Shopping for a houseboat

Volphin

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Jun 5, 2011
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Hi guys, I've decided that I like the river system so much that I want to be out there in the colder months as well. Soooo, I'm looking for a used houseboat. I have never owned one, but most seem to have I/Os. Some come with dual 4.3s, dual inline 6's, and some with dual 5.7s. Am I correct in assuming that most of these would be closed cooling systems? Also, how do I inspect the drive? It's not like you can just pop one on a trailer... LOL

What else should I be wary of or check...

Thanks!

V
 

chriscraft254

Commander
Joined
Jun 4, 2011
Messages
2,445
Re: Shopping for a houseboat

Most will be closed systems. Alot have straight inboards, that is what I would want if purchasing. If you can find a deisel, even better. If your serious about buying one, have the boat pulled that you are interested in and have the bottom checked over really well before purchase. You can make the deal contingent on what they find when they pull the boat and the cost can go towards the sell. Some will already have documentation from when the boat was pulled and what repairs were made and what repairs that should be made. Make sure you follow up on the paper work with the marina that did the work before buying. That is really the only way to insure your buying a good boat. Many houseboats have very apparent flaws in design and each name brand will bring different issues. Also the cost of upkeep and use is something you should know before you buy. The boat will need to be pulled depending on where it is located every 4 to 5 years for inspection and barnical removal etc. I have seen some not be pulled for 10 years, this will ruin the bottom and cause major damage.

If you are talking about a poontoon setup, I know very little about them.

Again, each manufacturer and each year will have different issues, find the boat your interested in and do a search on different forums of issues with that particular boat. If you can find one that has a live aboard, most these are going to be maintained better than your seasonal boater. Good luck. Budd
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Shopping for a houseboat

Outdrives on any kind of boat that can't be trailered is going to be expensive maintenance wise. Haul outs for yearly drive maintenance is a must, especially on "stay in the water" boats.
Closed cooling systems are nice, but even with a closed cooling system, there are things that need drained if it gets below freezing in the engine compartment.
 

Volphin

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Jun 5, 2011
Messages
1,405
Re: Shopping for a houseboat

Thanks for the replies guys. You both bring up some good points. FWIW I would love a diesel actually. I have never witnessed one being hauled out. Lots of older ones for sale around here... some even with outboards. Hmmm.

V
 

southkogs

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Jul 7, 2010
Messages
15,024
Re: Shopping for a houseboat

Keep your eyes peeled for a re-fit live-aboard tug boat. I've actually seen a couple (it's been a little while) of converted river tugs even. Diesel inboards ... and a kickin' set of air horns!

I've actually been surprised at how many of the smaller houseboats I've seen around here with outboards on them - usually 150's or more, but some of them look unusually big for an outboard motor.
 

Volphin

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Joined
Jun 5, 2011
Messages
1,405
Re: Shopping for a houseboat

Keep your eyes peeled for a re-fit live-aboard tug boat. I've actually seen a couple (it's been a little while) of converted river tugs even. Diesel inboards ... and a kickin' set of air horns!

I've actually been surprised at how many of the smaller houseboats I've seen around here with outboards on them - usually 150's or more, but some of them look unusually big for an outboard motor.

Will do! Great idea! :)

V
 
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