Chris Craft Aquahome houseboat

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Chris Craft Aquahome houseboat

by John C.
(Canada)

Chris Craft Aqua Home model Houseboat 1971

This Chris Craft Aquahome houseboat was an oldie, but definitely a favorite houseboat, since it was in impeccable shape and it always got great comments from other boaters.

This was my first Twin engine houseboat with Merc V6's that I owned, and it served me well. It was a great boat to spend the summers living aboard since it had Air Conditioning for those hot humid nights.

These have lots of storage, and room for two people to live on comfortably. It had a full shower, and galley, so that my wife could create her amazing creations in the kitchen.

We ended up selling the ChrisCraft so that we could buy a "bigger boat", don't we always end up buying a bigger boat :)

It has a special memory in my heart, and I hope that the new owners are taking care of it.

John C.

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Chris Craft Aquahome houseboat

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Looking for HIN-other than on houseboat transoms?
by: J. Hicks

Hello Everyone, I am the proud new owner of a 1971 Chris Craft Aqua Home houseboat. I am trying to find the Hull Id number. I have checked the transom. Anyone have another idea? It needs a lot of repair but I am excited about the prospect.

Reply - Answer
If I remember correctly, the Hull ID is located in the forward hatch compartment on the port side, and it is impregnated in the fiberglass hull. I hope this helps.

IAN from www.all-about-houseboats.com

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440's were Nautalines
by: Houseboat John

The Chris Craft Aqua Homes came through with FW cooled Chris Craft 327 Q Engines. (one standard and one opposite rotation) They were 4 bolt chevy or GM blocks with the Flywheel facing aft.

The Paragon Transmissions were attached to (the nose) where the damper pulley would be (facing the bow) and that was attached to the V-Drive. 440's were used on 43' Nautaline Houseboats with Velvet Drives and Dana Outdrives. I've owned a 72 Aquahome for over 20 years

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Aqua Home houseboat, 1972, 46 ft
by: Jim-St Louis

My dear dear sweetheart has a 1972 Aqua Home that hasn't moved out of the slip in 10 years, nor been pulled ( I think I saw a tree growing at the water line).

Wondering about the integrity of these hulls and propensity for blistering. Anyone have first hand experience with these "really thick" hulls. Are they also really porous as well?

The bilge and stringers look wonderful, and the boat has twin 372's with V-drives and an Onan generator. It's 46 feet and without the upper helm station.

The heavily oxidized blue hull seems to buff out nicely when tested. Of course she wants to make it pretty again which I'm not opposed to, but I'd like to have an idea what we are in for when we pull it soon. The rails look to be teak?

Gets plenty of water around the engine hatches but previous post gave a nice solution for that.... Any other gotchas on this boat? Thanks, Jim

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1971 AQUAHOME 46 houseboat
by: fasterbass/Lee Davis

Last year I purchased a 50 percent restored Aquahome 46 in the Birmingham AL area. They tell me the missing motors were 327 chevys. They were in backwards or flywheel forward.

I bought a set of Borg Warner type bell housings and test fit a 350 chevy with oil pan and when the driveshaft coupling mated up flat we had an inch clearance on bell housing and oil pan. Now we are repowering with modern equipment!

We have replaced all thru hulls with bronze graco valves. I sawed out the drain rails aroud the engine lids and relined holes with a dam 1 inch above deck and made lids out of aluminum to lay over dam rails, no more leaks to the engine room.

All the controls and gauges work, all new lights and fridge. Beginning to install an Electrosan, while the engines make a trip through a local machine shop.

Had a lot of blister repair, but now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, I hope it aint a truck comin!

I would like to see and hear more about these boats.

Lee Davis
fasterbass@bham.rr.com

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Traditional design for the 1970s
by: Anonymous

These Chris Aqua Home houseboats were laid out in a very professional, space preserving way and make great , modern boats even for today .

I find the more we tamper with a good simple design the more we chance making it look like a trailer house.

Chris made every boat in a high class method , and had a team of marine architects who knew hull design - unlike some of the modern era cruisers which kick up damaging wakes wherever they cruise .

The Deep blue hulls of these Aqua homes should always be kept polished - stunners on the water .

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1970 46' Aqua Home houseboat engines & gears
by: peachtree bill

I just "Googled" Chris Craft Aqua Home and was directed to your site - "what a thrill". I took delivery of a 46' Aqua Home houseboat in May 1970.

It was equipped for salt water with a 6 1/2 Kw Onan and closed water cooling system. I owned, operated and maintained this beauty, which became a part of my life , until the late 1990s.

"Showtime" came with twin 327QA GM (Buick) engines and V-drives (known as reverse gears). I have pulled as many as six water skiiers at one time thanks to the tremendous torque.

There was a larger engine later available which would not pair up with the original v-drives. Replacement drives are almost impossible to find.

FYI, there was a great pictorial article in the Feb. 1970 article of Playboy Magazine. The cute little blond was a bunny whom I dated for several months. Wish you the best.

Reply - Answer
Well PeachTree Bill, thanks a lot for sharing the 1970 Chris Craft info, and it sounds as the 1970's were a great time for you :)

IAN from www.all-about-houseboats.com

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Hot tub engine compartment?
by: Luv Tub husband (John)

Outboards with hot tub in the engine compartment??? ...I'm making sure my wife doesn't see this. She happens to be my general contractor in the renovation of our 33 ft Chris Craft.

We did all the wrecking last fall, and we're in the re-building phase. It's always too much DEStruction and not enough CONstruction.

I've just completed fiberglassing the top lounge deck. The galley cupboards are due to arrive on Friday. The wall panels are sitting in the garage. The entire cabin has been reinforced and insulated for noise and by default, flotation.

I attach a couple pictures to show our true destructive forces.
Regardless, we hope to be afloat before the end June....2009.
Stay tuned... Ooops, how do I post pictures?

Reply - Answer
Well John, glad to hear about the "destruction / construction". If you wanted to upload a picture, you would have to start a new post.

IAN from www.all-about-houseboats.com

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Excited new Chris Craft houseboat owner
by: Dotty

We just purchased a 1986 46' Chris Craft Aqua Home that does not have any motors in it. We are considering putting outboards on it, and filling in the engine compartment with a hot tub.

We would love to get specs of the boat for all wiring, tanks, etc. We can't wait to make it our true home.

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What transmissions?
by: Anonymous

Did they have V drives or straight inboards ? im looking at a 71 46 ft aqua home and it also has no engines, and I'm wondering what transmissions will be needed??

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Memories of the Aqua Home Houseboat
by: Kenney Gaspard

My Uncle just passed, but for ten years he and my Aunt lived on the 46' Chris Craft Aqua Home. What memories it brings back. We had a blast on that houseboat, and since I was young I was always there with them on the boat (so much so that my Father would constantly remind me that I was his son, not theirs).

It's a shame they don't make these anymore. It was a fine craft that served us well. Looked just like yours in the picture, except the hull was deep navy blue that was breathtaking when it was polished.

Reply-Answer
Kenney, I am sorry to hear about your uncle. But I wanted to thank you for sharing your sweet memories with us.

IAN from www.all-about-houseboats.com

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1967 44' Capri Houseboat
by: Anonymous

I am trying to find the manufacturer that made our houseboat. It is a beautiful vintage boat with a pointy front bow that scoops up to rail height. We where trying to sell her and can't find any comparables. I read that perhaps Capri became Chris Craft. Has anyone heard of a Capri Houseboat?

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Just bought a ChrisCraft houseboat
by: BillyRay

Just bought a 1973, 34' Chris Craft Aquahome, I haven't gotten the transporting done yet. While I wait, looking for as much info as I can find. All I am getting in search is adds to buy. Do you know a web site that will give me info and tips to care for the little things? Thanks Billy Ray; Fort Smith, Arkansas

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46 Chris-Craft Aqua Home houseboat wanted.
by: Anonymous

I grew up admiring this houseboat when I was a kid, and would like to find one now to enjoy with my family. I don't care for the newer '84-'86 version, so if someone can steer me in the right direction, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks.

Reply from IAN of all-about-houseboats
Well, I would recommend having an occasional look at the websites listed on our Houseboat Classified page. About halfway down the page, you will find the names. I hope this helps.

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Houseboat re-modelling
by: Luv Tub owner's husband

Isn't houseboat ownership great? We brought the new family jewel (33' Chris-Craft) home for the winter. The galley and crew quarters (the booth) have been completely gutted with all windows removed for structural repairs.

Christmas presents are now new cupboards, counters, wall panelling, inverters etc.

We've signed on with America's Great Loop Association and hope to float her down to Florida (from Lake Simcoe, Ontario) for the 2010-11 Winter.

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Here goes with a ChrisCraft houseboat
by: Jerry D.

I have just purchased a 1968 Chris Craft Houseboat that is 34' and has a single 283 engine. It was Love at first sight. She's beautiful. I surprised my wife and she actually cried Happy Tears. (Offer contingent on her apporval.)

It will be moored in Saugatuck, Mi. which is our paradise. Any and all input will be appreciated. Previous ownership experience is limited to a Pontoon that we had for several years. JD.

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Engine advice for Chris Craft Aquahome houseboat
by: Anonymous

I'm considering the purchase of a 46' Aquahome that is currently without engines. The shafts and props are in place, but I have no idea what engines were in it originally or will fit.

Would appreciate any help/advice from someone with experience in this area. TIA, Michael.

Reply - Answer
Well Michael, if my memory serves me right, I think the engines were Chrysler 440's.

IAN from www.all-about-houseboats.com

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Finally found it
by: Love Tub's new owner

While waiting for friends to join us at a coffee shop, my wife spotted at 33 ft Chris-Craft houseboat in a nearby holding yard. It had a FOR SALE sign ...

To make the long story short, we inquired and my wife now owns a 33 ft Chris-Craft with twin V6 Volvo's and she has it all re-designed before a sea-trial, set for later this week.

I'd be grateful for any comments from previous or present owners of this type of houseboat.

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We Love our ChrisCraft Aqua Home Houseboat
by: Kathy Schultz

My husband and I rescued a 33 foot 1969 Chris Craft Aqua Home Houseboat a couple of years ago. We are still in the process of remodeling.... but we love our houseboat. It's permanently moored on Lake Couer d'Alene, Idaho.

You are correct, we have a wonderful galley, remodeled head/bath, living room.... and where the dining area was located in the wheel room, we have turned it into a master bedroom.

We know everything about this old gal, as we gutted the interior and replaced everything. We will start on the exterior later this year. I can't imagine trading up........but I suppose someday we might want to do that. This houseboat is perfect for 2 people all the time and company once in awhile. *smiling* I will try to post pictures, technical specs and more information on my own page....at a later date. Thanks for sharing. Kathy

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Oldies, but Goodies
by: Louis

My neighbor had one, and I was impressed with the space and layout. He had Chrysler 318's in it and it would fly across the water.

You're picture brought back great memories, Thanks.

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Chris Craft Aquahome houseboat

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Chris Craft Aquahome houseboat