Buying a houseboat is a very personal decision. Whether you should buy one is dependent on many different variables in your life. In this article I will try and cover some of the most common variables that could affect your buying decision.
Choosing whether to buy a houseboat comes down to a few different things: money, time, stage of life, location, how you will use it and many more. In this article I will cover each of these in more detail.
Buying any boat is a money suck to some extent and shouldn’t be entered into without taking a hard look at your finances. If you can barely afford the monthly loan payments on the boat then run away from buying one!
Those costs will quickly add up and can even be more than the loan payment for many people. Of course if you are going to be living on the houseboat then it will often be cheaper than purchasing a house but just as a recreational vessel it takes a lot of money to buy a houseboat and keep it up.
If you are wanting to learn more about houseboat expenses you can read an article I wrote detailing the most common houseboat expenses by clicking here.
2. Time
If you are going to purchase a houseboat it is important to think about how much time you will have available to use the boat. Often people who buy boats or RVs think they will use them all the time but after a few years they realize that they only use them a few weekends a year.
If you are still working a full time job and are only planning to take your houseboat out on holiday weekends then buying a houseboat probably isn’t the best idea. It would be better to rent a houseboat for a few weekends a year then it would be to buy if you are only going to use it for holidays.
Now this one might seem a little odd but the stage of life you find yourself in can have a large impact on whether you should buy a houseboat or not.
If you are a young single person and you plan on staying single for quite a while then buying a houseboat and living on board could make sense.
If you are a retiree and are looking to sell your home and move someplace new while enjoying warmer weather, then buying a houseboat on a river or lake can make tons of sense.
If you are an older couple whose kids have moved out and you are looking to downsize, then buying a houseboat could be a great way to spend your older years.
If you are a younger couple with kids or looking to have kids soon, then a houseboat probably isn’t a good choice for the stage of life you are in.
Buying a houseboat can be done at all ages but it isn’t the best at all stages. Living on a few hundred square foot houseboat with multiple kids on board will wear on most people quite quickly. That can also be an issue if the kids are too young to learn how to swim.
Constantly being worried about your kids getting dirty, falling in the water, and being crammed into a small houseboat is not a good recipe for success. Now if your children are teens or older then you could certainly live on a houseboat but it would still be quite cramped and teens like to have their own space which is impossible on most houseboats.
It is important to take a hard look at what stage of life you are currently in and where you see yourself in 5-10 years before you decide whether you should buy a houseboat.
4. Location
Where you are located at should weigh heavy on your houseboat buying decision. If you are located in the northern portion of the USA then you will only be able to use your houseboat for 6-8 months out of the year as the winter will be too harsh to use your houseboat.
The other issue with being up north is the weather will be much harder on your houseboat than if you were located further south. Paying dock fees or paying to remove your houseboat from the water every single winter can get old quite fast and then you have to keep paying those dock fees and loan payments when you aren’t even able to use your boat because of the cold temps.
Even if you are further south where you could use your houseboat year around you should still consider the location. If you are on a river where you can move the boat up and down the river to view the different scenery and visit different cities that is far better than having a houseboat on a lake where it’s the same thing every time you get on board.
You will be far more likely to use your houseboat regularly if there are a variety of places to visit and things to look at than if you just have one fishing hole where the fish bite and one marina to dock at.
5. How You Will Use Your Houseboat
This is probably one of the most personal variables that I have mentioned. Before you ever ever even start looking at houseboats you need to consider how you will use the boat once you purchase it.
Are you going to live on board? Are you going to spend every weekend on board? Are you going to use it on holidays?
Knowing how you will use it is vital in the decision making process! If you are going to live on board then buying a houseboat can make more financial sense than buying a normal house if the area you are at has high property costs.
If you are going to use your houseboat every weekend for fishing you will probably want to spend far less on the boat itself since you are only going to be spending a couple of days a week there and you will be more concentrating on the fish biting than you are in the comfort of the bed.
If you are going to use the houseboat on just holiday weekends then you might want to consider renting or getting a houseboat that can go on a trailer so you don’t have to pay docking fees when you aren’t using the boat on the water.
There are certainly far more things to consider than these few when you are thinking about buying a houseboat but this should give you a good start. It is important to consider each of these points individually but also as a whole.
It is also important to do tons of reading in general about houseboats, houseboat expenses, and virtually everything else you can learn. Buying a houseboat is a huge expense and I would recommend everyone spending far more time learning than they do looking for their ideal houseboat.
This entire site is dedicated to houseboat owners and there are tons of articles that will help you learn houseboat basics and even some stories from real boat owners that will help you get some perspectives from current owners.
Whatever you decide always make sure to do your due diligence before you ever visit a houseboat manufacturer or look at your first boat.
Should I Buy a Used Houseboat?
The question “should I buy a used houseboat?” has been on the minds of boaters for many years. The idea of owning a floating home has been a dream of many people, but few know how to go about purchasing a houseboat.
Here are a few things to consider before buying a used houseboat. Read on to discover the benefits of used houseboats and how to buy a houseboat.
Buying a houseboat
Before buying a used houseboat, you should research its history. It is important to know the history of the boat, such as the problems it had with the engine and whether parts had to be replaced. The surveyor’s report will also help you understand what to expect from the boat and the repairs it needs. A pre-purchase survey is recommended as it includes an out-of-water inspection of the boat. It will also help you determine its value.
Before purchasing a used houseboat, make sure to do your due diligence. Make sure the seller is honest and transparent, and take your time to look around the vessel. If you’re buying privately, you may even want to hire a professional to look it over for you. You’ll be amazed by the results. You’ll be glad you took the time to do so. However, if you’re not sure how to go about buying a used houseboat, remember that it’s worth it once you’ve done it!
Before purchasing a used houseboat, you need to know how much the price ranges from PS10,000 to PS200,000. This price range reflects various factors, including utilities, including electricity and water. You’ll also need to figure in the cost of a boat licence, which can range from PS500 to PS1000 per year. Renting a docking spot is a major cost, and the price varies based on the boat’s width and length. You might also need to pay for electricity and toilet facilities if you’ll be using the boat as a home.
Depending on where you buy a used houseboat, you may want to find financing for your purchase. While paying cash is obviously the best option, some financing options are not available to everyone. There are banks that are specifically set up to help people purchase a houseboat, but if you need to borrow money for the purchase, it’s best to use a specialized marine lender. A specialized marine lender will offer better rates and service.
Buying a used houseboat
If you’re looking to purchase a houseboat, you may be wondering how to go about buying a used one. These boats come with all sorts of add-ons, but it’s important to remember that they may not have been installed when the boat was new. The previous owner may have forgotten to add them into the resale price, so you may end up paying for a lot of additional items. Before you buy a used houseboat, make sure you research it well.
Taking a look at the houseboat from the outside is one way to find out if it’s in good condition. Look for obvious things like dirty carpets, peeling paint, and a cluttered dock area. Also, inspect the interior thoroughly. If there are any stains or mildew, you’ll want to find out if the owner took proper care of the boat. Make sure to look at the entire houseboat, including the bathroom, kitchen, and sleeping areas.
Another great way to save money is to buy a used houseboat and convert it into a vacation home. While this may require a bit of time, energy, and funding, it’s definitely cheaper than purchasing a finished houseboat. In addition, you’ll be able to choose a model that suits your lifestyle and budget best. A used houseboat may be in perfect condition, but its previous owner may have fallen on hard times and not been able to keep up with the payments. If you’re looking for a used houseboat, make sure you get it inspected by an experienced professional. They’ll know if it needs any repairs or not, and they can also estimate how much they’ll cost.
The most important thing to remember when buying a used houseboat is to do your research. Make sure you choose a reliable seller and take your time to check the boat thoroughly. Even if you’re buying from a private party, you should still inspect the houseboat thoroughly. You should even consider hiring a professional to inspect the boat before you buy it. It’s crucial to do your homework and research the different manufacturers so you can make a sound decision.
Buying a floating home
Buying a used houseboat requires some thought. Depending on your savings and the approval of your bank, the price may vary. Keep in mind that some items on your wish list may add to the cost. When making a decision on the price range, focus on the most important features that are important to you. Buying a used houseboat can be an excellent option if you are on a tight budget.
Floating homes tend to depreciate much faster than regular houses. Buying a used houseboat is a wise financial decision, but you will likely face a range of maintenance costs and a declining resale value. For some people, a floating home might not be a good option. However, others will find that it is a great way to live in the city. Listed below are some tips on how to buy a used houseboat.
o Check for dock fees. There are also monthly dock fees, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Make sure the dock includes an electrical outlet for your houseboat, as this will make it easier to use the water system without running the engine. Lastly, consider the cost of utilities. While these expenses may seem small, they add up quickly, and can make a used houseboat an even more attractive investment.
o Look for financing options. Houseboats are more expensive than a standard house, so it is best to take out a loan. While a loan is an excellent option, it is still best to do your homework and understand all costs associated with it. While you may need a loan, you should consider refinancing if you plan to sell the boat or keep it. It’s also important to know what type of down payment the lender needs from you. If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to provide additional documentation, but a good bank will let you know if you need to send in any documents.
Getting a loan for a houseboat
If you want to buy a houseboat, it can be tricky to secure financing. You may be able to convert your home equity into a houseboat loan, or you can look into a personal loan. However, you should keep in mind that a personal loan is generally higher in interest than a houseboat loan. If you have sufficient savings, you can consider getting a home equity loan before you begin the process of purchasing a houseboat.
You should also know that the loan limits for houseboats vary considerably from lender to lender. For example, some offer only $5,000, while others will offer up to a million dollars. Moreover, most of these loans will have fixed rates so that you can keep paying the same amount month after month. You may also need to consider the loan term to find the best one. You can find the maximum amount of money you can borrow through personal loans by researching and talking to your financial adviser.
You will need to have a 20% deposit before getting a houseboat loan. If you are not able to pay the full amount in one month, you can opt for a loan that covers twenty to 25 years. This loan is similar to a mortgage loan, and the interest on the loan is tax-deductible. Also, you can always “back into” your loan if you want to buy another houseboat.
Houseboats are usually smaller than the average home, so the cost of running one will be significantly lower than that of a traditional floating home. However, you will have to pay for mooring fees, gasoline, mechanical maintenance, sewage pumping, and insurance. However, you’ll be glad you bought a used houseboat. In case you’re still unsure how to finance a houseboat, you can contact a marine loan broker. These brokers are usually connected to lenders and can help you secure financing. Remember, there may be markups for these services.
Adding furniture to a houseboat
Adding furniture to a used houseboat can be a fun and affordable way to personalize your floating home. Many houseboats are already furnished, but it’s important to keep in mind that extra furniture can add to the boat’s weight and size. Fortunately, there are some solutions for such situations, such as folding chairs that can work in place of a sofa. If your houseboat doesn’t come with a bed, you can always purchase a folding chair to put in its place.
Adding furniture to a used houseboat can be expensive, but it’s possible to find inexpensive upgrades every month or season. If you’re handy, you can install some of the items yourself or hire professionals to complete the job. You can also hire interior decorators to help you find the perfect style or simply bring some furniture from a thrift store aboard. Whatever your budget, if you’re on a budget, it’s easy to add a few pieces of furniture and upgrade it to your own taste.https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ByOUD1l0KQ
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