Houseboat Living - Are houseboats good to live mortgage free?

by Amanda
(Virginia City MT)

Living on a used houseboat, and mortgage free?

Thinking of living on a houseboat, and wonder if I can live mortgage free on a house boat? I am looking to purchase a houseboat to live aboard while I return to college.

Is anyone familiar with a 1972 Gibson houseboat? I have found one that I like on the internet, which is located in close proximity where I want to return to school (1200 miles from me).

The seller has not wanted to help me with much information, simply stating that it is in the yard on blocks and he knows nothing about it. He couldn't even advise me if there is a shower on the boat!

Before I make the trip to go houseboat shopping, does anyone know the pros / cons to this type of houseboat? Does it have a shower? Any help would be good, I'm very excited to buy a boat, but want to make sure I make a sound decision.

My budget is limited as I want to pay cash for a boat and live "mortgage free" while I'm in law school, therefore I do understand you get what you pay for.

Help! anyone with any information on Gibson houseboats would be great.

Thanks a lot, Amanda.


Reply - Answer
Well Amanda, congratulations on your decision to look at houseboat living, and hopefully mortgage free while in college.

Now, the cold hard facts, I love living on a houseboat, yet it is not for everyone, and the decision is not to be taken lightly. There is some HOMEWORK to do first and look at before a decision can be made.

I can understand you're feelings and excitement about the great possibilities of life on a houseboat, yet I would want you to look at some of the realities first.


1) You would need to first find a marina that would allow houseboat live aboards, and consider the cost all the associated costs. Some do, and some don't.

2) Used older houseboats can be quite a buying challenge, and some are in good shape, and some are in terrible condition. You would need to be survey a houseboat before purchase to determine condition, value, and future needed repairs.

3) Are you handy with tools and mechanically inclined? Or would you require outside help to fix or repair the boat. More expense if you need a lot of outside help.

4) Do you have any boating experience, or would you be able to take a safe boating course.

5) With the college workload, would you have the time to fix, repair, or maintain an older used houseboat?

6) The idea of living mortgage free on a houseboat is an appealing one, you would however have to budget some extra money, or have a cushion, for other regular and miscellaneous expenses.



Now don't get me wrong, I love living on a houseboat, and it does bring me GREAT JOY, yet it does have its moments and expenses.

I just want you to look into some of the preliminary background details before running out and buying a houseboat.

Now, in response to your original question about if a 1972 Gibson houseboat has a shower, and yes they generally have one.

One last note, I am curious as to why the seller isn't providing any info, unless he is not the owner? hmmmm. What's the story with that.

So, in closing, enjoy doing your preliminary homework, and do let us know what you decide, or buy...



Lastly, hopefully some of our readers will share and post comments about their mortgage free houseboat living 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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