Sizes for Houseboat Living - what size of house boats for live aboards?

by Capt. John
(Galveston, TX)

You're thinking of houseboat living, and wonder what sizes of house boats are good for live-aboards, here is an overview of why I chose to build my own houseboat.

I built my houseboat for two main reasons.

1) My final decision to build my own boat was because there just wasn't "that perfect one" that I could buy. I wanted some things (like more closet & storage space) that manufacturers didn't offer. More importantly, I didn't want many of the things that were "Standard" such as 2 heads, sleeps 8, etc.

I just wanted a good live aboard size houseboat that would be perfect for me - and one that would take me where I wanted to go, mainly around the Great Loop. So, I needed to build one with a shallow draft, (for canals) and high bows and freeboard for (for the Gulf crossing).

2) The second reason, I saved about 50% over buying new from a manufacturer - this was especially great when I was able to end up with exactly what I needed and wanted, and not all that "stuff" I didn't want.


Just my thoughts, Capt. John in Galveston, TX

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Reply - Answer
Well Capt John, you do have some good points and reasons for building your own houseboat, yet realistically speaking, we know that not everyone has the time, skill, space, or proper plans to go about building a houseboat.

You definitely did build a fine looking houseboat, and I agree about the shallow draft and high bow and freeboard. I noticed that you used catwalks, flybridge, and an outboard motor.

I myself am always torn by having a large sized houseboat for dockside or local marina style living. Yet at the same time, a houseboat built for cruising and traveling often will have to meet a different criteria in respect to fuel consumption, practicality, and seaworthiness.

Again, you have yourself a fine looking cruising style houseboat, congratulations on your project.



Lastly, hopefully some of our readers will share and post comments about their houseboat size choices and experiences. Feel free to use the "Click here to post comments." link found near the bottom of this page.


Thanks again for sharing, IAN from all-about-houseboats

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