Your Questions Answered: Bridge Bay FAQs

Yes, similar to renting a car, our boats come with a full tank of gas. Renters are required to pay for the gas used for each vessel.

All boats gas tanks vary in size. Houseboats gas tanks vary from 50 gallons to 200 gallons depending on which houseboat.

This all depends on how adventurous you are. As well as many other scenarios, gas consumption can be complicated to predict. Gas is consumed by both the generator and the motors. The generators can consume up to 5 gallons an hour. The generators power the Air Conditioner, Power Wall Outlets and Microwave on board.

Towing any of our rented vessels is prohibited.

This is not something we would recommend but there are currently no prohibitions for towing your own personal boat or PWC. Bridge Bay at Shasta Lake is not responsible for any damage caused to any other vessel due to towing.

PWCs are not permitted on the houseboats, as they can cause damage to the houseboat deck as well as your PWC.

This is extremely dangerous and we do not permit containers of fuel aboard any type of boat.

All the engines on your houseboat produce carbon monoxide when in operation. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas, lighter than air and is poisonous.When inhaled, it produces symptoms of headache, nausea or fatigue followed by unconsciousness and possible death. For your safety, we must insist that all of the houseboat passengers and crew members refrain from swimming at or near the exhaust ports when the engines (generator-outboard-inboard) are running. Please read and heed all signage on the houseboat concerning the danger of carbon monoxide gases.

Unlike the one in your home, the 8 cubic foot refrigerator on board must be lightweight and operate on propane. Because of this, the manufacturer uses less insulation; therefore, the refrigerators don’t run as cold as your home unit. When outside temperatures reach 95° or higher, we recommend using ice chests for products that are perishable, such as meats and dairy products. We recommend you use the refrigerator for other food products, such as fruit and vegetables.Be sure to use frozen ice packs (e.g. Blue Ice) or put food in ziplock bags to keep melting ice out of food stored in the ice chest.

We do not provide linen packages with Houseboat rentals. All Guests should bring any pillows, sleeping bags, blankets etc. for their trip.

We do not provide any insurance for the vessels. We recommend contacting your insurance agent to see if you are protected in case of an accident on the water or any damage to your rented vessel.

While you cannot have a bonfire on a houseboat, If you want to build a bonfire on Lake Shasta, you must first obtain a campfire permit. You can obtain a free permit by going to http://permit.preventwildfiresca.org/

Yes, your pets are welcome on our houseboats. We would recommend a lifejacket specially fitted for your pet while on board.

You may receive a full refund only if you send a cancellation notice to us 45 days or more before the departure date for your houseboat trip. If you cancel your trip any time that is 44 days or less before the departure date, then no refund will be provided for any reason. You may purchase travel insurance for up to the full price of your trip through Allianz Travel. If you buy travel insurance and then must cancel your trip, the insurance company will pay you the insured amount if your reason for cancelling meets any of the many reasons allowed under the insurance policy. Bridge Bay encourages all of its guests to purchase travel insurance. For more information go to: https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/

Yes, we require a $750 refundable deposit ($1000 for the Month of May) that is due at the time of check in. The deposit is held until the return of the vessel and the amount refunded is based on the condition that the boat is returned.

We require a $300 down payment on all Houseboat reservations that are greater than 45 days from the arrival date. Houseboat Reservations made within 45 days of the arrival date will be required to pay in full.

All renters need to be at least 21 years old with a Valid Driver’s License.

You must have a valid driver’s license. A California boaters card is not required for rented vessels.

Houseboats can be rented for a Minimum of 3 Days and 2 Nights.

Yes! You can rent a Houseboat any time of the year.

Check in begins at 8am until 4pm. Arrivals after 4pm can still get on their houseboat however they may be required to stay at the dock until proper orientation of the boat can be presented the following day.

Houseboats are due back at the Gas Dock at 4pm on the last day of your trip after being cleaned and emptied of your personal items.

Yes there are late fees on all boats returned late. Costs vary and will be explained at check in.

Cascade Houseboats get 2 Parking Passes included. Summit Houseboats get 3 Parking Passes. Grand Sierra Houseboats (including EX model) get 4 Parking Passes. Additional Passes are available. Parking Fee is $15.00 per day, per vehicle

Yes, our houseboats are equipped with propane grills.

You may not use your own barbeque on any boat. You must use the provided grill on houseboats. However, you may bring a barbeque with you to use on land provided that you have a valid campfire permit.

Visit our “First Timer Tips” page on our Plan Your Trip page for some great ideas and a list of things you don’t want to forget.

There are not any cleaning supplies on board so pack sure to pack your own and don’t forget toilet paper and paper towels as well.

As a part of the orientation process, every member on the houseboat will need to sign a liability release form before embarking on your adventure.