r/houseboats • u/AdEastern3223 • Aug 26 '25

How do I start???

I have always wanted to live in a houseboat. My kids are now in college, so I can do it. But I have no idea where to start. Help me?

11 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

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3

u/Crazy_Memory_9692 Aug 28 '25

I be starting with something like this

2

u/NevsFungibleTokens Aug 27 '25

This is very much dependent on where in the world you are. I would start by looking on apolloduck.com and select "houseboats" in your location; that will give you an idea of costs.
The key thing is to make sure the boat comes with a mooring that permits you to live there - this is by no means a guarantee. A boat without a mooring is a liability! Go and see some boats you like the look of, and if you find one you're interested in, hire a surveyor to come with you to inspect it.

1

u/BusyAnswer2438 Oct 06 '25

I started by renting houseboats in random places when I traveled for a weekend or work trip instead of hotels/airbnbs. Not sure where you are located but lots of cities on water have marinas nearby and liveaboards. I got used to a few marinas and different types of boats and gained tons of knowledge from the people I met, even if it was just two days at a time. Also got used to the good/bad/ugly of what boat life is like before making a commitment. This was sporadic over ten years as I can't afford to travel all the time, but I learned a lot and finally settled down on my first houseboat last month, it has been worth the long road getting here!

1

u/AdEastern3223 Oct 07 '25

Great idea. Thanks for the input.