Frequently Asked Questions

A Flybridge allows you to drive your houseboat from the roof of the boat.
All our houseboats have a flybridge.

We have some children’s Personal Floatation Devices (PFD) on site.
However, we would prefer you to bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

We offer early boarding with our 4 day mid-week and 7 day rentals.  Early boarding is at 4pm on Mondays and Fridays.  There is a $75 early boarding charge and it must be pre-arranged with the office.  If there is still daylight, you are welcome to leave the dock that night.

Boat rented must not exceed maximum capacity.
40′ – 10 adults
44′ – 10 adults
60’ – 16 adults

The fuel consumption depends mostly on you – how fast you drive and for how long each day. Taking the increase in the price of fuel into consideration, you should allow about $10-$15 per hour of travel.

The rental fee does not include 13% HST tax, fuel, $40 pumpout (the septic tank on the boat), and any damage done. Additional fees may apply for overnight dockage if you choose to stay at certain locations.

No, to rent with us, the Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card is not required at this time. However, you must be at least 25 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license. Upon completion of the orientation training, we will issue a temporary license that is in accordance with the Coast Guard requirements. This license is only valid during the rental agreement period with R&R Houseboat Rentals.

We do not allow our houseboats to travel on Lake Simcoe. It is such a large body of water, the waves can get over 6 ft high. The houseboats were not designed to travel in that size of wave.

Each refrigerator has a freezer. The 40′ and 44′ have a 7.5 cu. ft. fridge.

No, although the biggest problem we have is mosquitoes. They only last a short while. Each houseboat is equipped with mosquito coils and a burner, which is included in the rental fee.

Insurance is NOT included in the rental fee.  As the renter, you must give a $2500 pre-authorization damage deposit and you are responsible for all damages.  You may choose to lower the damage deposit to be responsible for up to and including $1000 at a cost of $25 per day. Some home owner’s policies cover you on your vacation. Please check with your insurance company.

Dogs are welcome for a $75 Pet Fee.  Notification of a dog is a MUST.  Please note that all pets MUST BE CRATED while your boat is unattended. Crates are not supplied, so you are responsible to bring your own.

Sunlight dish soap is bio-degradable.
Herbal Essence Shampoo and Conditioner are bio-degradable.
We do not sell soap.

If you are vacationing for a week, you can easily go both ways and return – to Peterborough and Gamebridge (opening to Lake Simcoe). 
Absolutely no crossing Lake Simcoe in our houseboats.
On a weekend or a mid-week vacation, this will depend on weather conditions and what time you head out. From our location on Pigeon Lake you are able to travel 5 lakes without going through the lock system: Pigeon Lake, Big Bald and Little Bald Lakes, Upper Buckhorn Lake and Chemong Lake.

The rental fee includes lock passes, propane, all of your safety equipment and water charts. The kitchen comes equipped with everything needed for cooking and eating. We also supply toilet paper and paper towels.

We also rent canoes, kayaks, SUP, tubes and lily pads. We also offer jetski and pontoon boat rentals.

Anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 needs to obtain a fishing license. They are available at many locations on the water.
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

Yes, however it is like anywhere else – it depends on who your carrier is. 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.

Emergency 911 also works in our area.

You can anchor in a bay, tie to an abandon shore line, or stay at the dock where you picked up the boat – all free of charge. You can stay at the locks, marinas, campgrounds and trailer parks along your route. All of them will charge you according to the facilities they offer. Call ahead or pull in and ask for availability.

In the event of an emergency or breakdown, you will be provided with help line numbers to call during your orientation.