Young couple looking into buying a houseboat as a main residence, is it a good idea ?

Question

we are both 24 looking into trying something new. the thought of a houseboat sounds fun. we currently own a condo but find it to be dull and would like some advice with houseboats thanks.

Answer 1

only in a warm climate. slip rentals( if you can find any) in the miami fla. area average $800- 1200 dollars per month. storm and other insurance, if availabe is very costly. in areas subject to hurricanes very few companies will insure. you will have electric cost ,sewage disposal and garbage disposal costs. dampness is a real problem. if this sounds like fun, go for it. you are young enough to try it.

Answer 2

The biggest thing is, is it warm enough year round where you live.  I did it for a year on my own two years ago and it was fun for awhile but I live near Chicago and when it got cold it wasn't fun anymore.  Things get real cramped after awhile.  Also if money's not object it loses its value like a car so its not a smart investment at all.  Don't get me wrong its a lot of fun for awhile though.  Make sure you find a marina that you like but that can get expensive as well.  The only thing I can say is that my grandparents live on there boat now and they travel from port to port all year but there retired and I think that's the way to go now.  I would buy a boat if can afford both place's right now and try it out on the weekends.

Answer 3

Yes, go for it.  It will be an adventure.  Living on a boat is not for everyone though. It is a lifestyle that can be great fun and very relaxed, but you have to work a little harder to be comfortable. Can you try it for a little while without having to make a committment?

You have to make arrangements to have your holding tank pumped out.   Usually the  marina can take care of that.  The marina will usually have laundry facilities and shower facilities if you do not want to include those facilities on your houseboat or if you prefer to do them ashore.  Marinas also usually offer the option of Internet, cable TV, and telephone hook-up.  Keep in  mind that not all marinas allow live aboards.  However, there are  many places where you can rent a slip for $200 a month, especially if you pay in advance.  It really depends on what you are looking for.  

How about cooking? If you have a propane stove you should have a propane detector in your cabin and bilge as propane sinks if it is leaking, and could collect in the bottom of your boat and cause an explosion.

Depending on your location, you may need to protect all you clothing from humidity and mildew. We rolled all of ours and packaged everything in airtight ziploc bags to keep the moisture out.

I would live on a boat again in a flash if the opportunity presented itself with the right person. My husband and I enjoyed it immensely and had wonderful adventures. We were happy vagabonds.  We anchored in our sailboat and rarely rented a slip at a marina, so it was different from houseboat living for sure.  We were both retired though, so we did not have to worry about getting ashore for work, etc.

So I hope I have given you some food for thought. Most people I know who live on boats and work ashore actually live in a slip at a marina, and they love it.  It is a great life, much more carefree than land based living, and you will meet very interesting people from all walks of life.  Best of luck with you plans. I would do it.  Feel free to ask about anything else you think I could help with.  I envy your foresight and vision to think about this sort of an adventure at this stage of your lives.

Answer 4

First off, where do you live? Are either of you mechanical types? Do you have alot of "stuff" a boat can get pretty small... It's hard to give you much without these particulars. Houseboats can be good in certain waterways but not so good in others. More important than the boat is where would you put it? Have you checked out any marinas? Go talk to the harbormaster first to see if you can even get a live aboard designation. Some places are very restrictive and have long waiting lists. Others not so much. You need to do much more investigation before you even look at boats - like car window shopping - leave your checkbook at home (in my opinion) 1st time boaters can end up being short time boaters in particular if they don't know what they are getting into.  Go to a local marina and see if you can talk to a few folks who live there. Remember, it's not there job to educate you so be appreciative and courteous and you will get farther. Be careful with boat brokers - they can be worse than used car salesmen and make about 10% on the sale for very little effort.  You might get a good deal in this economy but know what you are doing. If you do plan to buy before you sign on hte dotted line, get a survey and insurance company. Once you sign you loose all bargining power. Ask questions, check the facts.  Then sign up for a axillary coast guard class and you can learn a lot more. It can be fun but it isn't for everyone.  You're young - if the planets align go for it now and as long as you know what to expect and have $$ and time you won't regret it.