FAQs

• What is supplied? 

  • Ice and bottled water will be supplied for each charter. If you prefer any other forms of non-alcoholic beverages, please bring them and there will be adequate storage for them in either a cooler or refrigerator.
  • There will be 3 large coolers available for guests to use for drinks, food, and condiments that might not all fit in the refrigerators.
  • A paddle board and float mat are available upon request at booking.
  • Plenty of life jackets and float noodles will always be on the boat.

• What to bring? 

  • Sunscreen
  • Towels
  • Hats
  • Sunglasses
  • Change of clothes
  • Cash or credit cards (for lakeside dining, drinks, and/or gratuities)
  • Phone charging cables

• Can you bring food, snacks, alcoholic drinks?

  Food and Snacks:  Yes, these are long charters (4-6 hours). You will get hungry. You can bring food or have it catered.

  • Grills are not allowed to be brought onto the houseboat.
  • There is not an oven onboard. There is a microwave if needed to reheat food and dips.
  • A mid-size refrigerator with a small freezer will be available.
  • Two small sized refrigerators are located on the top deck.
  • Water is supplied, but bringing more drinks is never a bad idea!

  Alcohol: Beer, Wine, and Liquor (up to 8 liters per charter), is allowed (in moderation) for those legally permitted to consume. The Captain and crew reserve the right to cut off guests. The Captain also reserves the right to end each charter early if guests become disorderly and present an unsafe atmosphere at the Captain’s
  discretion.

  • We will be checking each cooler that guests bring aboard making sure each charter is in compliance with bringing the allocated 8 liters of liquor or under.
  • Make sure to bring anything else you may need such as cups, plates, napkins, and utensils.
  • We reserve the right to charge additional clean up fees for
    significant mess and/or smell and any damages incurred due to guests including but not limited to lost/damaged equipment/supplies etc.

• Firearms:

  • No weapons are allowed on board.

• How many people are allowed on each charter?

  • 25 individuals is the maximum number allowed per charter. No exceptions. If you need a photographer(s), band, caterer(s), or event planner on the charter, they count towards the 25 maximum capacity.
  • Each individual is required to fill out a waiver before they are allowed on the vessel. If under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign.
  • An adult 18+ years old must book the charter and be present for the entire length of the charter.
  • All passengers under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket while the boat is in motion.
  • If a group shows up with more than 25 individuals, the Captain will cancel the charter without a refund. No exceptions.

• Where does the charter depart from?

  • The houseboat is docked at Inland Sea Marina, located at 114 Bowfin Circle, Mooresville, NC 28117.
  • We can pick you up from your house, vacation spot, pre-approved restaurants, and certain community/club docks.
  • All dependent on water levels, dock design, and approval from Sunstar Charters of Lake Norman and any applicable businesses.
  • Any requested alternate pickup/drop off locations must be provided at time of booking.

• What is the earliest you can arrive before scheduled charters?

  • Guests can arrive 15 minutes before scheduled departure time to set up if needed and load up the houseboat with their belongings.
  • Guests will also have 15 minutes after the charter to remove their personal belongings off of the houseboat.
  • If you think you will need more time, please contact us.

• Are pets permitted?

  • Pets are NOT allowed on charters due to safety and duration of charter.

• Is smoking permitted?

  • NO smoking or vaping is allowed on the vessel at any time.
  • If the scheduled charter itinerary includes stopping at an island or restaurant, this is the only time smoking would be permitted as long as the guest stands at least 50 feet away from the houseboat.

• What happens if there is persistent inclement weather?

  • Sunstar Charters of Lake Norman operates rain or shine, however, the Captain has the authority to cancel or postpone a trip for hazardous weather.

• Should I tip the Captain and Crew?

  • Sunstar Charters of Lake Norman’s Captain and Crew greatly appreciate tipping in recognition of their excellent service.

• What are the booking policies?

  • Full payment is due at the time of booking your charter.
  • Holiday dates are nonrefundable or changeable.

• What if I’m late?

  • Please communicate with us promptly if you anticipate being late.
  • If your party does not arrive within 30 minutes of your scheduled booking start time and we haven’t heard from you, it will be deemed a no-show and no refunds or credits will be issued.
  • If part of your party has arrived within 30 minutes of the scheduled time and confirmed their presence with the Captain on site, your Captain will wait for the remaining guests to arrive. The reservation end time will not be changed.

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