Hello John,
Cruising the St. Johns in a houseboat will be one of the high points of
your life. It would take years to see the whole river including its
tributaries. Indeed for me, it has taken a lifetime. I "live" on the St.
Johns (well a tributary, Julington Creek) and love the old waterway. It
is rich with history dating back to the days of the Woolly Mammoth,
who's teeth can be found in the river. History has it that several union
warships lay on the bottom, undiscovered. Pirates plied the river and a
treasure ships belonging to Blackbeard is supposedly sunk in Mill Cove.

Both companies you mentioned are reputable. I have seen their houseboats
on the river many times. The houseboats are flat bottom, shallow draft
vessels, designed to be operated by inexperienced crew. Most employ a
mercruiser with a Bravo II drive.

If you wish, have a look at my website. Especially the St. Johns river
page. Note that most photographs on the website (except abandon ship &
children, pets, life preservers) were taken on the St. Johns. If you
will have your kids or pets with you have a look at that link too.

Feel free to email me for any specific questions about sightseeing,
restaurants, or navigation.

Beware the AJAX.

Regards,

Capt. Frank Hopkins
USCG AUX

http://www.home.earthlink.net/~aartworks

John Wentworth wrote:

I'm considering the rental of a houseboat on the St. Johns River in
February/March (The St Johns River in Florida, not the St John in Maine.
It's a houseboat, not an icebreaker) There seems to be several marinas that
rent these units, in lengths from 38 feet up. For a 44 footer w/2 bedrooms
(sorry, staterooms) it's about $2K/week plus gas and supplies.
I've looked at Holly Bluff Marina and River Adventures websites, and
requested brochures. Does anyone here have experience with these companies
or others? Any suggestions for this trip?