Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any special license to operate the houseboat?
No special boating license or certificate is currently required under Illinois law; however, Starved Rock Adventures limits rentals of houseboats to those 21 years and older with a valid driver's license. We ask only that you use common sense and have respect for the size of the boat; but we also reserve the right to limit or refuse service to those who, in our sole opinion, may present danger to themselves or others.

How far can we go on the river?
We allow full navigation on approximately 80 miles of the scenic Illinois River from Dresden Lock (east of Morris, Illinois) to Henry, Illinois. Starved Rock Adventures reserves the right to limit the area of operation subject to weather and river conditions for your safety.

What about locks?
The US Army Corps of Engineers maintains a series of locks along the Illinois River to facilitate navigation. Starved Rock Adventures renters are allowed to go through the locks at Starved Rock and at Marseilles, but not through the Dresden Lock. There is no charge for using these locks. You should be aware that the waiting time to go through the locks varies greatly-from less than an hour to a wait of several hours because commercial traffic has the right of way over pleasure craft. If you are coming back through the locks on your last day, please take this into consideration because waiting for the locks is not an acceptable reason for being late on your return.

Where do I spend the night?
Your options include: anchoring the boat out of the main navigation channel and spending the night out on the water, beach the boat at our island and spend the night there, return to Starved Rock Marina, or spend the night at another marina along the river. Proper beaching procedures will be gone over during your orientation, but rest assured it is not difficult. Be advised that some marinas along the river require reservations and charge overnight fees, so take this into consideration when making plans. We also strongly advise against visiting other marinas unless you truly have the skill and experience needed to dock such a large boat in tight spaces alongside other people's privately owned boats. Whichever option you choose, your Starved Rock Adventures houseboat may never be left unattended except for at Starved Rock Marina.

How many people can I have on the boat?
You are allowed to have up to 8 people on the Captain Series houseboats and up to 12 on the Admiral Series due to limits set by the United States Coast Guard. Please remember that the USCG counts all persons on board equally, regardless of age or size. We regret that we cannot allow you to switch passengers during your trip or allow you to have extra visitors on your boat.

What about insurance?
Starved Rock Adventures is fully insured regarding our actions towards our boats and equipment and by our employees; however, you need to know that you will have no insurance on the boat that is provided with your rental-you will be responsible for anything and everything that happens to you, your passengers, our boat, any other boats, any property, and any human beings. An optional damage waiver is available for damages to our houseboat and our houseboat only. This optional damage waiver coverage will be discussed and explained in more detail at check in.

What safety equipment is provided?
Starved Rock Adventures provides the required safety equipment needed for your trip. This includes adult emergency life jackets which are already on the houseboats (8 on the Captain Series, 12 on the Admiral Series), flares, horns, fire extinguishers, throwable life saving devices, and night lights as required by the United States Coast Guard. We will also provide properly fitting life jackets for all children 16 and younger in our office for your trip.

What about emergencies?
Starved Rock Adventures houseboats are equipped with marine radios and we maintain regular office hours to answer your calls. Bring your cell phones and make sure that we have the phone numbers of the people on your boat. For medical or police emergencies, always dial 911. It is difficult to for us to keep a detailed, current list of every municipal emergency agency along the length of our river limits; however, emergency procedures will be gone over during your orientation. Please ask questions if you need more clarification or understanding of these instructions while we are discussing them with you.

Can we bring our own boats and jet skis or are they available through Starved Rock Adventures?
We strongly recommend boat and jet ski owners to bring them along. Starved Rock Adventures rents pontoon boats, speedboats, fishing boats, and waverunners. Please note that the Starved Rock Adventures shuttlecraft requirement is not fulfilled by a jet ski or waverunner. If you do choose to bring your own watercraft to complete your shuttlecraft requirement, please let us know ahead of time so that we can approve it without question. It is also important that you let us know again the day of your arrival about the watercraft that you are bringing so that we can let you know where to launch, dock, and drop your trailer.

How fast do the boats go?
At recommended RPMs, the boats drive about 6-7 miles per hour depending on river and wind conditions.

What about gas?
The Captain Series houseboat has a 150 gallon fuel tank and the Admiral Series has a 250 gallon fuel tank. Every boat always leaves the harbor with a full tank. On the Captain Series houseboat, you will get about 2 miles per gallon and the generator will burn less than 1 gallon of fuel per hour. On the Admiral Series houseboat, you will get 1.5 miles per gallon of fuel and the generator should burn slightly more than 1 gallon per hour. You are responsible for paying for fuel used on the houseboat and shuttlecraft when you return.

What about water?
The Captain Series houseboats can carry 220 gallons of water and the Admiral Series 300. You will leave Starved Rock Marina with full tanks. 99% of our renters practice water conservation throughout their trip, which will be discussed during orientation. While you are in Starved Rock Marina at our docks, you will be connected to shore water.

What about gas for stoves and grills?
The stoves on the houseboats are propane stoves and we provide the propane at no charge. We also provide the propane gas for your gas grill at no charge. The propane supply on your boat will be adequate for your trip. Naturally, if you should need additional propane, it will be provided to you at no charge.

What about fishing?
The Illinois River is the premier fishing river of Illinois and it is the site of many professional tournaments each year. Walleye, white bass, sauger, and catfish abound in our waters yearround. An Illinois fishing license is required for adults and can be obtained easily throughout the entire state and in Starved Rock Adventures' immediate area at most bait shops, hunting stores, and even some Wal-Marts.

What do I need to do to get ready for my trip?
You must be prepared with a filled out guest register to be turned in at the time of your paperwork and be prepared to pay your security deposit, the damage waiver if you choose it, and the shuttlecraft if you need it.

Is there anything else I might need to know?
It is important that you arrive with a mindset of responsibility towards the boat, other people, and the river, and be respectful of your party's safety and the safety of others. If you have any questions, please be prepared to ask them during your orientation.