What is the timing for private charters?

You will have 1 hour prior to your event to add decor and set up prior to your event. The guests may be boarded one half hour prior to your charter. Example Private Charter Timeline: 5:00pm setup & decorations 5:30pm-Boarding/social hour begins 6:00pm-Boat departs promptly with hosted bar 6:30pm-Dinner 7pm-Dessert out and speeches 8:30pm-Boat docks and guests depart Removing decorations by 9:30ppm

What information should I provide to my 3rd party event vendors?

Please have the vendor call with any questions about parking, our boat, or other topics. We do not offer private showings for your vendor only prior to the event. The Vendors may come one hour prior to your event to set up. They may use our carts to help them haul their décor and gear to the boat. We suggest they use zip ties and floral wire to secure things down if needed.

Can I decorate the boat for my event?

Yes. You have the boat 1 hour prior to get your décor out on the tables and around the boat. If you require any additional time the cost is $100 per hour. You have one half hour for removing decorations. Any additional time is $100 per hour. NO tape may be used on the boat to hang décor. Our best recommendation is to use the beauty of the River and nature as your décor. You can also upgrade to our Ivory, White or Black table linens if you wish to create a more formal boat. (as opposed to the oil cloth already on the boat.) Also, add another touch of class and purchase linen napkins in an array of colors for .75 each.

How many guests can the boat accomodate?

The boat has a maximum capacity of 111 guests. This is a Coast Guard rule. Note: the vendors, and children must also be included in the guest count total. You may not exceed the total amount of the capacity allowed. The total number of guests coming is due 2 weeks prior to your event.

Does the boat have air conditioned/heated seating?

Yes. The lower floor is air conditioned, heated, and will comfortably accommodate 60 passengers for dinner. Any more guest than 65 will require seating on the upper level and is not environmentally controlled. We suggest you make it easy on the guests and allow them to sit anywhere they wish to.

How can I make it easier for my guests to find the boat location?

You can post two-sided signs at the turn from the highway to help direct your guests to the correct location.

Is the boat handicapped accessible?

Yes, the boat is handicapped accessible.

What if there is bad weather on the day of our event?

-Our charters go out in rain or shine. If severe weather occurs, we will wait at the dock and let this pass before continuing.

Are children welcome on the boat cruises?

Yes kids are welcome, as long as they are accompanied by adults.

Can I hire a band or DJ for my event?

You are welcome to hire a bands or DJ for your event. They will have to supply their own sound systems.

Where do we park?

There is plenty of free parking when the boat is docked at Lilly Park. When we use the Oahe Marina there will be a $6 charge per vehicle if you do not have a season pass from South Dakota Game Fish and Parks.

What if I'm running late?

If you or one of your guests is running late, we will wait for the person in charge to give us the go ahead, or to wait for them to board for your event.

Will I need to pay a deposit for my private event?

You will need to make an in-person deposit of $495 to hold your event date. If you are unable to meet in person, you will need to fill out the Credit Card Authorization portion of the Private Charter contract.

Is there an available Audio/Video equipment available for my event?

There are screens available to rent for your Private Charter. Contact us two (2) weeks prior if you request one. You must bring your own computer for a slide show however. You may bring your own sound system. If you would want more single level sound for speeches or for a play list, we suggest you rent our sound system for $125.00.

Do you have recommendations for 3rd party vendors?

We are developing a list of preferred vendors. Please let us know if you have recommendations for:

• Photographers
• Officiants
• Florists
• DJs
• Magicians
• Bands
• Cake deliveries
• Event planners
• Stylists