Houseboat Designs for Pontoon, Trailerable, or Luxury models

There's Houseboat Designs for
just about any style or budget!

The subject of Houseboat Designs is never ending since style, function, and features are constantly added to provide improved functionality and practicality. They have improved incredibly since their humble beginnings.

This website is constantly being updated with new pages & information,
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Styles & Designs vary by region.

PAGE TOPICS:
The Basics on Designs
Houseboat Propulsion
Construction & Materials
Houseboat Exteriors
Houseboat Interiors
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The Basics & Terms used in Houseboat Designs

For a better understanding of the different terms and houseboat styles and designs found around the world, we've put together a small selection to show the differences. These are some of the basic houseboat styles.

Planing Houseboat The advantages of a planning hull are that with enough horsepower they can get up on plane to achieve higher speeds.
Trailerable Houseboat The trailerable boats offer the best of both sides, considering the excellent functionality and transportability. Outboards are the common engine choice.
Barge style Houseboat The barge hull style is a common model, yet offers plenty of storage space for personal effects and equipment.
Full Hull Houseboat The full hull style is popular since it is full width and provides a very stable platform for many boats in North America.
Pontoon Houseboat The pontoon houseboat can come in the twin pontoon, or the tri-pontoon design. You will see either outboards, or sterndrives. Note: The outdrive is not installed.
Displacement Houseboat The displacement style is an excellent choice for rough water, or long distance traveling. Diesel is a common engine choice for the economy and longevity.
Catamaran Houseboat Catamaran houseboats are less popular, yet offer unsurpassed economy and stability. Dual diesel engine installations are common.
Luxury Houseboat The "twin level" houseboats have to be the ultimate in size, space, comfort, and luxury. There are many available as rental units.
Floating Home Houseboat If simplicity and cost are a factor, than these floating home houseboats may be just for you. Great for fishing camps, or floating cottages.

Houseboat Propulsion choices

You will find that gasoline is the most popular propulsion option whether in single or dual installations. Diesel fuel is also available, however it is less popular in certain parts of the world. You can find Outboard, I/O Inboard Outboard, and Sterndrives as the most common types of propulsion units.

	I/O Inboard Outboard Outdrive or Stern Drives Single Engine Sterndrive Single engine installation is cheaper, yet provides less maneuverability.
	Single or Twin Inboard Twin Engine Inboard Propellers are "under" the boat. Note: The propellers are not on the shafts.
	Dual Outboards Twin Engine Outboards Easy to maintain, and a dual installation provides great handling.
	Mercruiser Stern drives Dual Engine Outdrives Mercuiser sterndrives are very popular, therefore parts are everywhere.

Houseboat Construction & Materials

If you're looking at Aluminum, Fiberglass, Steel or Wood Houseboats, each construction material has unique characteristics that have pros & cons.
To read more about the different houseboat construction material choices.

Exterior Houseboat Designs

When looking at houseboat exteriors, you will find features such as Steps, Catwalks, Ladders, Water Slides, Front Decks, Railings, Fly Bridges, etc...
Here's a sampling of different exterior features on some houseboat models.

Houseboat Catwalks
Railing with Catwalks
No railing Catwalks
Bow & Front Deck
Flybridge Houseboat
View from the Fly Bridge
Ladder or Steps to go up.