Living on land is an option that many people prefer in life. But, there’s also the option of living in water and moving from spot to spot.
Houseboats are becoming increasingly popular across the country. Even the design of the vessel has changed to offer comfortable living. Houseboats are evolving as many people are adopting the lifestyle. The features depend on the manufacturer and price tag.
The best houseboats include Savanti 31 Docksider, Harbor Cottage 2-story Houseboat, and Atlas V Series. These houseboats have the amenities and features that offer comfortable living. They even have appliances like a dishwasher, washer-dryer, microwave, and refrigerator.
Living in a houseboat requires specific lifestyle changes to work. So, it’s essential to know the pros and cons of houseboats. Also, consider different factors such as the cost of buying a houseboat, where to dock, and additional fees.
Learn more about the best houseboat for the money here. After that, you can make your choice and start enjoying this new way of living. You will also find places you can live on a houseboat and the factors to consider before investing.
8 Best Houseboat for the Money
1. Savanti 31 Docksider
Living in a houseboat gets better when you can navigate different waterways. A good example of such versatility is the Savanti 31 Docksider. This ultimate houseboat can navigate through rivers, lakes, and different bays.
This is a dual catamaran-hulled power boat that tops speeds of 14 miles per hour. Having two catamaran hulls is the key to its stability. Keeping stability ensures everyone onboard is stable and less prone to sea sickness. Plus, there’s less movement of things in the boat.
The houseboat has a bigger interior that provides individuals or families with ample space. The design and build of this houseboat are meant to last, and you can enjoy it for up to 75 years. Another advantage is this sustainable houseboat available in 31, 36, and 43-foot lengths.
2. Harbor Cottage 2-story Houseboat
Entertainment is among the top reasons that folks want to buy houseboats. Little else beats watching the sunrise and sunsets while living in a houseboat such as the Harbor Cottage 2-Story Houseboat. This model covers 575 square feet and has two bedrooms.
The interior is what you’d expect from a modern home design. There’s ample space, living quarters, and spacious bathrooms, and it can sleep six people comfortably. When you buy this houseboat, you get a front and rear deck, plus all the appliances (dishwasher, refrigerator, washer & dryer, and a range).
On the balcony, you have an iron railing and wooden flooring. An electro heat pump also warms the entire houseboat in winter. As for hot water, you can use the 50-gallon water heater that serves the bathrooms. Plus, there’s a built-in sewerage system where all waste collects.
3. Atlas V Series
The Atlas V Series is the ultimate goal if you want the experience of living in a houseboat and enjoying pure luxury. This houseboat is an impressive water-living vessel with ample space to house a large family.
While considering the milestone, this houseboat is 70 feet long and 16 feet wide. Other options are available, such as the 70 feet long by 18 feet wide and the 75 feet long by 22 feet wide. All of these houseboats have 2 ½ levels and 5 bedrooms. Regarding baths, there are 2 in a houseboat and 2 cuddy cabins.
Power is important, and this houseboat uses a Twin 350-V8 Mercruiser Engines. Inside the houseboat are all sorts of amenities to make the family comfortable. On the 2nd level, there’s a fire pit with custom seating. Also, check out the waterslide in the rear for those fun days playing in the water.
4. Adonia Houseboat
Spacious living areas describe the Adonia Houseboat to a tee. It’s easy to get drawn in from the design and clean lines of the vessel. Everything about the layout is considerate of folks who opt to live or spend a lot of time each year in the houseboat.
Adonia ensures they have quality finishes, and it’s the epitome of luxury. There are many amenities and luxury features to enjoy. Plus, if you want to land your helicopter on this houseboat, there’s a stable helipad at the top.
The company gives buyers a chance to customize their houseboat. This is all to promote fine living while enjoying the world’s waterways.
5. Limbo Houseboat
Another exceptional houseboat with modern interiors and a focus on details is the Limbo Houseboat. The smart design and striking detail give you a home away from home when enjoying holidays or a permanent home on the water.
The houseboat measures 55 feet by 14.9 feet. It has an aluminum hull to keep it stable even in choppy waters. Inside, enjoy three bedrooms and 2 ½ bathrooms. There’s a salon, media room, kitchen with counters, and another living area on the 2nd level.
There are numerous decks for every person on the houseboat to enjoy. The houseboat uses Twin Mercruiser 4.3-liter engines for power and comes fully furnished once you place an order. On the upper deck, you can enjoy a hot tub and helm.
6. The Zion Houseboat
Families love a houseboat with features that suit everyone and provide a comfortable living. Well, an example of an All-American houseboat is the Zion Houseboat. It measures 14 feet by 14 feet and has 2 bedrooms with ample space.
A loft area on the houseboat can house 8 people comfortably for a long time. The best feature is you get all the necessary amenities and big windows bring in natural light. Note that the master bedroom has a private deck area.
Enjoy sights of the sun setting or rising on the massive front-deck hot tub, plus a full bar for entertainment. Enjoy the barbeque grill and a fully-equipped state-of-the-art kitchen outfitted with stainless steel appliances.
7. Stardust Cruiser Houseboat
Stardust Cruiser Houseboats have been around since 1996 and continue to up the game in terms of design. A good example of an epic houseboat is the LUX series, that’s 77 feet long and 18 feet wide. This houseboat depends on a Twin Mercruiser 4.5L MPI 250 HP with Bravo 2 Outdrives.
When looking at the exterior features, it’s impossible to miss the 3/16-foot aluminum hull. There’s a double-plated bow, tinted windows, and doors for maximum privacy while living in the houseboat. The interior hull space measures 34” deep and has several decks.
This custom-built houseboat comes with special appliances such as a built-in microwave, stainless steel dishwasher, refrigerator, and washer/dryer. The houseboat is made purely of quality fiberglass with aluminum railings all around.
8. Sunstar Houseboat
Sunstar Houseboats are custom vessels that have a V-shaped front and a stern. There are different levels on a houseboat that provide sufficient living quarters. Plus, these can have ample rooms to offer guests or families the best accommodation.
Some different features and amenities include a living area and a fully-fitted kitchen. You can find appliances like a refrigerator, microwave, washer/dryer, and dishwasher in the kitchen. There’s also ample bathroom space to ensure all occupants are comfortable.
Factors to Consider before Buying a Houseboat
Living in a houseboat has become quite popular among individuals and families across the country. For most of them, the increasing cost of owning a home is the main driving factor. However, before investing in a houseboat, you should consider a few factors.
Cost of a Houseboat
A houseboat with ample living space for a family isn’t cheap. Shopping around and seeing what’s available before placing an order is important.
As much as the exterior can be alluring, check out the interior to see if the space on offer is enough.
Rent, Lease, or Buy
Do you want to rent, lease or buy a houseboat? This might depend on your financial muscle and how long you want to live in the houseboat. Folks who only do seasonal time in houseboats prefer renting. But, for a long-term stay, you can opt to lease or buy a houseboat.
Ideal Location to Dock
Houseboat owners who move from location to location have more freedom to choose. However, if you opt for permanent residency, the location matters. Check out different houseboat communities and surrounding amenities like shops, theaters, restaurants, and transport links to cities.
New or Used Boat
Are you considering a new or used houseboat? Many options are available on both fronts, so it’s all about personal preferences. So, consider both and see which best suits your needs.
New vessels tend to have the latest features and amenities, so this might be worth considering.
Interior Space Size
How big or small do you want the interior of the houseboat? The interior space matters since this is where you spend most of your time.
Modern houseboats have indoor bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas, and a kitchen. They vary in size and can be spread on different levels on a bigger houseboat.
Amenities and Features
The amenities and features of a houseboat are important to consider. You need a bedroom, living area, kitchen, and bathroom.
Families require more than one bedroom and additional features like storage closets and decks.
Ability to Drive the Houseboat
If you intend to sail and move from location to location, you must learn how to drive a houseboat. Enroll in a boat training course before and learn the ins and outs of living and sailing in different waterways. But, there’s always the option of permanent mooring that won’t require you to gain sailing skills.
Restricted Houseboat Remodeling
Remodeling is all about improving or replacing some parts of a property. You can do more to a house on land to add space and other features. But, on a houseboat, there are limitations. It’s possible to refurbish or remodel a houseboat, but you must stay within the vessel's specifications.
Also, a HomeOwners Association may have rules and regulations regarding refurbishing or remodeling in specific communities. This is crucial when you want a permanent stay in a specific marina.
