Baikal 14 Houseboat – Is It The Best Choice For A Vacation?

Baikal 14 Houseboat Review

Genre: House Boat

Stateroom: 4

Capacity: 12 persons

What we liked about it: Well-equipped, ample rooms, spacious Flybridge.

What we didn’t like about it: Comparatively expensive, lacks a kitchen.

Rating (4.8/5)

Believe it or not, houseboats have evolved significantly from decades ago. Modern houseboats are now luxurious, expertly designed structures that can rival some of the finest land residences in the world. The Baikal 14 Houseboat, crafted from basalt fabrics surpassing fiberglass, is a new-generation catamaran houseboat that exceeds regular fiberglass yachts in terms of spaciousness, hull strength, and comfort.

Let’s delve into the living experience, specifications, and other layouts of the Baikal 14 Houseboat.

If you’re interested in exploring more similar vessels or finding the perfect fit, be sure to keep an eye on us. We’ll continue updating our blog with various boat options. Here, you can discover more exceptional boats.

Living Experience

Not long ago, my fiancée Evelyn and I were planning a beach trip with our families in Texas. I was in charge of booking the houseboat and making restaurant reservations. After careful consideration and comparison, I chose the Baikal 14 Houseboat as our accommodation choice. I found it to be incredibly spacious, capable of accommodating twelve people, which was more than sufficient for our family’s needs.

We scheduled our trip for the start of summer and planned to stay there for a week. I was truly looking forward to our time on the water. Evelyn’s parents brought a lot of luggage, and they told me they had prepared different outfits for each day. Initially concerned about storage for their extensive luggage, they were completely reassured when I showed them the interior layout of the Baikal 14 Houseboat and informed them about the ample closet space available.

Upon reaching the dock, I helped everyone get their luggage on board. As soon as we stepped onto the boat, I was greeted by a very bright open-plan living room. Jellyfish-like light fixtures, minimalist wallpaper, and floor-to-ceiling windows created an environment that seamlessly merged the indoor space with the water world outside. Evelyn and our family were also delighted by this layout. The thought of spending a week on such a beautifully designed houseboat was exhilarating.

Functional Layout

The Baikal 14 Houseboat boasts four rooms, which was more than enough for us. After Evelyn and I had settled our luggage, we explored its other features. We were pleased to find that the salon, bathrooms, and sauna were all equipped with complete furnishings, appliances, and everything needed for both living and traveling. This attention to detail made us feel incredibly well taken care of.

The spacious Flybridge is furnished with sofas, a minibar, a barbecue grill, a sink, and sunbeds. Observing this setup, I planned to visit a nearby supermarket to buy ingredients so we could enjoy barbecue beer parties here in the evenings. Evelyn, on the other hand, eagerly lay on the sunbed with a face mask on, excitedly telling me that she planned to swim every morning. Of course, I’ll join her in these activities, and it looks like we’re in for an incredibly fun week ahead.

Specifications

Flybridge

The flybridge on the Baikal 14 Houseboat is exceptionally spacious, featuring a massive sunshade to shield you from intense sunlight. You won’t have to worry about getting sunburned here. Two generous fully-covered benches also provide ample seating for your friends during werewolf games. The adjacent minibar is stocked with drinks and snacks for all the fun activities.

Of course, if you’re traveling with your family, you can also lounge here for heart-to-heart conversations or engage in a karaoke competition. With a built-in barbecue grill, you can enjoy both entertainment and culinary delights.

Layout Details

Notably, all four cabins are generously spacious, equipped with plush and comfortable mattresses, and offer ample storage space for luggage. Bedside tables are also provided for personal belongings, ensuring convenience.

Furthermore, each bathroom on the Baikal 14 Houseboat is designed with a separate wet and dry area, and hairdryers are available for quick hair drying after showers.

On the second level of the vessel, guests have access to two large lounges. One features a long table with bar-style seating, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, and a sink. If you’re traveling with friends, you can enjoy a breezy evening here while possibly sipping on drinks. The other lounge is more suited for hosting small parties and playing games, thanks to its ample seating.

Other Layout

When booking the Baikal 14 Houseboat, I also considered its alternative layout.

This layout is better suited for families traveling with children, as it consists of a combination of two compact cabins and two spacious ones. The smaller cabins on the second level do not feature tables. While this might be less convenient for adults, it’s likely not an issue for children.

Fortunately, the first-floor lounge is incredibly spacious. You get four different sofas, which I believe are more suitable for hosting parties among friends. If you’re traveling with friends and their kids, this layout might be more appropriate than the previous one.

What do we like about it

• Ample rooms and comprehensive amenities leave us satisfied.
• The spacious Flybridge is well-equipped, increasing entertainment space.
• Stylish furniture layout and interior design match our aesthetic preferences.
• The stable hull ensures smooth sailing on the water.
• Opening the windows to the beautiful coastal scenery brightens each day.

What we don’t like about it

• The absence of a kitchen onboard means we can’t cook for ourselves.
• The purchase price is high and not affordable for everyone.

FAQ

1. What is the advantage of a houseboat?

Firstly, houseboats are exempt from taxes, provided you continue to navigate along the river instead of permanently mooring. If you find a spot you like or decide to anchor, you can dock for a few days.

If you’re seeking a second home for weekends, it’s an excellent option. Lastly, if you desire a close connection with nature, houseboats are highly appealing, offering coastal views right when you wake up.

2. Is living in a houseboat right for me?

If you’re considering owning your houseboat but aren’t sure if it’s suitable, try renting one you like for an experience. Book a week-long vacation during both sunny days and rainy weather to get a feel for living on a boat.

If you find that the satisfaction and comfort it brings far outweigh any inconveniences, you might genuinely consider incorporating a houseboat into your permanent living plan.

3. How Much Is the Average Houseboat?

The houseboats serve as both transportation and living spaces, combining the functions of both. As a result, the prices of these dual-purpose houseboats are not necessarily budget-friendly.

Based on our data analysis, the average price for common houseboats on the market is around $100,000. Of course, prices can vary based on the size and materials used.

Baikal 14 Houseboat SPECS

Length	14m
Width	6m
Fuel	2×600
Water	2×300
Speed max	20-50
Speed cruise	15-40
Cabins	4
Sleeping places	10
Capacity	12

Video

Comparison Table

Boats	Lengths	Number of bedrooms	Maximum person capacity
Trifecta Houseboats – LUX Series	77	4	12 persons
Waterbus INDEPENDENT 12M Houseboat	12M	4	12 persons
Nautilus VAGABUND Houseboats	44	3	6 persons

Baikal 14 Houseboat vs Trifecta Houseboats – LUX Series

Trifecta Houseboats – LUX Series, compared to the Baikal 14 Houseboat, is better suited for long-term rentals or individuals in need of permanent residence.

The Trifecta Houseboats – LUX Series offers more comprehensive living facilities. It comes equipped not only with bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms but also essential kitchens for everyday living. For those who prefer a normal home routine, relying on eating out for every meal isn’t healthy. Therefore, it comes with stainless steel dishwashers, built-in microwaves, and stainless steel refrigerators to cater to anyone who cherishes life.

Furthermore, the Trifecta Houseboats – LUX Series features 2-12V stereo speakers on the front, rear, and upper decks, allowing all residents to enjoy wonderful music from anywhere on the boat. Notably, the upper structure of the Trifecta Houseboats – LUX Series hull is made of fiberglass, significantly enhancing its aesthetics and stability.

Baikal 14 Houseboat vs Waterbus INDEPENDENT 12M Houseboat

The Waterbus INDEPENDENT 12M Houseboat, similar to the Baikal 14 Houseboat, features a stable catamaran design.

However, what sets the Waterbus INDEPENDENT 12M Houseboat apart is that its floors, walls, and roof are all made of high-quality polyester fiberglass laminate panels, filled with polystyrene foam, providing excellent insulation. Even in winter, residents aboard the Waterbus INDEPENDENT 12M Houseboat need not fear the cold. Additionally, heating, hot water, and a diesel heating system ensure that winter feels as warm as spring.

Furthermore, the culinary experience on the Waterbus INDEPENDENT 12M Houseboat can be diverse and satisfying. The fully-equipped kitchen features a water purifier and painted kitchen furniture, considering both user convenience and hygiene. Additionally, its handrails and railings are made of stainless steel, sparing you the hassle of frequent maintenance. We believe it’s suitable not only for rentals but also for individual buyers looking for long-term residential property.

Baikal 14 Houseboat vs Nautilus VAGABUND Houseboats

Compared to the Baikal 14 Houseboat, the Nautilus VAGABUND Houseboats can accommodate fewer people. It also features only one bathroom and toilet. Therefore, it’s not suitable for large families or groups with a high headcount.

The Nautilus VAGABUND Houseboats are more compact vessels, with a usable area ranging from 30 square meters to 43 square meters. As a result, its Flybridge doesn’t have a sunshade. Of course, the smaller area also means that the Nautilus VAGABUND Houseboats have less functionality, lacking spacious activity areas for members to frolic.

The Nautilus VAGABUND Houseboats are better suited for use as offices or meeting rooms. If you and your team need to travel for business and also want to stay by the beautiful coastline, renting a Nautilus VAGABUND Houseboat will make your work journey more comfortable.

Summary

If you’re looking for a short-term vacation with your family or friends in beautiful places like Florida or Minnesota, renting the Baikal 14 Houseboat would likely be a decision you won’t regret. However, if you intend to purchase it as your long-term residence, you might need to make some modifications. This is because it lacks a kitchen, which can be quite inconvenient.

Of course, if you haven’t found a suitable houseboat among the options mentioned above, you can check out the houseboat section on our homepage. Or simply get in touch with us, let us know your requirements, and we’ll quickly match you with a suitable boat model.