Houseboats take boating to the next level. With the amount of space and the number of amenities that are available on board a houseboat, you don’t have to worry about how long you are on the water. In fact, you can float along the waves for days on end, and never have to go back to the marina for anything. If you are one of those people who truly love to boat — and wishes they could spend all of their time on the water — then you may be wondering if you should buy a houseboat.

There are several things to consider before you buy a houseboat, so this guide will help you determine if a houseboat is the right investment for you.

Can You Live on a Houseboat?

Houseboats have everything you need on board in order to stay on the water for extended periods of time, making it entirely possible to live full-time on a houseboat. However, in order to live on a houseboat, you may need to work with your local government and determine what regulations are in place in your local area. Not every body of water allows people to live on houseboats full-time, so you may need to consider this before making plans to purchase and reside on a houseboat.

Is Buying a Houseboat a Good Idea?

There are a lot of personal factors that you should consider before you decide if buying a houseboat is a good idea for you and your family at this time. For example, if you have the flexibility and availability to spend extended periods of time on a houseboat throughout the entire year, you may find the investment to be worthwhile.

It also may be a good idea for you if you live in a place where you can easily store and access your houseboat. However, if you live further away from a body of water that accommodates houseboats, or you are not able to use the houseboat that frequently, it may not be the best option for you. The possibility of purchasing a houseboat is exciting, but it’s important that you take the time you need to make the right decision.

5 Things to Consider Before You Buy a Houseboat

As you weigh your options, these are five things that you should consider before you purchase a houseboat:

Think About the Amount of Time You Will Actually Spend on Your Houseboat

Buying a houseboat is a significant investment — it is more than just a financial commitment, it is also a personal commitment to adopting a new lifestyle. Before you go shopping for a new houseboat, you should think about how and when you plan to use it.

Houseboats are not the ideal watercraft for people who will only be able to utilize them for a couple of weekends out of the year, or for one week during the summer months. It is best to purchase a houseboat when you have the ability to spend a significant amount of time on the water, or if you plan to reside on your new houseboat year-round.

Consider Your Experience and Plan to Rent a Houseboat Prior to Purchasing

Operating and maintaining a houseboat requires a certain amount of skill, experience and knowledge. If houseboating is something that you have never tried before, it is best to make sure that it is a good fit for you before you invest thousands of dollars into a new houseboat. One of the ways that you can test out the houseboat lifestyle is to rent a houseboat for a week or two.

A houseboat rental will give you an idea of whether this type of watercraft is right for you. Not only will you be able to learn how to maneuver and navigate the houseboat, but you can test out your personal comfort level when it comes to eating, sleeping, bathing and relaxing on the boat.

Be Mindful of Your Budget, and the Ongoing Costs Associated with Houseboats

There is really no way around it — owning a houseboat is expensive. These are some of the costs you should consider before purchasing a houseboat:

• Cost of the houseboat. Houseboats are luxurious, large watercraft, and they cost thousands upon thousands of dollars. You need to evaluate your budget and verify that you have the financing available to make the initial purchase.
• Cost of repairs and ongoing maintenance. Most houseboats require specific parts and a specialized mechanic to complete the repairs, making them more costly to maintain over the course of their lifetime.
• Cost of storing or transporting the houseboat. If you plan to store your houseboat for the winter, you should consider marina costs and fees. In addition, transporting a houseboat from one location to another can be quite costly, and should be factored into your final decision.

Do Your Research and Learn About the Types of Houseboats on the Market

Houseboats come in a variety of styles and sizes, allowing you to find a vessel that best fits your needs. From larger boats with more amenities and more space on deck to more intimate houseboats that are designed for fewer people, there are many options to consider. Another thing that you should consider is whether you plan to purchase a new or used houseboat. A new houseboat will cost a lot more upfront, but a used houseboat may have maintenance costs that you need to be aware of.

Keep In Mind Both Your Short-Term and Long-Term Plans

Buying a houseboat should not be an impulse purchase. You need to consider both your immediate plans for using your houseboat, as well as your long-term personal and professional plans. It is best to purchase a houseboat at a time in your life when you are settled in a particular area, and you have the freedom to use your houseboat regularly. If there is a possibility that you may move in the next few years, you should keep in mind the costs associated with transporting a houseboat.

Houseboating is an unforgettable experience, but before you make the leap and purchase your own houseboat, you may want to consider spending a week on a houseboat at Lake Mohave. At Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina, we rent state-of-the-art houseboats to travelers of all ages and experience levels. This family-friendly vacation option offers you the best of both worlds — you can enjoy the luxurious experience of staying on board a houseboat without the added responsibility of maintaining it for the long term.

For more information about our houseboats and to book your next houseboat rental, contact Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina today.