Houseboats May Change Priest Lake’s Image
North Idaho’s three big lakes have earned, and to some extent cultivated, their own images over the years.
Coeur d’Alene conjures visions of luxury hotel suites, renowned fairways and non-stop boat traffic. Pend Oreille, the largest of the three lakes and least-forgiving to careless boaters, is big enough to find seclusion on after a day of shopping and dining in Sandpoint.
Priest, by comparison, suggests a more remote, laid-back experience. Few regulars here are either surprised or offended when the word “rustic” is used to describe accommodations, whether in reference to quaint cabins or island campgrounds.
But recently, Priest’s rustic image has been softened a bit by the “Patricia Louise,” a 44-foot-long houseboat fully equipped with stereo, microwave, barbecue, dance floor, waterslide … even an eight-person roof-top hot tub from which to watch the stars.
The $100,000 Canadian-made houseboat sleeps 12, and can be “parked” on one of Priest’s many sandy public beaches if hiking, huckleberry-picking or camping is desired.
Excursions Northwest, operated by Don Dellwo of Spokane, rents the Patricia Louise, along with a smaller, six-person houseboat and personal watercraft, from newly renovated Blue Diamond Marina near Coolin.
Rates ranges from about $1,300 (including tax, insurance and fuel) for a three-day weekend or four-day midweek cruise, to $2,500 per week during the prime summer season. Off-season rates are about 25 percent lower, with multi-week excursions negotiable.
Dellwo’s six-person boat, more maneuverable but lacking a hot tub, rents for about $900 midweek/ weekend or $1,800 a week during the summer.
But Dellwo’s wife, Susan, readily admits the hot tub is what makes the larger houseboat so appealing. Indeed, last month a Puget Sound couple opted for the big boat mainly because of that one amenity.
“When you have a cold-water lake, weather is less of a problem when you can hop in the tub,” says Susan.
Gary and Pepi Brookshire of Priest Lake Guide Service maintain the houseboats for Dellwo and give guests a quick introductory course in operating the floating RVs.
The Patricia Louise can be piloted from the upper deck or from inside the living room. Either way, though, it’s not like steering a runabout. Docking can be intimidating and risky, requiring the assistance - both eyes and arms - of all crew members. And few marinas and resorts at Priest are equipped to handle a 44-foot-long guest.
On the water, though, the ride is smooth and unhurried. A 135-horsepower inboard-outboard pushes the 44-footer along at 10-12 mph (consuming about seven gallons an hour in the process).
So far, rental of the Patricia Louise has been brisk, with several families sometimes sharing the cost. If business remains strong, Dellwo may add another big boat or two to his fleet … and further civilize Priest Lake’s rustic image.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo
MEMO: For more information, contact Excursions Northwest at (509) 926-9196, or write to 6525 N. Walnut, Spokane, 99207.