FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
NEW MELONES MARINA
NEW MELONES MARINA
Do you have adequate parking for vehicles at your marina?
Yes, we have plenty of parking for all sizes of vehicles and boat trailers. Please make arrangements with the Bureau of Reclamation prior to your visit if you plan to bring any type of RV or Motorhome
Are there launch ramps located at New Melones Lake?
There are three launch ramps at New Melones Lake: Angels Creek, Glory Hole, and Tuttletown. Please call (209) 785-3300 to inquire what launch ramps are open at the time.
Will my cell phone work on the lake?
Yes, most cell phones get reception in the wide-open areas of the lake. Some cells may experience difficulty in the coves. We advise you to contact your service provider for a coverage map. You should give family members our office number in case of emergencies.
Are campfires on shore permitted?
No, due to high fire risk campfires are not permitted on shore.
Are personal watercraft allowed on New Melones Lake?
Yes, Contact the Bureau of Reclamation for launch fees and mussel information. If you don’t have your own, they are available to rent at the marina.
Are there restaurants on the lake?
The Marina store has a variety of food options to choose from. The closest restaurants are in Angels Camp.
RENTALS
RENTALS
What are the rental times?
Rental boats may be picked up starting at 9:00AM on the day of your rental and must be returned by 5:00PM. Arriving later than 9:00AM to pick up your rental will not extend your return time for the day. Vessels returned later than 5:00PM are subject to late fees.
Do you allow pets?
Domestic pets are permitted aboard specific rental vessels. Pets must be leashed on the premises. There is an additional rental fee of $35.00 per pet (Maximum 2 pets per vessel) on regular motorized vessels. See houseboat section for pet policy and fees.
Is there a special operating license required for boat rental?
No, to captain one of our vessels, the individual(s) must present a valid I.D. or passport. It is recommended that you check out California boating safety laws prior to your arrival at www.dbw.ca.gov.
What is the age requirement to rent?
The minimum age is 25 years old to rent any vessel. Must present a valid I.D. or passport at check-in.
How far in advance do I need to make a reservation?
To make sure you get the boat model and dates you want, reservations should be made as far in advance as possible. The summer months are increasingly popular, so booking early is recommended.
What charges can be taken from my deposit?
Your deposit can be used to pay for boat damage, loss of inventory, additional cleaning or late fees that you incur.
Do we need any experience to drive a boat?
We have many first-time boaters. The captain and co-captain of the boat, as well as a few members of your party, will receive a hands-on orientation.
Do you allow customers to store gasoline-filled containers on board?
No, for many safety reasons, we do not allow any sort of fuel to be stored on our houseboats or other rental vessels. Fuel is available for purchase at our Marina store.
Are firearms allowed at New Melones Lake?
Firearms are not prohibited on any New Melones Lake Marina rental vessel. Please refer to the United States Federal Bureau of Reclamation website for more information.
HOUSEBOATS
HOUSEBOATS
Check-in & Return Times
- Check-in: 3pm on day of reservation
- Return: 10am – Houseboats must be docked and ready to disembark by return time.
Pet Policy
There is a $150 non-refundable fee for up to 2 pets going onto the houseboat. Additional pets are $150.00 each.
Smoking Policy
New Melones Lake Marina houseboats feature smoke-free interiors. Guests who wish to smoke are encouraged to do so outside of the cabin.
Payment Policy
A $600 deposit + booking fees are taken at the time of booking. The total rental fee must be paid 45 days in advance of your boarding date.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 46 or more days prior to reservation will result in loss of initial $600 deposit + booking fees.
- Cancellations 0-45 days prior to reservation will result in loss of entire reservation amount including booking fees.
- We will allow a one-time rebooking during the current rental season. Rebooking will result in a $50 fee being charged to the card on file.
- For bookings made 46 or more days prior to reservation date, we will allow a 2-day grace period to cancel with no fees incurred.
- If you have any questions or need to cancel your booking you may email office@newmeloneslakemarina.com with Houseboat Reservation Cancellation in the subject line.
Houseboat Check-in Policy
The reservation holder will be the only person able to check in on the day of reservation. Must have valid I.D., as well as the credit card on file with them.
Rental Insurance
New Melones Lake Marina requires customers to purchase the minimum mandatory insurance for each vessel. Larger policies are available upon request.
Security Deposit
A refundable security deposit is due at time of check-in. The deposit will be refunded, within 7 business days, upon return of the vessel seeing there is no damage when inspected. Deposit amounts vary depending on the vessel.
Park Entrance Fee
- Admissions to the lake are managed by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. New Melones Lake fee information is available online. Visit:
https://usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/planning-visit/rea/use.html for recreation use fees.
Who captains the houseboat?
The customer or someone in their party is usually the captain.
How much experience is required to drive a houseboat?
Anyone who is 25 years of age or older and has a valid I.D. or passport can operate a houseboat. Our staff will provide you with a thorough orientation before your departure to make you feel more comfortable driving the boat. We also offer complimentary captains’ services to get you in and out of the marina. Once out of the “No-Wake Zone” you then take over.
How long does the houseboat orientation take?
Our houseboat orientations are tailored for each guest based on their vessel. Instructions take anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour to ensure that our instructors cover all functions and operating procedures and that our guests feel comfortable enough before leaving the dock.
How many people can join me on the houseboat?
Each houseboat permits passenger capacity based on its size. Coast Guard Regulations mandate that all parties abide by the stated maximum capacity for each vessel.
What is provided with the houseboat?
Our houseboats include fully equipped kitchens, stocked with plates, bowls, mugs, glasses, pots, pans, and utensils. You will need to bring bedding, towels and any toiletries you prefer. Paper products (toilet paper and paper towels) will be stocked on board, but it is recommended to bring your own with regard to your party size and length of stay. Please note that only certain types of toilet paper can be used on our vessels, for any questions please call our Marina at (209) 785-3300.
Do I need a powerboat?
Yes, we recommend that you either rent or bring a powerboat or additional personal watercraft. Smaller watercraft will act as your transportation from the marina and other places on the lake to your houseboat. Houseboats must leave our service dock for the duration of your stay and beaching any boat near the launch ramps is prohibited.
Can I tow small boats?
Yes, you can tow personal watercraft behind your houseboat, although it is not advised. Rental boats cannot be towed. Boat fenders will not be provided, please bring your own.
How much fuel will I use?
The amount of fuel you use depends on the type of houseboat you rent, how far and how fast you travel. Calculating the expense varies, though most gas charges average around $200 for moderate houseboat usage.
Can I arrange for a pre-board of my houseboat?
Tight scheduling makes availability of pre-boarding unlikely, however if you wish to do so, please call 209.785.3307 or email office@newmeloneslakemarina.com and we will do our best to accommodate arrangements.
Can I camp anywhere on the lake?
You may beach your houseboat anywhere on the lake that is not potentially harmful to the integrity of the vessel (sharp rocks, shallow water, etc.). Camping on the shore with tents or other equipment as well as campfires is strictly prohibited. Please keep in mind that rules and regulations are enforced by the Federal Bureau of Reclamation.
Do I have to move my houseboat every day?
We recommend moving your houseboat daily to accommodate the fluctuating water levels.
Can we drive your houseboat at night?
No. All houseboats must be beached and securely tied off by sundown.
What do I do with trash and sewage while on the lake?
Trash and sewage can be removed at our service docks during your stay if necessary. Please call the Marina store in advance to ensure our employees can bring your houseboat safely to our docks.
Are there washers & dryers on the houseboats?
No, washers and dryers are not included on the houseboats.
Where can I get fuel on the lake?
The Marina store has fuel and propane available for purchase.
What happens if there is mechanical trouble while out on the lake?
- If you experience any mechanical trouble while on the lake you can contact the Marina store or call the after-hours phone for assistance.
- Marina Store: 209-785-3300
- After Hours: 209-743-8083
What should we do if we have an emergency out on the lake?
- In the event of an emergency please phone 911 first and then call the Marina store. Proceed to the nearest dock with caution.
- Marina Store: 209-785-3300
- After Hours: 209-743-8083
FISHING
FISHING
Can I rent fishing equipment from New Melones Lake Marina?
The Marina does not supply any fishing equipment rentals.
Where can I buy fishing equipment, tackle, and bait?
We offer a variety of fishing equipment at our Marina store! We recommend you plan and bring whatever fishing supplies you are wanting to use on the lake with you since we are the only store on the water.
Can I buy a fishing license at the marina?
No, we do not sell fishing licenses. Please plan to purchase your license prior to arriving at the lake, as you will need one to fish at New Melones. Fishing licenses can be obtained at Altaville Market in Angels Camp.
What is the best bait or tackle for fishing at New Melones Lake?
We recommend using night crawlers.
Are there guided fishing excursions at New Melones Lake?
Neither the Marina nor the Bureau of Reclamation offers any organized fishing excursions. However, there are local guides that offer their services.
DECONTAMINATIONS
DECONTAMINATIONS
How much does a cleaning cost?
The cost is based on size and style of the vessel. It ranges from $50 to $200+.
Does the 30-day quarantine cost?
No, to receive a red tag is free. The Bureau of Reclamation can place a red tag on the vessel for the quarantine.
What are the appointment times available for the decontamination cleanings?
Appointments can be made Monday through Friday, 11 am to 3:30 pm.
Upon completion of the decontamination cleaning, will I be able to launch my vessel same day?
Yes, once a decontamination is complete and a green seal has been issued, the customer may launch their vessel. The customer must still follow all rules and regulations in place by the Bureau of Reclamation, including launching at specific locations and launch times.
Will I have to participate in a decontamination cleaning every time I come to New Melones Lake?
No, if a customer receives a green seal upon leaving the lake, they are free to launch again without a decontamination.
What if my vessel has been dry docked (in storage) all winter, do I still have to participate in a decontamination?
Yes, regardless of the last time you used your vessel, a decontamination or a 30-quarantine is required by the Bureau of Reclamation to be able to launch.
What if I cannot come up during the week for a decontamination appointment?
While we strongly encourage customers to schedule an appointment, we understand that this may not be possible for some. We take walk-ins on Saturdays and Sundays. Please understand that wait times vary and can exceed 1+ hours.
What if I have a tag from another lake on my vessel?
If the tag has been on the vessel for 30+ days AND is registered in the WID database, the BOR will recognize it as a 30-day quarantine tag.
Will I need to run the motor for the decontamination cleaning?
Yes, the motor will have to run to flush the water through it.
Are there chemicals in the water being used for the decontamination cleaning?
No, we use only hot water. The water starts at a minimum of 160 degrees before running through the motor and must be a minimum of 140 degrees upon exit.