Kentucky has 1,100 navigable miles of free-flowing water, more than any other state except Alaska, and more (lake) shoreline than many coastal states. The lake’s deep water makes it easily navigable for larger vessels, and it has become a mecca for houseboating vacations. They usually are booked six months to a year in advance, but Michelle Allen with Lake Cumberland Tourism said they are worth the wait. Visitors often use a houseboat as a launching pad for other water adventures, such as fishing, tubing and skiing. The Kentucky River has a growing number of fans, thanks to the dam system that creates 14 lake-like pools.