| Houseboat rentals are just like a hotel on water! | | | | vacation plans include cruising, fishing or participating in |
| Perfect for cruising in style, houseboats often come | | | | water sports, this might be the best, most |
| with many amenities that will allow you to plan the | | | | cost-effective option. Smaller houseboats are typically |
| perfect lake vacation or retreat. This article will provide | | | | equipped with 3 to 4 beds, maybe even a sleeper |
| you with information that can help you have great | | | | sofa. The kitchen will have a dishwasher, oven and |
| houseboat buying experience from start to finish. | | | | range, microwave and refrigerator. There will also be |
| Whether you’re having a houseboat party, | | | | ice chests on board so you have plenty of room to |
| checking out the local scenery, fishing or water skiing, | | | | store food. Many small houseboats also have a |
| the following will be beneficial to you. | | | | television in case of inclement weather. The upper |
| No matter where you are the United States, | | | | deck will have a canopy to protect you from the sun |
| there’s a lake nearby just waiting for you and your | | | | and maybe even a water slide to help you cool off. |
| family to stop by and enjoy everything it has to offer. | | | | Larger houseboats enjoy all of the above on a |
| Some lakes are great for fishing while others are | | | | grander scale. They’re perfect for retreats or large |
| great for recreation and water sports. Some lakes | | | | groups who want to spend a lot of time on the water. |
| offer gentle waters surrounded by some of the most | | | | The bedroom areas may contain king-sized beds and |
| breathtaking landscapes you’ll ever see. | | | | the living area will be spacious with central air and heat. |
| A houseboat will let you experience all of this and | | | | The kitchen will be fully equipped and you’ll most |
| more. You’ll never have a better or more relaxing | | | | likely have access to two bathrooms. You might even |
| vacation than the one you’ll have on a houseboat | | | | be lucky enough to have a massive hot tub with a wet |
| – out on the open water, basking in the warm | | | | bar on the upper deck! |
| sunlight or taking in a clear sky full of bright stars. | | | | Comparing different houseboats isn’t always easy, |
| Staying in a houseboat is like staying in a hotel suite, | | | | especially if you can’t take them out on the water |
| only you’re floating on water. Houseboats usually | | | | for a test drive. Sometimes it’s best to make a list |
| come equipped with a full kitchen, bathroom, living room | | | | of houseboats you like and then go to a rental agency, |
| and sleeping rooms. Plus, they come in all different | | | | rent the boat, try it out in a real-life situation and see if |
| sizes and styles so that you can find exactly what | | | | you still like it. You’ll be glad you did this because |
| you need to accommodate you and your guests. | | | | you don’t want to end up with a boat that you |
| Small houseboats, or compact houseboats, start | | | | don’t like! |
| around 50 feet in length and usually sleep up to eight | | | | Plus, you can also ask your friends or other boat |
| people. Larger houseboats, or luxury houseboats, like | | | | owners what models they own or have owned and |
| those around 85 feet in length, can sleep up to twelve | | | | what they prefer. Do some research online to see |
| people. The larger the boat is, the more amenities | | | | what other people are saying about the types of |
| it’s likely to have on board. | | | | boats available and which models are best for your |
| Before you buy your first houseboat, make sure you | | | | budget and needs. |
| know what you’re doing. What is your level of | | | | Don’t buy the first houseboat you see that fits your |
| experience? If you have never driven a boat before, | | | | budget. Of course you’re excited and you want to |
| you should consider taking a boating safety course | | | | get out there on the water, but it’s best to take |
| – it could end up saving your life (and many others!). | | | | your time, shop around, and do your homework. If this |
| Also, becoming familiar with boating is just the first step | | | | is your first boat purchase, bring someone with you, |
| in the buying process. There are many different kinds | | | | preferably a friend who has bought a boat before, and |
| of boats to choose from and each of them offer | | | | they will help you look it over. Helpful resources are |
| something unique. | | | | available – use them! |
| Smaller houseboats are great for families. If your | | | | |