Important Things To Look Into When Buying Your First Houseboat
Posted on: 14 November 2017
It is the dream of many people to live on the water. Perhaps you are someone who has watched movies in which people live on a houseboat and you have fantasized about owning one yourself. Maybe it won't be your primary home, but maybe it's an alternative to buying a vacation home somewhere. It is incredibly romantic to own a houseboat, but if you don't plan out the correct vetting process, you might end up with a headache instead of a dream. While a houseboat is super fun, it's also a serious purchase, so here are some things you need to look into before you make your big purchase.
Water Out Inspection
A big issue with houseboats is hull damage. If you just do a walk around of the top of the boat, you are likely to miss some significant issues. That's why it is so important to make sure that you have the boat taken out of the water. If the owner refuses to do this, then be suspicious. Most places that sell houseboats, like Harbor Cottage Houseboats, will have a device that will lift the boats out of the water so that you can inspect them. And of course, the best bet is to look for a place that is selling house boats that are dry docked. This will allow you to check the hull for damage, which might be anything from rot to a more severe issue such as a crack.
Marina Fee
It's also a good idea to factor in the marina fee. You might not think of it, but the marina fee is a significant issue. You will need to store your houseboat somewhere. You can consider the marina fee as akin to rent. Some places are more expensive than others. You will also want to ask about the services the marina offers. Do they offer security, maintenance services, gas, and septic fees? All of these things need to be addressed when you are on the search for a new houseboat.
Aluminum, Wood, Steel, Fiberglass
Finally, you will need to consider the material of the houseboat. Classic houseboats were made of steel, which posed tremendous maintenance problem. You had to constantly be vigilant when dealing with rust. Wood is great, and it looks really old fashioned, but it too requires upkeep. Not as much as a steel boat, but you need to be aware of the maintenance requirements. However, if you're looking for a really old fashioned vibe, wood is perfect. Finally, aluminum and fiberglass are perfect if you want something that will be very easy with regards to maintenance.
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