Hi hello how are ya folks, and a question

[pkersteve]

Hi hello how are ya folks, and a question, well several questions really.

Hi there folks as a complete newbie to the delights of boating in the USA, and only very basic experience of boating in the UK, my wife and I are interested in purchasing a houseboat, maybe not right this second but I figure the more I know now, the less there is to surprise me in the future. As the old saying goes, forewarned is forearmed.

Ok first up is size,, now I know that to you experiencxed boaters out there this may sound like a stupid question, but I'm the kinda guy, if I don't know I ask, so, I'm asking. What size houseboat would you folks recommend for someone who has only very basic knowledge of boating, has a good deal of common sense, but as yet not a lot of actual "boating knowledge" ?.

Would you recommend getting a small (say 70 footer) to begin with, or is it ok to go straight for the big stuff, (say a 120 footer) ?. I am leaning towards the smaller size at the moment, but if size is not really an issue here, then I'd definitely go for the bigger one.

Next up and this is just as important, legal requirements, what are the legal requirements for operating a houseboat, what kind of license is required, if any ?. Also does this situation hold true for both "houseboats" and "Cruisers", and is it statewide or nationwide ?. I have had so many confusing and contradicting reports to this question it seems that most everyone I ask has a different answer, so pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeease folks help out a VERY confused newbie here.

Third question, and this one is a tad ambiguous folks, what would be a ball park figure for buying a used houseboat, around the 100 foot mark in reasonable condition ?. This one is basically just so I can get a heads up if someone is trying to rip me off, so really I'm just looking for a ball park figure here, and no folks I won't come back and jump down your throat if your figure's off.

Fourth, are there ANY boat shows in the NORTHERN states, specifically the north east, more specifically New Hampshire. I have had my eye open for months now, and haven't seen a sign of one, but then it's not beyond the realms of possibility that I'm looking in the wrong darn place, or more apropriately, not looking in the right place.

I am certain that others in my sitution will have the same questions, (or at least very similar ones) so I figure that I'm asking for all those people who aren't sure what to ask or who to ask. I truly hope you don't think I'm being cheeky here, I assure you that is not my intention, I simply want some information up front so-to-speak.

Hoping for a quick response

Take care folks

 

[Philster]

Re: Hi hello how are ya folks, and a question

Small 70 footer?!

Is there an iyachts.com?!

 

[QC]

Re: Hi hello how are ya folks, and a question

Welcome aboard!!!!

Wellllll . . . Hmmmmmm. Steve, most of us here are going to recommend you get some basic handling experience on a much smaller boat, say 20 ft . . . But I can say I operated a 30 ft. houseboat 25 years ago with limited experience, and the Marinas rent them to basically anyone so maybe that's the way to approach this. Rent a large one and see what happens with their stuff and insurance!! No sarcasm whatsoever.

I think the biggest thing I'd like to know to further this discussion is where? That will determine practical sizes, price, seamanship necessary, amenities required etc. etc.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Hi hello how are ya folks, and a question

Wish I could help, but I was on a house boat a couple of weeks ago, and I thought it was absolutely ginormous - it was a 42 footer. I can't imagine a 100 footer.

Good luck with the search.

 

[Purecarnagge]

Re: Hi hello how are ya folks, and a question

Biggest on the lake here in Iowa is 88 footer... he takes it out on the lake every couple of weeks too.

 

[hoytvectrix]

Re: Hi hello how are ya folks, and a question

WOW!! I thought big was my dads 21' jon boat

 

[cwhite6]

Re: Hi hello how are ya folks, and a question

Pick up a copy of Passagemaker magazine. It is geared towards the Trawler boating crowd. I know there is a Trawler Fest in Annapolis and Baltimore I believe. See link below. It may a good place for you to go and check out some larger boats. They also teach classes on boat systems, seamanship, etc.

http://www.passagemaker.com/MagazineandEvents/TrawlerFest/LocationsDates/tabid/342/Default.aspx

 

[rbh]

Re: Hi hello how are ya folks, and a question

First off welcome aboard!
As for house boats, google Sicamous BC, houseboating.
The shuswap lake is the houseboating capital of Canada.

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: Hi hello how are ya folks, and a question

We rented one several years ago on Cumberland Lake in Kentucky. No licensing requirements to operate at that time. You will also find several houseboat manufacturers in that are (of Kentucky).

TerryMSU

 

[PGFISHER]

Re: Hi hello how are ya folks, and a question

What lake are you planning to put a 100' houseboat on? Most New Hampshire lakes are a bit small for something that size, and have no drydock facilities for winter.

 

[tswiczko]

Re: Hi hello how are ya folks, and a question

Hi
WoW 70 foot, thats ambitious. I would start aroun 20 foot and work my way up

Legal requirements can vary State to state you would have to check with your local authority (coast guard and/or license bureau etc.)

as for cost you'll have to do that research (I would have no clue as to the cost of something large)

as far as quality and dependabillity I would get a marine survey before I invested in a sizeable investment like that

Good Luck in your endeavours

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Hi hello how are ya folks, and a question

....a 100' to 120' houseboat? We may not be talking the same language here. That is the verge of technically being a 'ship' I think and to my knowledge there are no houseboats of that size.
Are these for the canals in England? If so, that may be those long, thin canal boats I saw once.
Regardless, find and post a pic or two of approximately the kind of boat you were thinking of and you will get some more accurate feedback on the main question.
Either way, the guys are right....you want to learn boating (or seamanship) on a substantially smaller boat...20'-ish (or less) like QC mentioned.
post a pic
BP

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Hi hello how are ya folks, and a question

First attend a CG auxillary seamanship class to learn the basics.

Beg/borrow/rent a 20+ foot boat and have someone with you that know what they're doing assist you in operation, navigation, and docking until you're comfortable with it. Weekend operations for a few months should be suffucient if you do possess the common sense.

Rent the 40' houseboats that are available on the lakes to see what size of craft you would feel comfortable on. For 2 people, the 40-50 foot range seems to be the norm, but if you have the knowledge, skills, and cash...then maybe the 70' is what you want.

You'll have to determine what type of waterway that you'll be on as well to help you determine what's going to be right for you. A 70' boat on a 4 acre lake with 3' of water might not be the best plan. A 40' boat on the ocean is even a worse plan.

If you get into the 100' range, you may be looking for a captain to run the boat. Don't forget (unless it's destined to be a dock queen) that you're going to have to run the boat, dock it, handle the maintenance and repairs, as well as try to have fun when out. that's a lot to expect to do single handedly.

If you do ge the 100' + house boat...call me. I'm ready to retire and I'll captain for you.

 

[RobbyA]

Re: Hi hello how are ya folks, and a question

WOW!!!! 100 ft!!!!!! I grew up in a mobile home that was 72 ft and it was plenty big. I cannot even imagine a boat that big.

 

[Ki Ki]

Re: Hi hello how are ya folks, and a question

lol, this is terrific. I assume you're hiring a Captain, correct?

If not, I know from working at a Harbor for 5 years, that someone with minimal experience will crash a 100 foot boat. They have bow thrusters, etc. If you're as rich as you portray, then hire a nice Captain for $75,000 a year to go with your minimum $950,000 boat.

 

[pkersteve]

Re: Hi hello how are ya folks, and a question

Ok folks I seem to have raised quite a few more questions than I realised here.

So I'll do my best to adddress them, if you still have queries, don't hesitate to ask, just like I did.

First up, as far as size is concerned, you folks say you've haven't heard of a 100 foot houseboat. If you go to www.yachtworld.com you will see quite a few of them, and larger ones to, (biggest I've seen is around 120 foot). We were hoping to get a liveabloard, rather than a weekend boat. Hence the large size I spoke of.

The waterways I will hopefully be sailing on are the canals and lakes of the east coast, from Florida, up to New Hampshire. (Still doing research on these though).

As for my basic experience, you were sorta kinda right on the type of boat, close but no cigar as they say. I have had experience of sailing a "Narrow Boat" in the UK. These are specifically designed for use on the narrow canals of England, there is now way that a houseboat would fit through the locks, they are just too wide.

So if any of you folks plan on visting England, make darn sure you stick to the rivers, yes you would have to contend with currents and eddies, and the occasional weir etc, but at least you won't get stuck, and screw up your valuable boat, also if you give me a shout before you go, and let me know where you plan on staying, I would be delighted to let you know about a few places in and around your area that might be worth a look see. This holds true if you plan on going without your boat too.

One heads up I will give everyone here, make DAMN SURE that your wallet is VERY VERY VERY HEALTHY. England is VERY EXPENSIVE. To give you some idea of just how expensice. You need gas to drive around, you'll be paying upwards of $17.00 a gallon. If you smoke, take 'em with you otherwise you'll be paying upwards of $17.00 a PACK. If you want to eat at home, a 2lb joint of beef will set you back $28.00. And if you want to look smart, dig deeeeeep into your pockets $1000.00 for a jacket, and $500 for a pair of jeans, NOT designer.

Please also take note these prices are reltive for Birmingham, (in the midlands) if you plan on staying in London double the prices. Also if you plan on an extended stay, please bear in mind that if you plan on using a TV, anywhere other than a hotel, you will need a TV license, the fee for which is roughly $200 a year, and if you're caught without one, the penalty is a $2,000.00 fine, and or 6 months in the slammer. And remember that ignorance of the law is no excuse over there.

I hope and trust that this has cleared up at least most of the questions you folks had, and maybe even a few that you hadn't thought of.

Take good care of yourselves folks

 

[NYBo]

Re: Hi hello how are ya folks, and a question

We wouldn't call such vessels "houseboats" in the US.

I am having a very hard time believing some of those prices.

 

[Philster]

Re: Hi hello how are ya folks, and a question

I am well traveled, and work with some Brits, too. Here is the scoop:

Petrol is 7-8 US Dollars per Gallon in England (depending on Imperial vs U.S. Gallons)

TV Fee = legit

Pair of $30 Levis in USA will set you back closer to 85 to 90 U.S bucks in England.

A $900 laptop in the USA will cost about $2000 US in England.

Fishing will set you back at least 100 bucks for a rod license and fishing license. Much more expensive than the USA.

Taxes are way higher, too. Houses are much smaller. Cars are smaller/older. People do more wrenching on everything and nurse lots of things along much longer because there just isn't enough money to go around for everything, because of high costs and taxes.

Here in the USA, it's a recession if you have to keep your 2007 Chevy Tahoe another two years and buy a 50" TV instead of the 60" TV to replace the 42" TV you already have.

Brit co-workers' input: Be careful what you wish for in the U.S.A. You can't even imagine what boating is like there. 5x more expensive and 10x less fun. You guys have stuff, stuff and more stuff here in the USA. In England, someone might have to pour their heart and dreams into a 14' boat and near go bellyup to do it. And that means ditching everything else (all the luxuries you currently have and take for granted).

 

[mbgaski]

Re: Hi hello how are ya folks, and a question

We wouldn't call such vessels "houseboats" in the US.

I am having a very hard time believing some of those prices.

Indeed. Seems to be a question of terminology. A "houseboat" from what I've always seen referred to a blocky looking thing that really looks like a house. Kinda like a big enclosed pontoon boat.

He seems to be referring more to a yacht than a house boat.

As to the prices ($500 for a pair of regular jeans) - yeah. I asked a coworker of mine who is from the UK and he said they were quite a bit inflated over reality.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Hi hello how are ya folks, and a question

A 70-120' boat is not a houseboat, but a yacht here in the US.

Anything over 50" creates transport issues.
Anything over 80' creates very very serious transport issues.
Not to mention launching, docking, mooring, and servicing issues.

These boats are best dropped in one body of water and left there.
I can't imagine moving one between lakes, or finding lakes suited for their use.

The ocean, inter-coastal, sea-way, or Great Lakes are do-able.

You can check local prices on goods around the world by checking the local or regional ebay listings.

There are Levi 501's available all over ebay UK for under $60

Boat prices don't appear too out of line either.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1990-Rinker-p...Power_Boats&hash=item35aa9f190b#ht_500wt_1154