[MYurong20]

Reply - Answer
Well Philippe-Pierre, welcome to the houseboat forums, and congratulations on your story on how to live on a houseboat in Canada. here

[packetloss]

We also find that by using the thick duvet and several blankets helps a lot, and also having a loving spouse (we also have a big dog, a 100 lb german sheppard) to snuggle up with is a life saver.

[kencausey]

You made some great points about living on a boat. here

[eugene2k]

Houseboat Living - We live on our house boat dream home.

[MrFlibble]

We're houseboat living in Canada, and house boats are our way that we live our dream on a daily basis. We live on a 60 ft Three Buoys houseboat in Canada with my fiancee, and though the temperature is not too bad for Canada, we have found it to get a bit chilly.

[johnsmith01]

Usually for ocean use you will want a deep draft boat. This mean selecting a vessel that has a v-hull and that probably also has a long keel that sits below the hull. The v-hull gives more stability in choppy water and allows the boat to move through waves better while the keel will offer more stability as the boat gets rock by waves.

[momc4312]

So what is a shallow draft boat and why does it matter?

[thrillkisser]

Many people who enjoy boating on lake water wonder if they can make the transition to ocean water without having to change their boat. Unlike creek and river boats, lake boats tend to encounter more chop and more challenging conditions so it is not unreasonable to wonder if the same boats can be used in the ocean.

[usmanzada2006]

If you have an aluminum boat for example then you will need to take special precautions to protect it from galvanic corrosion. Saltwater eats away at aluminum fast. [links]

[nadav001]

Although the idea may be appealing to a lot of seniors, houseboat living is not for everyone. Houseboat living should only be considered by the most active seniors; even then there are some things to keep in mind. You should think twice if any of the following pertain to you: here

[InterArmaEnimSil]

If you think a retirement houseboat is for you but you’re not completely sold, you don’t have to jump ship so to speak. There are plenty of houseboat rental options out there that will allow you to try out a houseboat for a few weeks to a few months. During this time you can decide if houseboat living is right for you or if you should limit it to vacations.

[Confiscative]

If you’re considering houseboat living in your retirement years you should know there are two types of houseboats, motorized and moored. If you want to move about then a motorized boat is your speed. If you prefer to stay in one place on the boat, then you should choose a moored houseboat.

[Kline]

Who says your retirement home needs to be on land? For many sea-loving seniors, retirement houseboats are an option. In fact, statistics show that as many as 9,000 people in the United States and Canada have chosen retirement houseboats. You still eat, sleep, and shower there. Instead of a lawn, you have water all around you.

[jarlethaanthonyt]

Just with a home on land, the cost of a houseboat varies. You can get a used boat for yourself and significant other and have room for guests from anywhere between 50 and 250 thousand dollars. If you want that boat brand new, the price tag skyrockets to $200,000 to one million dollars! As mentioned above, the monthly cost of houseboat living is far cheaper than other alternatives. Some of the biggest expenses you’ll face include insurance and docking fees. here

[painge]

You might think that longer means more storage and comfort. It does not. Longer means longer. That’s it. There is an immense difference between a narrow 42 footer and a beamy 35. My old Hunter 33 had a 10’9″ beam and no storage at all, while the comparable Morgan’s and Island Packets (at slightly smaller lengths) were like full apartments in comparison. And yet, I was entirely comfortable although the book does introduce my challenges. Another point, some long boats are actually more sprit than substance. Look at the substance – but remember that you might pay for the bowsprit. more

[bombus]

Like all of your life’s goals only you know what you want. Only you know whether you and your companions need more space, seaworthiness, storage or amenities. Only you know whether you (and your companions) are willing to shower in a marina or would be comfortable onboard, and if you are onboard, only you know how much or how little space you are willing to tolorate. No one knows what you want or need. That makes this important decision yours and yours alone.

[BookLover]

Lastly, many boat buyers, particularly first time boat buyers, buy with amenities in mind. I did. Everyone does. While many amenities are never needed or used, the real reason to avoid buying for amenities is more basic for the majority of us – we’re not wealthy – and those optional amenities actually cause us to not properly evaluate the boat itself, and ultimately make sacrifices when it comes to the choice of vessel. Your are buying a boat, not a radar on something that floats. The structure is your primary protection, so make sure that you float, stay dry and safe. Amenities can always be added later. [links]

[rapacity]

Is there a minimum size? Sure. A boat that can’t fit a bed is probably too small. However, I know couples who live quite comfortably on 26′ sailboats that offer headroom that only a child can enjoy, and I know solos who live on 60’+ yachts. more