Pensacola Houseboat is now open for business, bookings are going great.

www.pensacolahouseboat.com

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Banana Tom

Edited: 07/27/2007 at 07:42:32 AM by BananaTom

Congratulations Tom

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OLD HOUSEBOATER

Congratulations Tom and good luck.

Congradulations!!!! lookin foward to meetin ya

Congrats and good luck!!! Nice site.

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Willie
She's a tired old barge but she's paid for! http://s71.photobucket.com/alb...p;current=ef324993.pbw

Way to go BT !!   Best of luck.

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Riverliver

Thank you:

Old House Boater , Dave , Dozerman, stmbtwle and jimg.

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Banana Tom

Our web site is now linked on this site under "Rentals" in "Florida."

Thank you Houseboat Magazine.

You guys are great.

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Banana Tom

Here is an article the Pensacola News Journal published about us.
Thank you Taris Savell of the PNJ


Published - September, 4, 2007

Rent a house, rent a boat - or, do both on Bayou Chico
Taris Savell

The beginning of September marks the end of official vacation time. However, Tom Rongstad just might disagree. His dream of owning a houseboat rental service has turned into reality with the creation of Pensacola Houseboat Vacations Inc.

Rongstad and his family discovered houseboat vacations years ago and wanted to experience one in the waters of the Florida Panhandle.

"No one offered this service in the Gulf Coast areas of Florida or Alabama, so we decided to fill that void. Now, the average family can rent a big boat and spend many days onboard with all the comforts of home," he said. "Basically, it's a floating condominium, except you can change locations several times a day if you desire."

The two houseboats for rent, each 37 feet long, are moored at Bahia Mar Marina on Bayou Chico next to the Oar House. They feature twin engines, a full head with shower, fully equipped galley (including a barbecue grill) with fuel, air conditioning and deck chairs.

"We also furnish a generator, linens, stereo/CD player, DVD television, Global Positioning System, depth/fish finder, Coast Guard package and a water heater," Rongstad said.

As a child, the Louisiana native traveled through the canals and bayous, fishing and exploring.

"Later on I enjoyed fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, waterskiing, canoeing down many rivers and in the mangroves of the Florida Keys, tubing on rivers and whitewater rafting throughout the country," Rongstad said.

Information on rental packages is available at www.pensacolahouseboat.com or by calling 455-4223.

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Banana Tom

Edited: 09/13/2007 at 10:19:02 AM by BananaTom

Nice article, Tom. Nothing like free advertising, eh?

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Graybear
'88 Holiday Mansion aft cabin 38 ft
twin Volvo duo-props 350 engines
Flaming Gorge, UT

Thanks Richard and yes the article did create a great surge.

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Banana Tom

Here's a user report on BT's Gibson-for-rent:

This location is idyllic, especially because of all water-oriented Pensacola has to offer- Some of America's prettiest beaches, good nightlife, history, art galleries-- much to interest every age group. It's just a wonderful place for houseboating, with a wide variety of interesting waters to explore, from the Blackwater River overhung with mossy trees, to Pensacola Bay, Quietwater Beach and its colorful sailboats for rent by the Pensacola Beach bridge, past civil war forts easily accessible from the water, to the ICW both east and west, to the Pensacola Naval Air Station, with the Blue Angels practicing right there in full view, whenever they're home. The fishing's fine right off the boat, and if you're a snorkeler, you'll find fun things to see, though it's not tropical coral reef stuff.

Handling was straightforward with those two big engines, and when you say giddyap, it'll flatout git (at a price!)

The little galley seems fine, but with so many wonderful restaurants within an easy stroll of wherever you tie up, why bother? Except for coffee, we didn't. Tom will be delighted to give recommendations, I'm sure.

I'd say the boat's perfect for a couple, or a family with a couple of children. There's one really comfortable bed on the main level, and a couple of others that will do for a night. The kids might really enjoy sleeping in the 'cozy' underneath cabin.

Tom keeps it immaculate, and we didn't need a thing.

If you're tired of the same old lake, and are ready for a different set of scenery, give Banana Tom a call.

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Amelia
Edenton, NC

Thanks Mimi.

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Banana Tom