If you're a would-be vacationer looking to spend some time on the water and maintain your social distance, you just don't have a lot of options in this Pandemic Summer - which is why it's time to take another look at houseboat rentals. On lakes and waterways across the United States, houseboat rentals - we're referring to self-piloted boats, rather than moored vacation rentals - are a way to get far from the crowds and enjoy the water in the company of a group of family or friends.