Upgrades and winterize an aluminum Kingscraft Houseboat

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Upgrades and winterize an aluminum Kingscraft Houseboat

by Chez
(St Paul, MN)

A typical clean looking Kingscraft houseboat.

Going to upgrade and winterize a Kingcraft houseboat. We are closing on an all aluminum Kingscraft houseboat this week, and are looking for a spray on insulation.

We plan on a summer of upgrades and winterizing and are looking for recommendations. Yes, Sharon from Watergate, we know about Walmart!

Thanks Chez.

Reply - Answer
Well Chez, congratulations on your purchase of a aluminum Kingscraft houseboat. Those Kings Crafts are very good house boats, with plenty of space, low maintenance aluminum, and with great "classic lines".

As to Tips on How to Winterize a Houseboat, and Winter and Cold Climate Houseboat Living Tips, you will find these articles of interest to you.

In regards to "spray insulation", I know that some boaters have had great results with it. I just can't remember where I saw the information, possibly your could "google it'.

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

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

If you're still looking for information, you can try our search function, found at the bottom of the left Nav bar.

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Comments for
Upgrades and winterize an aluminum Kingscraft Houseboat

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Kings Craft houseboat quality
by: tommy gentle

I was VP of Manufacturing for Kings Craft houseboats, and I can tell you the boats we built were of top quality and can be seen in any of them around today.

The owner was a firm believer in QUALITY and stressed this to all employees. I have a lot of information I will share with anyone (free) if you need any help. my personal email is tgentle@centurytel.net

Rating

Fly Bridge for a Kingscraft
by: gary

Where can I find a fly bridge for a 1977 Kingscraft?

midsouthdig (at) gmail.com

Rating

Isolation Transformer on Houseboats?
by: ron

Do you have a isolation transformer? This will help to keep the pitting of the aluminum hull to a minimum with so much time on shore power.

Rating

Spray foam inside hull of houseboats
by: Lawrence

Hi Chez, by now you've probably gotten the answers you need to your insulating question but just in case, consider Poly-iso-cyanurate.

It is a two part spray foam that is self mixing and if applied properly can help not only insulate but prevent much of the condensation issues from the disparate water / hull temperature.

I feel Charles suggestion to have it applied by a contractor is a good idea as experience often translates to a better and safer job. This product is very similar to a one-part foam found at the retailers mentioned, but you can purchase P.I.C. best through an insulation wholesaler or retailer.

Many companies in the insulation business sell to non-contractors but bump up the price. For the large canisters of Poly-iso I have paid over $600. I have never sprayed a hull before, but have done lots of crawl spaces and knee walls etc.

There is a lot of material in the 600 twin pack, and it comes with sufficient spray tips to do the job. It is awkward since the canisters are both heavy and want to tip over in un-level areas. (Good news: it gets lighter as you use it!)

Finally, a couple of safety things:

--There must be NO open flame aboard or near by when applied.

Keep people and pets off and away until it airs out; usually a few hours with everything open but continue to vent until it dissipates.

A breather; especially a 'supplied air mask' is mandatory and can usually be found in a rental store.

Lastly:

Poly-iso breaks down with the suns U.V. so keep it covered. This may be accomplished using paint (spray on type that won't interact negative with the foam)Best to ask the supplier about types and brands.

Also, modulating the spray can be difficult as it expands when mixed at the spray tip and builds up quickly. It WANTS to build unevenly. Here is where experience comes in because to get an even job and not use more than required, it must be applied systematically with a consistent arm sweep.

It can be trimmed with a knife when cured, but its not easy to clean up a large area. Best to plan on a thin coat and add more if necessary.

And finally:
This is a job that people can do if they are handy and careful. Always check with the supplier about application and verify even the best sounding information through them. (even mine!)

Don't get this material on unwanted surfaces as I am unaware that there is anything to clean it away other than scraping when it dries. It is very sticky so always wear a has-mat suit and gloves to protect your cloths and hands though I have never had an unfavorable reaction when it got on my skin.

Hope this helps and would love feedback on your job should you decide to take it on 'Mr. Phelps'.

Good insulating to you! Lawrence.

Reply - Answer
Wow Lawrence, that was a huge amount of invaluable information on insulating houseboat hulls. I also hope that we get some feedback from anyone who applies it.

IAN from www.all-about-houseboats.com

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Submitted by: Lawrence

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Comment
Hi Chez, by now you've probably gotten the answers you need to your insulating question but just in case, consider Poly-iso-cyanurate. It is a two part spray foam that is self mixing and if applied properly can help not only insulate but prevent much of the condensation issues from the disparate water / hull temperature. I feel Charles suggestion to have it applied by a contractor is a good idea as experience often translates to a better and safer job. This product is very similar to a one-part foam found at the retailers mentioned, but you can purchase P.I.C. best through an insulation wholesaler or retailer. Many companies in the insulation business sell to non-contractors but bump up the price. For the large canisters of Poly-iso I have paid over $600. I have never sprayed a hull before, but have done lots of crawl spaces and knee walls etc. There is a lot of material in the 600 twin pack, and it comes with sufficient spray tips to do the job. It is awkward since the canisters are both heavy and want to tip over in un-level areas. (Good news: it gets lighter as you use it!) Finally, a couple of safety things: --There must be NO open flame aboard or near by when applied. Keep people and pets off and away until it airs out; usually a few hours with everything open but continue to vent until it dissipates. A breather; especially a 'supplied air mask' is mandatory and can usually be found in a rental store. Lastly: Poly-iso breaks down with the suns U.V. so keep it covered. This may be accomplished using paint (spray on type that won't interact negative with the foam)Best to ask the supplier about types and brands. Also, modulating the spray can be difficult as it expands when mixed at the spray tip and builds up quickly. It WANTS to build unevenly. Here is where experience comes in because to get an even job and not use more than required, it must be applied systematically with a consistent arm sweep. It can be trimmed with a knife when cured, but its not easy to clean up a large area. Best to plan on a thin coat and add more if necessary. And finally: This is a job that people can do if they are handy and careful. Always check with the supplier about application and verify even the best sounding information through them. (even mine!) Don't get this material on unwanted surfaces as I am unaware that there is anything to clean it away other than scraping when it dries. It is very sticky so always wear a has-mat suit and gloves to protect your cloths and hands though I have never had an unfavorable reaction when it got on my skin. Hope this helps and would love feedback on your job should you decide to take it on 'Mr. Phelps'. Good insulating to you! Lawrence. <b>Reply - Answer</b> Wow Lawrence, that was a huge amount of invaluable information on insulating houseboat hulls. I also hope that we get some feedback from anyone who applies it. IAN from www.all-about-houseboats.com

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Spray Foam Insulation for Houseboats
by: charles

Regarding spray insulation, there are contractors out there specializing in the spray foam insulation. I would recommend this.

The windows are a big problem, with so much glass area. I would talk to a reputable glass company on the options you may have.

Rating

Living in the North
by: Chez

Yes, our plans are to live on it year around. Although when the temperature dropped this January and the wind chill dropped to -27, I must admit we were glad to be snug in our apartment.

We too are planning on supplementing our power source with solar panels. Does anyonte have recommendations on a manufacturer? Thanks, Chez.

Reply - Answer
Well Chez, if you're looking for recommendations on solar panel manufacturers, to get a list of names. I hope this helps.

IAN from www.all-about-houseboats.com

Rating

Kingscraft in Red Wing?
by: Chez

Thanks for your comments. Our Kingscraft is a 55 footer also. The other picture was added by the editor of the site. We are in St. Paul would love to come for a visit to see you in the spring.

Are you wrapped up tight for the winter on land, or are you braving it in the water?

Lets keep in touch, Chez

Rating

Kingscraft
by: Dick O

Hi Chez, great looking boat. I have a 55' Kingscraft and it needs a lot of work. Hull and motors are good.

Olgote Hi, where did you get the window tracks as I need new ones too. I am in Red Wing MN, where the river doesn't freeze.

Dick O

Rating

Kingscraft houseboats and cold weather
by: Anonymous

My understanding wife and I totally re-did a '74 Kingscraft houseboat. We stay on it down to about 15 degrees. Insulation helps. Windows help. Best thing we have found is a good ole fashion electric blanket. We do love our boat !!!

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Kingscraft houseboat upgrades
by: Olgote

Kingscraft is a great houseboat, congratulations on your purchase. We are upgrading our Kingscraft as well! We put standard insulation in ours with new paneling, replaced the window tracks that were damaged and broken, and then put in new Tinted glass, sealing around new tracks when installing and the boat has really gotten airtight and easier to heat, cool. Good luck with your new venture!

Rating

Houseboat insulation
by: Gary

Hi, nice Kingscraft, they were some of the best built houseboats of their day. As far as insulation goes, you can check with Home Depot or Lowes if they are in your area. They also have web sites. Are you planning on living aboard in the winter?

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Upgrades and winterize an aluminum Kingscraft Houseboat

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Upgrades and winterize an aluminum Kingscraft Houseboat