How to Buy a Used Houseboat
A houseboat gives you the flexibility to wake up to an ideal scene--tropical paradise, fjords or your favorite fishing locale. You can travel the world without leaving your home.
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Instructions
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Enroll in a water survival class, sailing lessons and maritime Rules of the Road lessons. If you've never owned a boat and are planning to learn how to drive one, understand that boats have to go by the rules of the road. For example, if you've looked over the harbor and seen red and green markers leading out to open water, you'll learn their purpose. Fail to follow the rules and you'll get ticketed.
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Visit websites such as Forever Resorts and Houseboat magazine. Read Internet forums dealing with houseboat ownership. There's no reason to make the same mistake twice, especially since you'll be making a hefty investment. Find the best deal either through the Internet or through the newspaper.
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Watch your selected houseboat in action. Talk to the owner, and see if you could go for a ride. Obtain motion-sickness pills if you're prone to motion sickness. Go solo on the houseboat if it's never been owned. This will be a good time to bring an appraiser along. If you're buying from the owner, examine repair receipts. Ask for the latest Coast Guard inspection results.
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Armed with the appraiser's estimate, begin negotiations. Once you settle on a price, start shopping for boating insurance.
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Plan your first sailing vacation. Perhaps you could wake up to coconut trees, distant white beaches, and crystal clear water that lets you see your home's shadow on the sea floor. Or you could position yourself for front row seats to Fourth of July fireworks--or a rare parade of sails.
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