Roof upper deck strength on Sumerset Houseboats

by Spike
(Maryville, TN)

Is the roof and upper decks on older steel Sumerset houseboats strong enough to have people on it?

I had written earlier, about my husband and I buying a 1975 Sumerset Houseboat with a steel hull. My question now is regarding the stability or strength of the roof/upper levels on these houseboats.

Can you walk, or hang out on the top of these house boats? My husband wants to clean the roof, and put some coating on it to protect the top, but is it okay to be on the roof.

It's not laid out like some of the newer houseboat models where you can party and sunbath, if you know what I mean. Thanks, Spike.


Reply - Answer
Well Spike, congratulations is in order on your purchase of a clean, good looking, Summerset houseboat. I'm sure you will really enjoy it. :)

As to being concerned about being up on the roof, don't worry about it, since the roof structure is designed to handle some weight. All of this considering, that the roof isn't damaged, and is structurally sound.

Use your better judgment, and don't put 50 people up there dancing, but you should be fine with half a dozen or so. Most houseboat roofs that I have been on have always been a little springy, which gives a feeling that it can't support the weight.

The idea of cleaning and preparing the surface of the roof deck, and applying an appropriate roof coating, is a smart preventative measure. As with all boats, the roofs can take a beating from the sun and all the elements, and leaks can occur with time.


Lastly, hopefully some of our readers will share and post comments about their houseboat roof & upper deck experiences.


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

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