What's houseboating like in 1991?

The weather this winter didn't bring houseboating to mind for very many Westerners. Northwesterners, successively soaked and frozen, have reason to be as interested as Noah in a vacation afloat. Californians, meanwhile, may doubt that there is enough water left anywhere to float anything. All of us have watched prices go up at the gas pump. But the. appeal of a relaxing vacation right here in the West led our editors to survey the region's 20 houseboat lakes and reservoirs. What we found is that the news isn't all bad.

Most California houseboating lakes are down, although late storms could have a big impact. The worst-case scenario in northern California could see some lakes (including Shasta, Trinity, and Oroville) drawn down to their 1977 record low levels. At our press time, Lake Oroville, the source point for the California Aqueduct, is at 30 percent volume, and big dirt shoulders slope down to the water. But while shorelines look unappealing, there's still plenty of water for boating in these reservoirs. As of this winter, Lake Shasta still has more than 250 miles of shoreline, and even now its deepest end could submerge a 30-story building.

The water level of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta isn't affected by the drought. Astride the Colorado River, Powell and Mead are down less than lakes in California, and Havasu is full. As we went to press, gas prices weren't much of a cost factor. At Lake Powell, for example, an average one-week houseboat trip requires 100 gallons; the estimated increase in fuel cost over last summer's prices would be $23.

At the end of this article, we profile each houseboating lake. We recommend calling now to reserve, especially in the Delta and Lake Powell. Most marinas require a $250 to $500 deposit for confirmation. Then you have up to 45 to 60 days before the rental starts to decide if you want to cancel; before that deadline, you can get back your deposit minus a service fee.

What will it cost during high season this summer? Boat rental and gas average about $250 a week per person, based on a party of at least four. Low-season discounts cut 20 to 40 percent off the price.

What's new in houseboats?

New sleek-style boats are available at many marinas, but not all-ask ahead. Streamlined designs. The biggest innovation is the flying bridge, a second wheelhouse (steering wheel and set of controls) on the roof above the bow. From here the skipper can better see the dock, judge the shallows, and gauge the wheel's response by watching the wake and stern.

On some models, the upper deck is completely enclosed by fiberglass railing to keep toddlers from falling or possessions from blowing off. Many new boats also have replaced steel hulls with lighter, more fuel-efficient aluminum.

Size and speed. Once the 36-foot-long 6sleeper was the norm; now you can rent twin-engine houseboats up to 56 feet long that sleep 16 to 18. These bigger boats are newer and usually loaded with amenities, but a bit more difficult to pilot. And before you decide on a houseboat vacation you should ask yourself whether your crew will enjoy sharing a confined space for the entire trip.

Engines are now more powerful-up to 260 hp and some with jet-drive" engines. Most boats travel at 8 to 9 knots (about 10 mph), compared with the 5knot top speed of older boats. On the inside, all the gadgets. You may wonder what you had to give up when you left home. Microwave oven, VCR, penthouse bedroom, stall shower and tub, upper deck sun canopy, and a water slide off the stern are all possible options with the newest large, generator-equipped craft. Air conditioners are more common, and to eliminate a common grievance, many water heaters have a pilot light that can be relighted with a push-button.

Basics-booking ahead, what to bring Reserve early for best choice of boats and dates. Cancellations do occur at the last minute-at Lake Powell, often half the hopefuls on the waiting list get boats. Besides the equipment provided on the boat (you'll get a list from the marina), you may want to bring sharp knives, large cooking pots, wine glasses, and corkscrews. When you first board, you'll be given a run-through of boat equipment, supplies, and operating instructions. Boating safety in a low-water year Go over the waterway map with the person handling your run-through and ask about any boating hazards that may not have been charted at normal lake levels.

Houseboats draw about 2 feet of water. Don't tie up in shallow wash areas. Ideal moorage should provide at least 6 feet of water under the stern; if you're in a reservoir releasing water downstream, the lake could drop enough to strand you. Use the bank as a guide-if it's steep going into the water, it should be a safe moorage.

A houseboat is not an aerodynamic success. In a strong wind, retreat to a protected cove or inlet. At night, moor securely in case the wind comes up and pushes you adrift or onto shore. Rafting houseboats together can also be unsafe-a sudden wake or wind could cause boat damage. According to the Boating Safety Foundation, it's best (and sometimes the law) for children to wear life jackets whenever the boat is under power; make sure child-size jackets are provided. They also suggest establishing rules with children: no swimming without supervision, no diving off the top deck, no touching engine controls without adult supervision. For free boating -safety courses, call (800) 336-2628.