7.6M Boat A Home Escape II – For Which Consumer?

7.6M Boat A Home – Escape II Review

Reference price: from $164,390 (excluding trailer)

Genre: House Boat

Weight: 2000 kg (average dry weight)

Capacity: 6 persons

What we like about it: The ample convertible resting areas, easy storage and navigation of the boat’s body, and practical configuration.

What we didn’t like about it: The narrow space of the toilet and bathroom.

Rating (4.8/5)

With the rising popularity of houseboats, more and more people are embracing the waterborne lifestyle. Here, one can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and embrace tranquility and relaxation.

As an Australian houseboat brand from Queensland, Boat A Home has gained a multitude of fans due to its robust GRP construction and adept use of multi-functional configurations. For those seeking weekends on the water or short-term camping experiences, the Boat A Home Escape II offers an ideal solution.

Let’s delve into the experience of driving and living on the Boat A Home Escape II, along with its specifications and other versions.

If you’re interested in exploring more types of boats or finding the perfect vessel, remember to follow us or reach out to us directly. We’re eager to assist you.

Driving Experience

Sailing along the Mississippi River is a dream harbored by many. Along the way, we can witness the ever-changing hues of the sky, the fish, and the birds. On quiet moonlit nights, we can gaze at the sky or observe the stars. It’s a truly romantic endeavor.

My wife and I have planned a wonderful trip with our daughter Emily and son Julian during their summer vacation. We ordered a brand new 7.6M Boat A Home–Escape II at the end of last year. Luckily, it arrived at our nearby dealer’s warehouse well before the onset of summer.

Frankly, this boat is perfect for travel—it’s the right size for trailer transport. Once the boat was in the water, I explored its layout inside the cabin. I’m quite pleased with the positioning of the Boat A Home Escape II’s console—it’s across from the kitchen, allowing my wife to chat while cooking even during navigation. The console seats are also comfortably spacious, featuring the same soft padding as the bed.

Despite having a floor-to-ceiling transparent glass door opposite the console, I needn’t worry about the heat during summer. We opted for air conditioning, installed just above the kitchen. This ensures that every area on the boat remains cool.

Furthermore, the Boat A Home Escape II’s console comes equipped with abundant features, including a stereo system, GPS, and fish finder. While driving, I’m practically burden-free, as these aids help us navigate to our destinations accurately. During leisure time, we can also use the fish finder to locate schools of fish, increasing our chances of successful fishing.

While the standard specification of the 40-horsepower Suzuki four-stroke engine may not provide high-speed thrills, the forward movement is stable enough to give a strong sense of security.

Living Experience

At first, we weren’t accustomed to the limited living space of our waterborne home, the Boat A Home Escape II, which utilizes a layout designed for versatility.

In simple terms, our dining table can be split and joined with chairs to form single beds. Above this, there’s a bunk where Emily and Julian sleep. My wife and I have a double bed, which doubles as our everyday sofa. Overall, most of the storage space on this boat is beneath our sleeping areas, making it somewhat inconvenient to access. However, with time, we got used to it and marveled at the innovative approach. Given its relatively small size, effective space utilization is essential, as there’s limited room for our luggage.

After a few days of adjusting and getting to know the boat, we truly fell in love with the Boat A Home Escape II. It accommodates our small family comfortably. Each evening, my wife and I cook in the kitchen together—I help with washing vegetables and preparing ingredients. She’s a skilled chef who adeptly manages two gas stoves cooking simultaneously.

Sometimes, I assist her with food preparation, while Emily and Julian entertain themselves by watching TV and playing behind us. Those days, I believe, will be memories I’ll cherish forever, the happiest moments of this year.

Specifications

Kitchen

The kitchen in the Boat A Home Escape II is my wife’s favorite spot. It’s equipped with nearly everything we have in our home kitchen, including an exhaust hood, fridge, microwave, and more. Its countertop is made from lightweight fiberglass, which is sturdy and easy to clean.

The stove’s surface boasts three gas burners, providing ample space for her culinary skills. We don’t need to worry about cramped cooking space on the boat, as when not in use, we can lower the covers over the sink and stove area. This transforms it into a spacious countertop, perfect for ingredient preparation. In short, it’s incredibly convenient and plays a vital role on this boat.

Layout Details

Sometimes, you might find yourself frustrated due to low battery levels while having no nearby dock. Opting for the Boat A Home Escape II can entirely sidestep this issue.

The Boat A Home Escape II’s deck is fitted with two 160-watt solar panels, which store energy on sunny days. As long as you’re not wasteful, this power is sufficient for your daily needs. Additionally, this feature also helps to save costs during your waterborne living experience.

Though it’s near perfection in many aspects, its limited space results in cramped bathroom and toilet areas. Those who prefer spacious environments might find this aspect somewhat challenging to adjust to.

Other Versions

If you’re a couple, then the living space of the 7.6M Boat A Home Escape II is already sufficient for you. In this case, you might consider the smaller version, the 6.9M Boat A Home Escape II, which is ideal for couples or solo travelers.

6.9M Boat A Home – Escape II

The layout of the 6.9M Boat A Home Escape II is consistent with the 7.6M version. However, due to its smaller size, its kitchen space isn’t as spacious as that of the larger version. The TV on the 6.9M Boat A Home Escape II isn’t placed on the countertop like in the 7.6M version; it’s a wall-mounted TV. This limits the viewing angle, as you can only see it from the double bed area.

Though the resting area of the 6.9M Boat A Home Escape II can barely accommodate four people, I believe it’s better suited for two people traveling together. The interior space doesn’t allow for much movement, and the experience of having the same number of people on this boat might feel a bit confined.

The price difference between the 6.9M and 7.6M versions isn’t substantial. If you have a family with children, I’d still recommend opting for the larger version, as it provides a better travel experience.

What do we like about it

• Convertible furniture that helps us live comfortably in tight spaces.
• Ample storage space beneath beds and seats, allowing us to organize our luggage effectively.
• Sufficient gas stoves and kitchen utensils, crucial for life onboard.
• Convenient size for storage and towing, making it easy to transport.
• Feature-rich console providing a more convenient waterborne journey.

What we don’t like about it

• Limited space in the bathroom and toilet.
• The price might be considered expensive by some consumers.

FAQ

1. What are the disadvantages of houseboats?

Firstly, living space on a houseboat is limited. You can’t bring along too much luggage, and convenience isn’t the same as living on land. Secondly, houseboats don’t appreciate like real estate; they mostly depreciate due to usage. Additionally, regular maintenance is required; the waterborne living style often necessitates repainting and upkeep. While living on the water can be cheaper than buying a house, besides the boat itself, you might need to pay mooring fees at the docks.

2. Do I get seasick easily on houseboats?

Most houseboats are moored, fixed by canals. They hardly move even during strong winds. Plus, they’re quite heavy and not affected by waves. If you need to pilot them for water travel, they sway like other boats. However, compared to many vessels, their rocking is minimal, so seasickness is less common on houseboats than on other boats.

3. Can I sail a houseboat on the sea?

Many houseboats can navigate in saltwater, but it doesn’t mean they’re designed for use in the open sea. They aren’t built for ocean navigation and can’t withstand significant waves. Unfortunately, even with newer models of houseboats, they still can’t be sailed on the open sea.

7.6M Boat A Home – Escape II SPECS

Length	7.6M
Width	2.4M
Height	2.6M
Weight	2000 kg dry weight
Draft	300mm

Video

Comparison Table

Boats	Lengths	Maximum person capacity
CARACAT 66	6.6M	6 persons
CaraBoat 750	7.5M	4 persons
Catamaran Cruiser 10×35	35′	6 persons

7.6M Boat A Home Escape II vs CARACAT 66

As one of the Caravan Catamaran series, the CARACAT 66 boasts a length of 6.60 meters and features a fully functional and luxurious fiberglass hull. Its design is even more sophisticated and stable compared to the 7.6M Boat A Home – Escape II.

Furthermore, the boat’s furnishings are adorned with mahogany surfaces, and the bathroom walls are adorned with granite finishes. Additionally, it’s equipped with amenities like heating, air conditioning, a solar-powered refrigerator, and a wine cabinet, catering to the storage of beverages both on water and land. In short, it seamlessly combines aesthetics with practicality.

The CARACAT 66’s deck is also outfitted with an abundance of solar panels, providing ample energy to power its 8-horsepower electric motor. If you desire more power, you can opt for an upgrade to the 25-horsepower diesel inboard engine. However, if you intend to use it for leisurely travel, its original motor should suffice. Its price is also lower compared to the 7.6M CARACAT 66. If your onboard space requirements are not extensive, it would be a more suitable choice for you.

7.6M Boat A Home Escape II vs CaraBoat 750

The CaraBoat 750 and the 7.6M Boat A Home – Escape II share nearly the same hull size, but the former boasts a more distinctive design.

On one hand, the CaraBoat 750 primarily features larger glass windows. Thus, whether considering lighting or the panoramic view, the CaraBoat 750 is truly satisfying. From any angle, you won’t miss the scenery outside the windows, and you can even enjoy cooking while admiring the picturesque lake views. And when it’s time to rest, blackout Roman blinds and insect screens ensure you have a peaceful sleep.

On the other hand, this vessel offers enhanced privacy. The two beds are cleverly separated by the kitchen area. If you’re traveling with friends, there’s no need to worry about the lack of individual rooms.

Furthermore, the CaraBoat 750 is well-equipped with ample kitchen utensils and furnishings, ensuring a comfortable living experience on the water. Its design is particularly suitable for friends planning outings together.

7.6M Boat A Home Escape II vs Catamaran Cruiser 10×35

Compared to the 7.6M Boat A Home – Escape II, the Catamaran Cruiser 10×35 offers a more spacious interior. If you have a larger family, you’ll greatly appreciate its generous space.

The Catamaran Cruiser 10×35 features a spacious separate room. When you’re traveling with your children, you and your spouse can sleep in the room while the kids sleep in the converted double bed in the living area. Its bathroom, in comparison to the Escape II, also offers more maneuverable space.

Regrettably, the Catamaran Cruiser 10×35 employs mostly enclosed wall designs. On this boat, you typically only have views of the lake through the bedroom’s sliding glass door or the boat’s entry glass door. If you prefer the aesthetic of beautiful transparent glass windows, this might not fully meet your preferences. However, it does offer enhanced privacy, depending on your tastes.

Summary

If you’re eager for a wonderful water journey with your family or loved ones in the Gulf of Mexico or Michigan, the 7.6M Boat A Home Escape II is likely a fantastic choice. It’s tailor-made for those who enjoy free-spirited voyages on the water. Most importantly, the Boat A Home Escape II offers various sizes, allowing you to select the model that best suits your group size.

If you’d like to learn more, don’t hesitate to contact us!