Oven, No Microwave (with the exception of the 56’ houseboats) – All cooking must be done by BBQ or stovetop.
**No Toaster (you are able to make toast using the BBQ or with a stovetop camp toaster (available upon request)

INCLUDED BOAT EQUIPMENT:

deck chairs, cooler
boat hooks, tie lines, anchor (for docking or mooring)
Navigational charts, Trent-Severn Ports Cruising Guide
Tablet with software providing digital charts with a boat icon that plots along with you and shows location depths.
THESE ITEMS ARE FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY: Fire Extinguishers, Flares, adult PFD to meet max capacity.
No fish finder.
No wi-fi.
There is NO HYDRO aboard our 32’, 40’ or 42’ houseboats, unless you are plugged into a shore power source. There is a 12V lighter port in the dash of these houseboats that allow a usb plug-in for charging electronics from the aux. battery aboard. (we recommend the charging is done while the boat is running, to avoid draining this battery). All other appliances run off propane.
– The 56′ houseboats have outlets aboard and a built-in generator.