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The deck / Power

Houseboat

A floating cabin for sheltered lakes and rivers: often rented by the week before anyone buys one.

Side view drawing of a houseboat
Type 14 / 26PowerLOA 30–75 ft

Spec plate typical; models vary

Length overall
30–75 ft
Usually aboard
6–14 people
Drive
Outboards, sterndrives or inboards
Draft
Shallow
Where it lives
Marina slip or mooring
Towing
Not usually trailered
Skill to start
Real training first
Upkeep
Heavy

Always go by the boat's own capacity plate and the builder's numbers. Towing classes are rough guides: check your vehicle's rated towing capacity.

Waters

  • Ponds, small lakes and riversMade for it
  • Big lakes, bays and soundsFair weather, with care
  • Open ocean beyond the coastNot for it

Good at

  • The most living space afloat
  • Great for groups and families
  • Easy to rent first and try

Think twice

  • High and boxy: wind makes docking hard
  • Sheltered water only
  • Costly to keep and move

Ask before you buy or rent

  1. Renting: what does the training cover, and what is the damage deposit?
  2. Buying: hull or pontoon condition and survey?
  3. Holding-tank pump-out arrangements?

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Hullpick Pass $1.95/month or $19.50/year, or a $1.00 Shopping-Week Pass · Free during preview. Compare this type with your shortlist and print a Fit Sheet with these questions.