Bay River Houseboats - Houseboat costs? living costs?

Houseboat costs? living costs?

So im looking for someone who has exsperience either in the sales of houseboats or someone who owns one. How much would a standard 1 man houseboat cost. Just for me, im young and i dont mind living in one. Lets say i wanted to rent one to test it out, how much would it cost to rent a 1 man houseboat for say... 6 months. but im really interested in knowing once ive paid for my houseboat, how much do i have to invest a year to keep it running and liveable? thanks.

Public Comments

My boat is my house but it is a sailboat. I have neighbors in the marina whose houses are motor yachts. There are even a few people whose homes are actual houseboats. The flat bottomed barge type and pontoon type. Costs vary wildly for each type. What type are you interested in? Where will you keep it? Salt water. fresh water, how severe is your winter?? Need more info!
My wife and I live on a houseboat, and we love it. It is not cheap to do, but life is not cheaper either. After living aboard for 10 years we decided to created a houseboat website to help folks get answers to their questions about houseboating. Now, about your question, you don't give much information, so I will make some presumptions: How much does a USED houseboat cost? You could pay anywhere from $5,000 USD (may need some major repair work) to $100,000 USD (a turn key boat, ready to go) As to renting one for 6 months, I don't think you will find the rates very reasonable, and long term leasing isn't really popular. Depending on the size (@ 35 ft) you could spend anywhere from $150 per month to $500 per month for a slip at a luxury marina. There is a lot of things to consider when you live aboard a houseboat, things like , repairs, maintenance, slips, insurance, fuel, depreciation, etc... Have a look at our site, and you will find over 750 pages dedicated to houseboats. It is doable, but does require some preliminary groundwork first. IAN from www.all-about-houseboats.com
If I understand your question, I think most "houseboats" are larger and more expensive than you need. A "cruiser" sail or power would fulfill your needs better. So, assuming you would consider something in the 27 foot or larger, boat. What you would look for is: 2 or more compartments, galley (kitchen) that you can actually cook in, a head (bathroom) with shower. and room for stuff....... You won't find many for rent, but boats in general are selling for 15 to 30K in this size. Then figure on 2K to 5K for slip rent. etc. (those numbers are per year. So, you might be able to rent for say $800 a month slip included. I budget $617 a month but own my sailboat. A house boat, say 42' would have two or three sleeping areas, a kitchen like an apartment, living area, and sun deck. They sell for 60K and up and slip etc is roughly twice as muchas above. I'd budget $1.500 a month. min. I hope this helps.
With some exceptions, Those things are the "TRAILER TRASH" of the boating world, which is why many marinas no longer allow people to live aboard them. You can buy a piece of crap houseboat that is ready to sink for $500 or you can pay several MILLION for one of those swanky houseboats in California marinas. You would be more socially acceptable if you bought an old POWER BOAT.. something in the 40 foot range has LOADS of room. You BIGGEST problem will be finding some marina where you can LIVE ABOARD IT because those marinas are getting fewer and fewer every year. If you want to buy one.. Look in BOAT TRADER ONLINE they are the BIGGEST LISTING of BOATS IN THE WORLD and anyone who know ANYTHING about boats, knows about Boat Trader