Houseboat repair, repairs, maintenance, sales and information                  Houseboats for Sale, Buy

Houseboats for sale, Houseboat for sale

Tips on Buying a Houseboat

Buying a Houseboat is a major decision. One should consider all their needs before doing so. Basically Houseboaters fall into two categories. Commonly known as boaters or floaters. Boaters are people that take their boats out and use them regularly. Floaters are people that stay in their slip and seldom if ever take them out. Both of which are relaxing and enjoyable. I mention this only because it can play a role in the equipment needed in your new houseboat. So having said that I feel that if you are considering buying a houseboat you should first rent one for a weekend.  Give some thought as to which lake you would most enjoy being on and its travel time from home. Once you have decided on the lake, it is very important to find a marina that supplies your needs. Examples, Sewage pump outs (at slip or other),other meaning you have to drive your boat over to stationary pump out location,  year round or seasonal water supply, well stocked ships store, restaurant, on site mechanic, location of your new slip? How hard or easy would it be to get in and out of?  And of course what the monthly cost are for the slip and services.

Do you want a quieter area or a busier area of the marina? Now for the houseboat. Try to think of your long term needs. The size of your family can and should dictate the size of the houseboat. How many bedrooms and bathrooms are needed? What equipment is important and what is not. Should you be looking at new or used? I think this decision depends largely on your ability to maintain and make repairs on the houseboat. There are many well kept used houseboats out there. There are many houseboats out there that appear great to an untrained eye but could be in need of major repairs. This is where a well respected experienced broker comes into play. A real plus to consider in a used houseboat is what comes with it. In most cases everything that's there with the exception of personal items goes with it. Deck furniture, small appliances, towels, dishes, pots and pans, décor, audio video equipment etc. This can easily be an added value of 15k to 20k depending on what's there and staying.  When choosing a broker ask about his experience and for a list of clients he or she has represented and contact them with questions. Brokers generally do not cross broker. It's more like talking to a sales person in the car business and he or she generally will only be able to show their new lines they represent and or the used houseboats they have listed. Just because you see a houseboat listed for sell somewhere doesn't mean your broker could show it to you. This is usually 180 from the housing market. This can be very challenging but manageable. Take your time and look at a lot of houseboats and make notes on what you like in size, floorplans, and equipment. Something very important is the location of the houseboat and the location you want it at. If that dictates moving the houseboat to another lake that adds considerable cost to the purchase. The cost depends on the size houseboat and distance moved. This can easily cost 15k to 25k and more for this service.  Something also to be aware of  is the sales tax. In most states the sales tax is paid in full when purchased. Here in Tennessee the rate is 7% and a cap on the local tax of  $88.00  Example; $250,000.00 x 7% = $17,500.00 + $88.00 = $17,588.00  There has been many new buyers unaware of this and it has really ruined their day. Don't forget however that if you're Houseboat is used this could be offset with the extras on board. It's a good idea to seek a lender if one will be needed and I would discuss my options with them and for lack of better terms get pre-approved for the Houseboat I'm qualified to purchase and can afford. Remember you have other fixed cost related to owning a houseboat. You have your mortgage, slip fees, insurance, operational cost, maintenance and repairs. Now let's assume you have found the houseboat you desire, the next step is very critical. I recommend strongly locating and retaining a good, reputable and experienced surveyor that has houseboat knowledge. I would not use one suggested by the broker or the owner. I want a surveyor that represents me and has only my best interest in mind. The charge for this is yours to pay and is the best money you spend in the purchase.  Now if the houseboat you purchase is new, this becomes far less important because the houseboat should have a factory warranty. These vary from manufacture to manufacture. Verbal statements are just that make sure you have what you need in writing.  I also suggest if buying new ask for names of people that have bought and contact them. Are they happy with this company's service after the sale?

In closing I hope I haven't scared you away from owning a houseboat. I can think of nothing else that has brought so much enjoyment in to our lives.

Uncle Rick