Northernaire Houseboat rentals

[Missouri Mark]

Comparitive shopping I have found Northernaire Houseboats to be considerably cheaper than Dougherty's Rainy Lake Houseboats. Descriptions seem to be that they offer similar services. Just wondering if anyone has experience with Northernaire?? Dougherty's comes highly recommended, but if we can save a few hundred dollars w/out sacrificing service, why not? Any reviews of both to compare would be appreciated.

Mark

[Scotteye]

Imo, Rainy Lake House boats is worth the extra money (condition and location).  

[Missouri Mark]

It's hard to tell the conditions of boats online. I don't quite understand any difference in location. Aren't the two places only a couple miles apart? Scott, have you had experience with both? Were Northernaire not as nice as Rainy Lake?

[Scotteye]

I have been on both, and Northernaire are not quite as nice (but neither great...in my opinion).  Coming back, and assuming you are going pretty far East, the extra few miles seems more like 20-30 miles when you are going 7 mph.  The way out, not a problem, but it is the way in after a few hard days of fishing & fun.  Just my 2-cents, but you will have fun either way; however, spending a little more per person would be worth it.  Have fun!

[Missouri Mark]

Thanks Scott, just trying to save a few bucks but also want the best deal. While I have your attention, regarding the tow johnboat....they provide the johnboat w/no motor but we have to have a motorboat to be legal. I have a new 2.5 HP Mercury that they said would suffice. Not much HP but we wouldn't be able to venture far from houseboat plus a big lake with waves possible in winds. Can we get by with my motor? None of us have been to Rainy Lake or have ever been on a houseboat. Any tips on anything we haven't thought about would be appreciated. We haven't even got as far as planning what tackle we might need different than lake and stream fishing in Missouri. Would you recommend screened front deck for mosquitos in early June? I'm sure we will want to sit outside in evenings. But won't that limit fishing off the front? We are looking at the 42'  with 4-5 guys. No idea if we will be tripping over each other but doubt if we want to go luxury route on our budget. Also it appears that not many places to refuel and all are within a few miles of each other. We will want to do some sightseeing so staying close to fuel spots an issue? And probably want to take a few land trips to bar and grills or resupply. Is that easy to dock, leave the houseboat, and venture into town?

We're very excited about this trip, but unknown is always a little uneasy feeling.

[CaptJohnWis]

You will not be able to do much exploring with such a little boat. Even if the weather is nice, I would not venture far from "home" without a bigger boat. At least in June you will be able to catch fish on the shorelines but coming all the way from Missouri, I would have a bigger boat. 

[Missouri Mark]

Capt., I assume you mean the 16' johnboat they provide and not the 42' houseboat?

[Scotteye]

Neither houseboat company will want you to dock at Sha-Sha's or for that matter, any other bar/resort.  If it was me, I would head Far East and you Will not have to worry about gas.  That time of year I would house boat to Saganaga and fish in your 16' boat in that area.  Go with the less expensive house boat and get a larger boat / motor to two as I agree with Capt John; not enough boat / motor.  

[Missouri Mark]

Yep, reinforces what I was thinking about going with the pro style fishing boat as the pull along. Question I think I know the answer to - does the marina/houseboat rental places charge $4-5/gallon for gas? Minor detail, but I would like to have the full financial picture to pitch to our buddies with no surprises. Rental web sites estimate using 75 gallons in a week for the midsize houseboats we are considering. I'm guessing we would exceed the estimate as will want to see as much scenery as possible.

Also, and I am sure they will go over this when showing us how to operate the houseboat, but what is the minimal depth of water to safely operate the houseboat? I've been looking at the maps with depth outlined and just curious on where we can go or not.

Again, thanks guys, this will truly be a once in a lifetime trip for us to celebrate a couple guys retirement from the teaching profession. We're not big spenders but want to do it right.

Edited August 27, 2015 by Missouri Mark

[CaptJohnWis]

Capt., I assume you mean the 16' johnboat they provide and not the 42' houseboat?

Correct. Take the house boat far east and try to anchor it somewhere near good looking shore line. Not sure if they let you anchor houseboat wherever you want though. Needs to be someplace where big waves won't be a problem in case wind comes up.

[P_Norts]

Mark,

Have been Houseboating on Rainy for 6 years. We have always used RLHB's. We did look at the Northernaire's boats. We went with RLHB because of real mattresses on the beds and them having a generator on board. We have no complaints with RLHB's. Yes, the HB eat's a lot of gas. Yes, gas at RLHB pumps is expensive. Really no way around filling the HB and the generator up there upon return. Use the generator at night to keep fridge cold and re charge trolling motors (if applicable). Leave it off during the day when you are out fishing. 

HB's are tied up only at designated HB sites throughout the National Park (they will teach you how to tie up). Bring a pair of binoculars, they will come in handy. As far as a fishing boat goes, you will probably want a wee bit bigger motor then a 2.5 HP. RLHB rents 15 HP motors to go on the fishing boat they provide with the HB. We did one of those one year and it will suffice, you just don't wander to far from the houseboat. Rainy is huge, if you are serious about fishing you my want a larger fishing boat to cover more water. 

A HB with a screened in porch will keep out a ton of mosquito's. It is the only way we do it. We get the Tamarack from RLHB and there are 6 of us. As far as beaching at the HB site's yes, many of them are shallow. The prop's on these monsters are made of a type of plastic that will shred upon impact with a rock, hopefully protecting the lower unit. I don't want to scare you but I do also recommend the hull they offer at check in. Rainy is full of rocks, you just have to go slow, be cautious and ask questions. Each boat is equipped with a ship to shore radio. You can reach base from 7am-7pm and the National Park service after that. Other HBer's and fishermen with radios with also be helpful to you when navigating the HB.

If you do end up HB'ing let me know I have many more hints and tricks I can share.

[Missouri Mark]

Will do, sir. Your experience would be a great help. I am feeling confident we are going to make it happen. We have a group of mid 50 yr olds that have always wanted to fish the northern waters for walleye and pike, even have a Corp of Engineer boat pilot interested.You could do me a big favor now. I am having issues getting a true picture of the layout on RLBH website, as I have been informed by their people that some of the layouts on the ad are not accurate and I am having a hard time getting picture of the beds layout. Could you look at the attachment below of the Tamarac layout from their ad and tell me if it is accurate? The sleeping arrangements will be huge for us as a couple of us are world class snorers and will need to be isolated from rest of group.

 

Also, in order to assure we get the model we choose, and I am thinking the Tamarac will be the one, how early must we make reservations and put down deposits. It is hard to get firm committments from many this far out. We are thinking next Feb or so to get definite committments, if you think that is far enough in advance.

Thanks

[P_Norts]

Mark,

Not that it matters but I am Mrs. P_Norts. The picture is accurate of the Tamarac. I will advise that because the beds are right up against the wall, it is hard pressed to put 2 adults in them. That being said, 6 adults is the most I would put in there. There is a door that can be shut between the 2 rooms which should help with sleep noise. I am always told By RLHB that their screened in porch models are not as popular as the open porch (For the life of me, I don't get why but it really helps keep the mosquito's out of your HB). I would , speculate that Feb. would be safe for booking. Remember RLHB attends the sport shows in Jan and Feb, so that is when people start booking. Glad to help.

Mama Norts

[Missouri Mark]

Thanks Mrs!! Big help knowing that is actual layout.

[i'majigger]

That snoring problem is easy to cure, after you all have gone to bed for the night and the guy starts to snore just sneak over to him and give a big wet kiss right on the lips and I guarantee you he will sit and watch you the rest of the night and you will get a good nights sleep!!!

[CaptJohnWis]

The Prince Charming technique also works well if they are laying in bed when you want to go fishing. Generally best to announce yer intentions first though - "your prince is here to awaken you sleeping beauty"

[Missouri Mark]

Thanks guys, but I'll pass on anti snoring techniques. I am getting confident that we have enough interest to make this happen. So, how about some info on what we can expect with the fishing - keeping in mind that we are thinking about hiring a fishing guide for at least a half day to show us the ropes. We are experienced fishermen but have never fished for walleye or pike, and none of us have fished northern waters. I plan to print this thread and send to our group, so some comments confirming that we can expect to catch plenty of fish will help alleviate doubts about the fishing. I realize there are no guarantees with fishing but some encouraging words will go a long way with fear of the unknown!!

[CaptJohnWis]

Best bet is to read old posts from the time period that you plan on fishing Rainy.  Lots of info there. I still am not too crazy about you guys coming all thge way up here and trying to fish out of a small boat. See my video from yesterday on what it looks like when windy! I was fishing out of a 21-foot Ranger and it was no fun but at least we could get around if we took it easy.

 And this was after it had calmed down some!

Edited September 9, 2015 by CaptJohnWis

[Cheers]

need larger fishing boat ! Seriously big water and potential for drowning very real ! 

[Missouri Mark]

Oh yeah - I understand it is dangerous on a big lake in a johnboat. We would only use the small johnboat in relatively calm water, bays, coves, and tight spots that are too shallow for the houseboat, and never venture far from houseboat. We all understand that but thanks for safety tips anyway. I know we would LIKE to have the nice big bass boat, it will come down to expense vs. the need. We're trying to keep our expenses under $1000 total per person.

[Redhawk]

I honestly can't see fishing out of a houseboat, I think you will be disappointed. They are not easy to maneuver and they don't come equipped with a depth finder, etc.If you are traveling that distance and investing in a rainy lake trip you will most likely want to fish, hopefully you can come up with another option that allows you to take advantage of the fishing opportunities.

[P_Norts]

Mark,

 

Consider the Pro Style boat the RLHB rents.You can rent it for $650 for the week and you could fish 3 guys in it. It will get you around and is comfortable to fish out of. Take it from experience do not travel all the way to RL to fish and not be able to do it. Yes, exploring islands and enjoying the scenery is a big part of RL, but if you plan on fishing you are going need a boat that can handle Rainy Lake. 

I also suggest Rainy Lake Guiding for a guide. Bruce is the best! He will put you on fish, is a blast to fish with and will teach you a lot.

[Missouri Mark]

Yeah, have to agree with you guys. Pro Style boat and a guide the first day is the best choices. Now will have to convince the others that it's worth the extra money.