Can houseboats travel the lakes, rivers, and inland waterways?

by Jack Bosse
(Oklahoma city, Oklahoma, UNITED STATES)

Wondering if houseboats can travel the lakes, rivers, and inland waterways safely? Like to know if it is safe to travel the inland waterway on 50' houseboat? My wife and I are planning to retire and want to buy a 50' houseboar and cruise the Inland waterways.

The problem is, a yacht broker told us in e-mail, that it was not safe to use a houseboat on the inland waterways, that I should use a trawler instead.

I know its a bad idea to be in open water on the gulf,
but, why is it not safe to cruise the inland waterway in the middle of our great country?

Was he trying to scare us out of a houseboat?
If so, he has done a good job stepping on our dreams!

Thanks for any information, Jack.


Reply - Answer
Well Jack, thanks for your post, and congratulations on your decision to retire on a houseboat.

I am sure that this post will get plenty of comments and opinions, but here goes my thoughts from my perspective. You can surely use a 50 foot houseboat to travel the inland waterways, lakes, rivers, and Great Loop, however certain conditions and preparations will be necessary.

You didn't mention in your post whether you and your wife have any boating experience, so I will assume that you are beginners. You will find a short list of preparatory items to consider first:

1) Be sure to take a few of the Power Squadron Boating Courses to enhance your navigation and boating skills. They have different courses and levels, all available throughout the country.

2) Make sure that your houseboat is in tip top running condition, properly equipped, and that it suitable to handle the different weather/water conditions where you will be traveling or cruising.


3) Be aware that houseboats, cruisers, speedboats, and trawlers for that matter, can be used in inappropriate boating conditions. These conditions can be found on any river, lake or inland waterway. A safe experienced captain is always aware of the marine weather forecast!

4) You will want to decide whether you want a slower displacement style houseboat, or a faster planing hull style houseboat. You will want to decide if you want single or twin engines, gas or diesel fuel. There is many factors, and they all have their advantages and disadvantages. Take your time researching it all.

You may very well find these following links of interest to you:

Crusing and Traveling on a Houseboat

Hosueboats travel and cruise the Great Loop


In closing, enjoy your dream, and do come back and post a picture of the houseboat you choose, and let us know how the
traveling and cruising are going.



Lastly, hopefully some of our readers will share and post comments about their houseboat traveling and cruising experiences. Feel free to use the "Click here to post comments." link found near the bottom of this page.


Thanks again for sharing, IAN - from www.all-about-houseboats.com

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