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Houseboats have taken the housing market by storm. It is a fun, thrilling, and exhilarating way to live and even offers exceptional perks along with it. Not only are you able to achieve shelter and a place for you to call home, but you also have the chance to travel as well.
This will take your dull and boring living situation and turn it into something magnificent.
You may be thinking that it is your turn to join the houseboat movement and the first step you have to take is to get your own houseboat. A few options that you should take into consideration are purchasing either a new or used houseboat. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is your job to consider each side.
Another essential route that you can take is to either build your own houseboat from scratch or to hire a skilled professional to tackle this grand task. Again, each has its own pros and cons, so you must weigh each side.
Who Builds Houseboats?
If you are thinking of having your own custom-made houseboat built instead of purchasing a pre-built variant, well, there is much information that you have to learn. For starters, an important question to know the answer to is who builds houseboats?
Anyone can build a houseboat if they have general skills, houseboat plans, equipment, and tools. There are many companies that actually build houseboats as their sole business as well.
Some of the current houseboat builders are:
- Bravada Yachts
- Catamaran Cruisers
- Destination Yachts
- East Coast Houseboats
- FS Houseboats
- Funtime Luxury Houseboats
- Gibson Boats
- Harbor Cottage Houseboats
- Majestic Yachts
- Moat Manufacture
- Sharpe Houseboats
- Sunstar Houseboats
- Stardust Cruisers
- Starlight Luxury Houseboats
- Steady Floats
- Sumerset Houseboats
- Thoroughbred Houseboats
- Trifecta Houseboats
- Twin Anchors Houseboats
Therefore, if you are looking for the ripe opportunity to transform your creative passion into your own home, then you can try building your own houseboat. It will take a lot, but if you work hard at it, then surely, you will accomplish your project.
The next option is to hire a professional houseboat builder to work on this project and any of those mentioned above should do just fine. It may be more expensive, but it will save you a ton of time and effort. Also, since they are skilled at building houseboats, there is a lower chance of mistakes or errors happening, which in turn, will save you more money and time in the long run.
You can choose to hire a company that has been building houseboats for many years or you can choose to hire a self-employed builder who is equally skilled in tackling the task.
Whichever you choose, just make sure that they fit your needs, creative style, and budget.
Should You Buy A Houseboat or Build?
To help you reach the best logical decision on whether you should buy or build your dream houseboat, you will have to weigh the pros and cons of each option. Doing this will help you understand what the best way is for you.
Pros of Building A Houseboat
One of the best things about building a houseboat is that you have creative power over what your houseboat looks like. It is an excellent opportunity for making your dreams a reality as you create a houseboat that suits your own style and tastes.
What’s more, you can also tailor the functionalities of the houseboat to suit your needs. Think of storage, equipment, and other essential parts. Also, you can buy these at a fraction of the price if you choose to hunt for great deals or build them yourselves.
Today, the price of both new and used pre-built houseboats have skyrocketed. Therefore, we recommend that you save some bucks by building the houseboat yourself. Your wallet will thank you.
If you opted to purchase a used houseboat, you would have to take the time to refurbish and upgrade the style and equipment. On the other hand, building your own will give you the latest designs and equipment.
Used houseboats can easily be updated to match the modern styles but if you hire out all of the work it might cost you as much as buying a new houseboat or building one.
Cons of Building A Houseboat
Time is of the essence. Naturally, building a houseboat will take a significant amount of time. So you have to think about the amount of time that you will need to tackle such a large project. Ways that you can offset the amount of time required is to build with friends or get the help of skilled professionals and utilize the best equipment. Taking these steps will help you finish this project in no time.
If you are not trained or skilled at building a houseboat, you may run into more problems and issues. It may also take you a longer time than usual to address this problem, in addition to being more expensive. However, if the build is done by a trained professional who has been in this industry for years, you would less likely to have a bunch of issues and problems. This will then save you money and time in the long run.
The pros and cons of building a houseboat yourself, can then be turned around to understand the pros and cons of purchasing a houseboat, whether used or new.
How To Build A Houseboat On Your Own?
So as stated before, you can definitely build your own houseboat with your own two hands but what can help you do this?
Houseboat plans
Yes, houseboat plans are a great way to start building your own dream houseboat, especially when you are a newbie. Other elements that also play significant roles are vital technical building information, marine parts, and building materials. Gather these, and you are on your way to build the houseboat of your dreams.
Also, you have to have the prime location for building a houseboat. This is usually next to a freshwater body such as a river or lake. This way, you can save yourself the hassle of transporting your houseboat to the desired location once the build is completed.
Different Houseboat Styles That You Can Try
So you have decided to build your own houseboat, whether by yourself, with your friends or a trained professional. Now it is time to make a houseboat that suits your style, but the problem is you do not know where to start.
There are a wide range of models and styles to choose from so it is recommended that you consult with someone in the industry or conduct your own research on the matter.
Here are a few different styles that you can consider:
- Pontoon
- Displacement
- Homebuilt
- Barge
- Catamaran
- Trailerable
After you have decided on the style that you want, it is time to look at some houseboat plans.
Try starting your search at free houseboat plans and then slowly work yourself up to other types of houseboat plans. Since there is a myriad of plans to choose from, you can undoubtedly find something to suit you.
Companies That Build Houseboats
So you have looked at building the houseboats yourself, now it is time to look at a few of the companies who make magnificent houseboats for the general public. These companies specialize in providing high-quality houseboats, so take the time to look around, conduct your research, and see which one fits your style.
There are obviously more than those mentioned above as those are all mainly North American houseboat builders so below I will mention some additional builders from all over the world. No matter what your location is, you will have to do a lot of research to see who you should have make your new houseboat so you can hopefully find a great builder.
SM Ponton
This company, situated in Slovakia, is a specialist in Pontoon-styles bases for houseboats. These bases are constructed with a concrete material that boast longevity and little-maintenance.
Farea
Located in France, Farea creates houseboats that not only sail on lakes, rivers, and lagoons but also seas. They offer houseboats with twin cabins, terraces, and kitchens, in addition to providing their own water and electricity.
In Conclusion
Now that you understand a few places that build houseboats, now you have to decide if you want a houseboat and who should build it. Whether you build it yourself, hire a small business enterprise or a large company, you should choose the best solution for you.
No matter which way you choose, the outcome should be getting the houseboat of your dreams.