Boats Review
Mx4 Houseboat Moat – Is It Suitable For Long-Term Living?
Genre: House Boat
Weight: 25,000 kg (full load weight)
Capacity: 2-6 persons
What we like about it: The intelligent furniture is incredibly user-friendly, and the ample living space is perfect for a couple.
What we didn’t like about it: It would be even more perfect if it had a kitchen.
Rating (4.7/5)
Imagine opening the bedroom window and being greeted by a view of the full lake. The ability to swim or go fishing just by stepping outside adds a carefree element to life. For those who cherish a close connection to nature, the houseboat offers a dreamy and more natural way of living.
Moat is one of the world’s premier houseboat manufacturers, known for crafting hand-built homes that adhere to the strictest quality standards. They are equally known for their innovation. The Mx4 Houseboat from Moat, one of their most popular series, impresses many with its exceptional performance and high-end quality on the water.
Let’s delve into the living experience, specifications, and other versions of the Mx4 Houseboat Moat.
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Overall Experience
My wife Maeve and I are passionate about freedom and love being in nature. We often go diving, waterskiing, or hiking together. Additionally, we’ve chosen voluntary childlessness. Frankly, housing costs have been a significant expense for us. However, we’re not seeking to live in a large house. Thus, investing in a houseboat makes sense financially and enhances our lifestyle. Importantly, Maeve has always been drawn to life on the water.
So, we acquired a brand-new Mx4 Houseboat Moat and decided to dock it long-term at the Sausalito, California pier.
The day we moved into the boat was exhilarating. Finally, we had our own home. As soon as Maeve stepped onboard, she exclaimed, “I love this spacious living room! We can invite our friends over for a housewarming party!”
Fully Furnished Living Areas
Indeed, stepping inside, we were greeted by a bright and airy living room with large windows that stretched to the floor. A substantial table was surrounded by comfortable sofas, creating a cozy space for enjoying meals. During evenings or weekends, Maeve and I can snuggle up on the couch and enjoy TV shows or movies on the generously sized television.
Continuing forward, we passed through a small hallway. On the left was a bathroom with a toilet, but I’m planning to convert it into a walk-in closet. Facing it, on the right, was another bathroom with a toilet and a separate shower room. Mx4 Houseboat Moat’s layout is incredibly convenient for us, especially during busy mornings. Maeve no longer has to worry about facing an awkward situation while showering.
Further inside is the bedroom. Since our parents rarely stay overnight, and we don’t plan on having children, we opted for a single-bedroom layout. This choice also saves us money. Most importantly, the bedroom offers ample space for us. It’s quite roomy, and the long table by the bedside has a window, creating a perfect spot for reading or working. All in all, we’re extremely satisfied with everything it offers.
Specifications
Detailed Layout
We’ve chosen steel as our building material. Steel offers stability and exceptional durability. Its only drawback is a slightly weaker resistance to oxidation, but it’s currently the best option within our capabilities. Of course, if you’re aiming for higher quality, you can opt for an aluminum structure. It will provide a smoother sailing experience on the water.
The Mx4 Houseboat Moat is also highly automated, with curtains and televisions that can be raised automatically. Notably, the central table in the living room can expand to double its size, comfortably accommodating 5-6 people for games or meals.
Furthermore, the rooftop of the Mx4 Houseboat Moat integrates a photovoltaic system with energy storage, providing essential power for day-to-day living. Harnessing solar energy not only reduces carbon emissions but also cuts down on electricity costs. These features enhance the convenience and cost savings in your daily life.
Other Layouts
The Mx4 Houseboat Moat series can be designed to accommodate 2-6 people. I initially considered the 4-person layout as well. However, for my wife and me, a 4-person layout seemed unnecessary. To provide you with a broader perspective, let me also analyze the 4-person layout.
In reality, the 4-person layout is generally similar to the 2-person layout in terms of the living room. Yet, it offers more space, featuring two longer tables in the living area. If you require more tabletop space, you’ll be quite pleased with this configuration. Due to the two spacious bedrooms, only one bathroom is designed. If you have a larger family and don’t frequently host gatherings, this layout might suit you well.
What do we like about it
- Fully automated intelligent furniture that adds convenience to our lives.
- Spacious rooms that accommodate ample luggage.
- The living room with a television allows us to host more friends for parties.
- Opening the windows brings in the refreshing seaside air that we love.
- The stable and reliable hull ensures its longevity as our companion.
What we don’t like about it
- It would be even more perfect with a kitchen.
FAQ
1. Is it cheaper to live on a houseboat?
Various factors impact the cost of living on a houseboat, including its price, location, and condition. Generally, living on a houseboat is often much cheaper than traditional housing. Houseboats are typically more affordable than most real estate, and the average annual cost of living on a houseboat is around $6,000. This is why many retirees opt for houseboat living as an alternative lifestyle choice.
2. How fast do houseboats go?
It’s important to clarify that houseboats are not built for speed. However, some houseboats, which are essentially yachts, can reach high speeds of up to around 40 miles per hour.
If you choose a houseboat design with a true house sitting atop a floating pontoon, the speed of the boat might be quite slow, possibly just a few miles per hour. In truth, when considering the purchase of a houseboat, speed shouldn’t be the primary concern.
3. Are houseboats worth it?
It depends on whether you love the idea of living on the water. If you embrace this lifestyle, purchasing a houseboat can be a rewarding choice. Moreover, many houseboat communities are known for their hospitality and a strong sense of community. If these aspects resonate with you, you might enjoy living on a houseboat.
The key is to be clear about your expectations and consider what you need to prepare and what you’re willing to sacrifice for a life on the water. If you’re up for it, then enjoy the experience!
Mx4 Houseboat Moat SPECS
| Length overall | 13.15m |
| Beam maximum | 5.40m |
| Draft @ full load | ± 0.65m |
| Weight @ full load | 25 t |
| Sleeping room | 2-6 persons |
| Living area space | 30m2 |
| Sundeck | 16m2 |
Video
Comparison Table
| Boat | Lengths | Number of bedrooms | Maximum person capacity |
| NautilusNAUTINO MAXI Houseboats | 10.9M | 0 | 6 persons |
| Arkup 40Livable Yacht | 41′ | 1 | 6 persons |
Mx4 Houseboat Moat vs NautilusNAUTINO MAXI Houseboats
The Nautilus NAUTINO MAXI Houseboat is better suited for small families compared to the Mx4 Houseboat Moat.
The exterior of the Nautilus NAUTINO MAXI Houseboat shares similarities with the Mx4 Houseboat Moat, both featuring prominent glass windows. Regardless of which boat you choose, waking up to the beautiful shoreline is a common experience.
However, due to its smaller footprint, the Nautilus NAUTINO MAXI Houseboat has a smaller living room compared to the latter. The placement of a console in the front corner of the living room limits the space available for larger tables or a television. As a result, the available space for entertainment activities is somewhat limited.
Interestingly, the Nautilus NAUTINO MAXI Houseboat departs from the traditional bedroom design, opting for an open resting area instead. It features two single berths in the stern cabin. If you have a child, you can also convert it into a three-person bed.
Despite not offering as much tabletop and spacious bathroom space as the Mx4 Houseboat Moat, the Nautilus NAUTINO MAXI Houseboat includes a terrace balcony. Accessible via a spacious and sturdy staircase, you can reach the rooftop and lounge on deck chairs, enjoying the sea breeze and picturesque views. This adds a cool dimension to the boat.
Notably, the Nautilus NAUTINO MAXI Houseboat comes with a relatively affordable price tag, which is good news for those on a tighter budget.
Mx4 Houseboat Moat vs Arkup 40 Livable Yacht
The Arkup 40 Livable Yacht features panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows standing at 7.5 feet tall, impact windows, and modern interiors that seamlessly blend you with the water and sky. In comparison to the Mx4 Houseboat Moat, it boasts a more upscale design and a more spacious interior. However, this also means you’ll need to invest a larger sum of money.
Upon entering the living room, you’ll be greeted by the spacious living area, kitchen, and dining table of the Nautilus NAUTINO MAXI Houseboat. At this moment, the sea breeze might gently lift the curtains, providing you with a cool and comfortable sensation. It breaks the notion of inconvenience associated with life on the water, as it offers a layout akin to a villa on land. Two generously long sofas provide ample seating, allowing you to invite more friends to parties while ensuring there’s plenty of relaxation space.
The bedroom of the Nautilus NAUTINO MAXI Houseboat is tucked away at the stern, ensuring privacy. Inside the bedroom, you can arrange your preferred furnishings with ample space at your disposal. Sunlight from the sea filters through the bedroom’s floor-to-ceiling windows, gently waking you from slumber in the morning.
Notably, the rooftop lounge is a major highlight. Here, you can host perfect family or friend gatherings. The two embedded seating areas, anti-slip glass fiber flooring, and side aluminum safety rails all contribute to both enjoyment and safety.
Summary
The Mx4 Houseboat Moat represents a houseboat with diverse design options. Whatever your specific needs are, its versatile layout options have you covered. Importantly, the aesthetics and quality of the furnishings it comes with are top-notch.
Of course, if it doesn’t resonate with you, that’s okay too. You can keep an eye on our homepage or directly get in touch with us. At NeoBoats, you’re sure to find the boat that suits you.
