The 9 Best Houseboats of 2024

Currently, the surging trend of purchasing houseboats is causing quite a stir in the buyer’s market. Limited land living space and the exorbitant costs of real estate are driving more and more people to opt for a life on the water.

Houseboats are becoming popular not only among the younger generation but also among retirees who use them for leisure or a second home. For nature enthusiasts seeking to escape the urban living environment, waking up to the serene beauty of a lake and breathing in fresh air has become the most sought-after lifestyle.

To make it easier for houseboat enthusiasts to find their perfect fit, we meticulously tested dozens of popular models on the market and handpicked the 9 most iconic houseboats. In the following sections, we will walk you through their strengths and weaknesses one by one. We hope this article provides you with valuable insights.

For specific details about these houseboats, refer to the recommended table below and our buying advice.

Recommended List

Boats	Bedrooms	USD	Max. Person Capacity
Mx4 Houseboat Moat	2	$663,000	12
INTERCORPORA STILET	1	$299,000	4
2023 Transportable Houseboat Seafarers Stronghold	0	$49,800	25
BOAT A HOME Escape 2	0	$104,990	4
Nautilus Nautino MAXI	0	$267,000	7
2023 Boat House Apartment H2O Park	2	$99,900	6
CARACAT 66	0	$129,900	4
Savanti 31 Docksider	1	$175,000	6
Baikal 14 Houseboat	4	$770,000	12

Vacation-Ready Houseboat: Mx4 Houseboat Moat ($663,000)

Length x Beam: 13.15 m x 5.40 m

Draught: 0.65 m

Living area space: 30m²

Material: STEEL/ALUMINIUM

What we like: Sturdy hull, solar panel design, and family-friendly room layout.

What we didn’t like: Lack of essential kitchen amenities, high price.

If you and your family are tired of the mundane land-based lifestyle and yearn for a unique experience on the water, the Mx4 Houseboat Moat can fulfill your wishes.

As you spend a delightful day aboard the Mx4 Houseboat Moat, you’ll find it hard to believe you’re on the water if not for the unobstructed lake view through the fully transparent floor-to-ceiling windows of the living room. The Mx4 Houseboat Moat boasts a robust and spacious hull, providing you with a stable living area. Its second-deck features sizable solar panels that harness solar energy on sunny days for everyday use. This not only cuts down on living costs but also contributes to environmental sustainability.

Notably, the Mx4 Houseboat Moat is exceptionally suited for family living. It offers not only two separate and roomy bedrooms but also a massive living room with a foldable TV and comfortable sofas. Just imagine how delightful it is for the whole family to snuggle up on the couch, munching on chips, and watching a movie at night. Furthermore, its bathroom design adopts a wet-dry separation layout, sparing you the inconvenience of a wet toilet seat during baths.

As mentioned earlier, it’s best suited for family vacation stays due to its limited space, which led to the omission of a kitchen. However, a kitchen is essential for day-to-day life. If you’re seeking permanent residence on a fixed vessel, this might not be the best fit. Additionally, its starting price is indeed quite steep, a major reason it hasn’t become a common sight among houseboats.

Excellent Solid Trimaran Houseboat: INTERCORPORA STILET ($299,000)

Length x Beam: 11.50m x 4.36m

ENGINE: 30 – 150HP

LIVING AREA: 22m²

TOTAL AREA: 67 m²

What we like: Thoughtful room layout, expansive second deck, and robust hull.

What we don’t like: Limited capacity.

The INTERCORPORA STILET is a stylish aluminum houseboat that offers an exceptional and durable living platform for a cozy small family.

With a highly practical room layout, stepping onto the INTERCORPORA STILET gives you an instant feeling of home. Imagine coming home after work, stepping onto the boat, and seeing your partner preparing a delicious dinner in the kitchen. You can head to the room on the left, change into comfortable loungewear, and relish the joys of home life. Your children are on the couch behind you, watching TV and eagerly sharing the interesting things that happened to them today. It’s truly the happiest moment after a tiring day of work.

During weekends, you can invite friends over to your waterside abode. The mini bar at the bow provides the perfect setting for engaging conversations. As night falls, you can take your kids to the expansive and sturdy fiberglass ladder, leading to the spacious second deck, where you can have a barbecue or play games. There’s no need to worry about neighbors complaining about the noise. You’re surrounded only by the serene beauty of the lake and a tranquil atmosphere.

However, we often ponder how perfect it would be if there were a more spacious version, broadening its appeal to a wider audience. If your family isn’t too large, then it can certainly be the ideal choice for your long-term residence.

Unique Style Houseboat: 2023 Transportable Houseboat Seafarers Stronghold ($49,800)

Length x Beam: 13.50m x 3.00m

Match Max. HP: 300HP

Fuel capacity: 90L

Beam width: 3m

What we like: Affordability, versatile seating layout, and unique design.

What we didn’t like: The seating isn’t the most comfortable.

Most houseboats offer a platform for living on the water. In our search for exceptional houseboats, we came across the 2023 Transportable Houseboat Seafarers Stronghold. It challenges our conventional understanding of houseboats, as it’s not solely designed to provide a comfortable living space for users.

The manufacturers put careful thought into designing this vessel, considering the dilemma faced by large groups with substantial luggage when choosing between costly ferries and cramped, uncomfortable conventional boats. This model combines transportation with a houseboat concept, ingeniously merging a sturdy hull with a three-pontoon bottom and spacious seating to cater to these customers’ needs.

As a result, the 2023 Transportable Houseboat Seafarers Stronghold not only serves as a ferry for large groups and cargo transport but also offers enhanced comfort for passengers. With amenities like a living room, kitchen, shower, toilet, and outdoor terrace, it provides a more comfortable and convenient riding experience.

However, due to its price point, the seating design isn’t optimized for exceptional comfort given its capacity of accommodating up to 25 passengers. Yet, for transporting goods, the seating arrangement allows staff to have better rest in the lounge. Passengers heading to campsites or attractions won’t feel the journey as arduous. We believe this minor drawback wouldn’t dissatisfy those with budget constraints. Of course, if it’s a concern, higher-budget options are worth considering.

Best Camping Boat for Easy Carrying: BOAT A HOME Escape 2 ($104,990)

Length x Beam: 7.90m x 2.40m

Dry weight: 2200 kg

Draft: 0.3m

What we liked: Essential living amenities, solar panels on the deck for cost-saving power supply.

What we didn’t like: Limited free space for movement on the boat.

Do you enjoy cruising down waterways in a houseboat with your family for extended trips that last weeks? The BOAT A HOME Escape 2 can easily make your spontaneous getaways with family a reality. With its compact 7.90m length and 2.40m width, it’s not only easily towable but also offers comfortable and convenient waterborne living for you and your loved ones.

The BOAT A HOME Escape 2 embodies the concept of a convertible layout throughout its design. You’d hardly believe it until you see it – this small houseboat is equipped with a living room, kitchen, lounge, and bathroom, providing everything you need for daily living.

To ensure your extended journeys are worry-free, it features a 115-liter fuel tank that supports your exploration to the fullest. Additionally, its deck is fitted with two 160-watt solar panels, allowing you to harness energy from sunlight for power during regular usage. This not only saves costs but also avoids emissions and noise pollution.

Regrettably, its space is quite limited. If you’re considering purchasing this boat, be prepared for the fact that there might not be ample space for extensive movement once you’re back onboard. If this isn’t a concern and you have a sufficient budget, don’t miss out on this boat!

Stylish Catamaran Pontoon Boat: Nautilus Nautino MAXI ($267,000)

Length x Beam:10.90m×3.6m

Draught: 0.60m

Living area: 18.0m²

What we like: Optimal utilization of compact space, and versatile layout in the rear lounge.

What we didn’t like: Lack of a kitchen, limited space.

The Nautilus Nautino MAXI makes perfect use of its compact body space, and we believe it’s better suited for couples or close young friends to share. Due to its limited space, it doesn’t have separate rooms. Living there with anyone other than close friends might compromise privacy. For families with children, there’s also insufficient room for activities.

However, if you and your partner aren’t planning on having children and share a love for life on the water, it could be an excellent choice. Despite its modest size, it features essential amenities like a living room and bathroom. The two single beds at the stern can be rearranged into a triple bed configuration, offering more spacious resting space. I should note, though, that it doesn’t include a kitchen layout. If cooking isn’t your thing, this might suit you perfectly!

We’ve also noticed that many companies acquire the Nautilus Nautino MAXI as a workplace or rest area for employees. Its layout is indeed well-suited for leisure or even office work. People not only can navigate it on the water but also take a quick nap in the single-person rest area at the stern during lunch breaks. This implies a departure from the conventional houseboat layout, catering to customers with specific needs.

Best Choice for Long-Term Housing Boat: 2023 Boat House Apartment H2O Park ($99,900)

Length x Beam: 12.50m x 4.00m

What we like: Affordability, stylish full glass design, spacious outdoor terrace, and sensible room layout.

What we don’t like: Open-concept kitchen.

The 2023 Boat House Apartment H2O Park offers the ultimate platform for vacationing or everyday living for you and your family. Its stylish all-glass exterior not only captures attention effortlessly on the water but also presents you with the beautiful lake scenery as you wake up, starting your day on a joyful note.

Commendably, the 2023 Boat House Apartment H2O Park not only includes all essential amenities for your daily life but also enhances your waterborne experience with high-end quality. Whether it’s the comfortable sofas, the entertaining TV, or the powerful air conditioning, they all envelop you in a homely warmth.

Unfortunately, the kitchen arrangement in the 2023 Boat House Apartment H2O Park is positioned centrally and is of open-concept design. This isn’t ideal for smoke and odor dispersion. However, the boat supports the installation of a range hood device, and at the very least, opening doors and windows in the living area can help dissipate smoke and odors.

Additionally, the second deck of the 2023 Boat House Apartment H2O Park features a spacious outdoor terrace. You can arrange a circle of sofas here and invite friends to your waterside home for parties. Alternatively, set up comfortable lounge chairs for sunbathing with your family. In case of rain, you can raise the large bimini top to protect your furniture.

In summary, the 2023 Boat House Apartment H2O Park is a platform that can provide a wonderful life for you and your family. Given its equivalent price range, it’s challenging to find a houseboat of such excellence.

Worthwhile Investment Houseboat: CARACAT 66 ($129,900)

LENGTH: 6.6m

What we like: Versatile living platform, stylish and durable interior, comfortable sunbathing deck.

What we don’t like: Small living spaces can be a bit depressing after a long stay. 

As an innovative blend of a camper and a small boat, the CARACAT 66 provides an excellent platform for many young individuals or families who seek to camp on weekends or explore waterfront landscapes.

As previously mentioned, the CARACAT 66 serves as a platform for camping on both water and land. This means it can cater to all your outdoor living needs. With front and rear sofa lounges on its compact body, both convertible into double beds, it accommodates sleeping space for four. Between the two lounges lies a bathroom equipped with a toilet, sink, and shower, ensuring you and your family maintain the best travel conditions on the water.

On the opposite side of the rear lounge, there’s a kitchen featuring an electric stove, refrigerator, microwave, sink, and wine cabinet. We believe these amenities provide ample comfort akin to home for travelers on the go.

Although the CARACAT 66’s leather- and Alcantara-trimmed, teak-floored interior is visually appealing and durable, its small interior space isn’t suitable for extended daytime stays. To address this, it includes small balconies at the bow and stern, along with an expanded sunbathing deck utilizing the flat roof. Here, you can set up a table for nighttime conversations with your family or admire the beautiful lakeside scenery.

We believe that for families who frequently camp or aspire to waterborne travel, the CARACAT 66 is the optimal choice, combining practicality, aesthetics, and comfort.

Excellent Catamaran Houseboat: Savanti 31 Docksider ($175,000)

Beam: 2.5 m

What we like: Stylish exterior, spacious living area, cruise-friendly engine.

What we don’t like: The cost of living might not be inexpensive.

Eco-Sea Cottages is a houseboat builder located in the Pacific Northwest, and they’ve designed the Savanti, a stylish houseboat built on a catamaran hull. The Savanti 31 Docksider catches the eyes with its futuristic look as it passes through crowds.

So why is the Savanti 31 Docksider becoming increasingly popular among boat buyers? Well, there are good reasons. First, it combines real wood, transparent glass windows, and a sturdy white hull, making it not only stylish but also ensuring privacy for your daily life.

Second, it breaks the traditional notion of cramped living space in houseboats with its arched interior ceiling. Even if you’re over 6 feet tall, you won’t feel confined on this boat.

Next, it offers the essential amenities for daily living: a kitchen with a double-door fridge with freezer, stove/oven, microwave, and dishwasher; a separate bedroom with a wardrobe; a wet/dry bathroom; and a spacious living area. These provide you with an apartment-like refined living environment.

Furthermore, its matched engine can achieve speeds of up to 14 miles per hour, perfect for cruising rivers and coastal bays.

However, it doesn’t have as many solar panels as many boats do nowadays, so living on this boat might incur higher costs. If you have a sufficient budget and you and your family are looking for a vessel that can accompany your new way of life, it could be the best living platform for you for decades to come.

Best Water Party Helper: Baikal 14 Houseboat ($770,000)

Length x Beam: 14.00m x 6.00m

Draft: 0.6m

Max. Speed: 20-50

What we like: Abundant cabins suitable for group trips, spacious and fully functional flybridge, powerful engines.

What we don’t like: The price is too high.

The Baikal 14 Houseboat, as a robust and stylish catamaran houseboat, easily fulfills your idea of hosting joyful parties on the water with friends.

The Baikal 14 Houseboat features four cabins, a saloon, bathrooms, a sauna room, and a massive flybridge. Moreover, it comes fully equipped with furniture, household appliances, and everything needed for both living and traveling, all perfectly realized on this boat. The spacious flybridge boasts sofas, a mini bar, a barbecue grill, a sink, and sunbathing beds, providing you and your family or friends the pleasure of enjoying the journey while feeling the breeze from the lake at night.

It also boasts two engines ranging from 60 to 150 horsepower, providing you with the desired speed that’s more than enough for speed enthusiasts. Due to its roomy hull, it’s equipped with two control stations – one in the saloon and another on the flybridge – so even when you’re steering the boat, you don’t necessarily have to be far from group activities.

However, purchasing it does require a considerable investment. Unless you have a large family, for the average household, the boat’s space might be too vast. We believe the Baikal 14 Houseboat leans more towards a rental option for short trips with family or friends.

Buying Advice

• What is the average price of a houseboat?
• What should you consider when buying a houseboat?
• Should you buy a new or used houseboat?
• Can you live on a houseboat year-round?
• Is living on a houseboat cheaper?

What is the average price of a houseboat?

We’ve also conducted data research and found that the average price of a houseboat is around $145,000. However, prices vary greatly based on their layouts and features. Some boats look more like traditional houses, while others appear more boat-like.

Currently, the most popular houseboat style is the flat pontoon hull with four walls and a roof on top. Many of these houseboats come with a full second floor or at least a deck, allowing owners to relax on the deck and connect with the water. Consequently, the prices of such houseboats are generally high, often exceeding $150,000.

Luckily, we’ve also listed two budget-friendly houseboats – the 2023 Boat House Apartment H2O Park and the BOAT A HOME Escape 2. Especially the 2023 Boat House Apartment H2O Park, it’s well-equipped, performs excellently, and serves as both a waterborne transport and a floating home, highly practical.

What should you consider when buying a houseboat?

When selecting a houseboat, your main considerations should be your lifestyle and how you plan to use the boat.

Do you cook frequently? Do you have pets? Do you prefer spacious or compact spaces? These preferences and your daily routines should all be taken into account. It’s easy to make a mistake if you feel that the houseboat doesn’t meet your lifestyle expectations. When weighing the pros and cons of living on a houseboat, approach it rationally, as buying a houseboat is a significant investment. Regretting the decision later, when living on the houseboat becomes inconvenient, is too late.

Your intended activities with the boat also determine the type of houseboat you should buy. For instance, if you plan to use the houseboat only on weekends and holidays, you might consider living-style or long-distance cruising models. Those who want to host frequent gatherings on the water for family and friends might opt for larger, more well-equipped boats.

Should you buy a new or used houseboat?

Both new and used houseboats have their advantages, and the choice depends on your primary needs.

Undoubtedly, a brand-new houseboat usually allows you to customize colors and features to your liking and offers a premium user experience. If budget isn’t a concern, investing in your dream new houseboat is worthwhile.

If you’re budget-conscious, don’t worry. The used houseboat market is vast nowadays, and with enough patience, you can find an ideal second-hand houseboat. However, we must admit that while used boats might have a lower purchase price, their maintenance and resale costs are typically higher than those of brand-new vessels.

Fortunately, our recommended list includes several budget-friendly and feature-rich houseboats. For those considering long-term living on the water, the 2023 Boat House Apartment H2O Park, priced under $100,000, offers exceptional value. The CARACAT 66, with a more comprehensive kitchen, is also a good option.

Can you live on a houseboat year-round?

Living on a houseboat year-round is entirely possible, and many people do just that. Typically, houseboats come equipped with all the necessary areas and amenities for daily life, such as bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms. It’s just that houseboats require more maintenance compared to traditional homes, and the space is usually more limited. But for those willing to embrace a lifestyle change and who enjoy nature, a houseboat offers a secure and comfortable home.

During winter when water freezes, you might need to relocate to a warmer area for accommodation. Fortunately, heating systems like air conditioning and radiant heating have become essential features of modern houseboats.

Is living on a houseboat cheaper?

Yes, living on a houseboat is often considered more cost-effective. Houseboats have lower initial purchase costs, and you’re exempt from property taxes and HOA fees. Instead, you’ll pay slip and dock rental fees, insurance, and sales tax. Of course, you’ll also need to regularly pay for pump-out services to manage wastewater.

All in all, it’s more economical than owning a traditional home. The annual average cost of living on a houseboat is around $6,000 to $12,000. This is one of the reasons many retirees choose houseboat living after retirement.

Summary

If you love waterborne living and the prospect of waking up to beautiful views, purchasing a houseboat can be the start of a wonderful lifestyle. Many people find joy in owning a houseboat, while some regret their decisions due to not considering their specific needs upfront. Choosing the right houseboat for you is crucial, taking into account various factors. However, once you find the perfect fit, it’s all worth it.

Overall, we hope that this article has provided you with some assistance in finding the right houseboat for you. We wish you a swift and successful purchase of the houseboat that suits your needs. If you appreciate the buying advice we’ve shared, feel free to pass it on to friends who are also interested in houseboats. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter as well; we’ll continue to release blogs on various types of boats. Thank you for your support!