We’ve all had the fantasy. You’re a successful business person who has made it big, or you’re just someone with some time on your hands and want to go out and enjoy nature. Maybe you want to go out on the water for a few days and enjoy the scenery. Perhaps you want to live on it full time, cruising from one place to another. Whatever the reason, you decide to buy a houseboat and live on it.
Whatever your reasons, you will need some good information to get started. Where are the best places to a houseboat in the US? What do you need to know before buying a boat? How do you ensure that your dream doesn’t turn into a nightmare?
You’ll find all the information you need here. We have done some research for you, and we can point to 11 great places where houseboating is a popular pastime.
The 11 Best and Most Affordable Places to Houseboat in the US
There are many places to a houseboat in the United States, but these are some of the best and most affordable options.
Some of the best places to houseboat include:
1. Lake Texoma
This lake is in Oklahoma and is home to many people who want to live on a boat. The lake is about 60 miles long and runs through parts of the states of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The cost of renting a ship varies, but it typically runs between $650-$1,250 per month. This is a great place to live on a boat because the area has many amenities, and it’s close to so many other lakes.
2. Cedar Key
Cedar Key is an island off Florida famous for its beautiful scenery and easy access to water sports like fishing and sailing. You can usually rent a houseboat here for around $450 per week or $8,000 per year.
3. Saint John’s River
This river runs through New Jersey and Pennsylvania, which means there are plenty of opportunities for boating without breaking the bank. Rents for boats range from around $100-$500 per day or week, depending on size and seasonality.
4 . Oregon Coast
There are many places on the Oregon Coast where you can get a houseboat. Rents start at just over $200 per week, and many are pet friendly. The Oregon Coast is full of beautiful waterways, perfect for houseboating.
5 . Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are a popular spot for people who want to live on the water. You can find rentals starting at just $150 per week, and most boats have a range of amenities like air conditioning and satellite TV.
6 . Tennessee River
The Tennessee River is located in Alabama and is home to some of the best houseboat scenery in the country. Rents here start around $550 per month for a 55-foot boat with all the amenities you could hope for.
7 . Oswego Canal
The Oswego Canal is located in upstate New York, one of North America’s oldest canals. It’s also one of the most picturesque waterways in America, making it perfect for houseboating. You can find rentals starting at just over $1,000 per month for a 55-foot boat with all the creature comforts you could hope for.
8 . Intracoastal Waterway
The Intracoastal waterway runs along much of South Carolina’s coastlines, which means there are plenty of opportunities to houseboat near Charleston or Savannah without spending too much money. Rents start around $350-$450 per day, depending on the season.
9 . Missouri River
The Missouri River is located in the Midwest and is one of America’s most famous waterways for houseboating. You can find rentals starting at just over $1,000 per month for a 55-foot boat with all the amenities you could hope for.
10 . Charles River
The Charles river runs through Boston, Massachusetts, which means there are plenty of opportunities to live on a boat in the city. Rents start around $2,000 per month for a 55-foot boat with all the amenities you could hope for.
11 . Great Lakes
The great lakes are home to some of America’s best houseboat scenery. You can find rentals starting at just over $1,500 per month for a 55-foot boat with all the amenities you could hope for.
What are the most popular houseboat destinations in the US?
Miami is the most popular houseboat destination in the US. It’s home to many luxury waterfront homes and luxurious marinas, making it an ideal place to live aboard a boat.
Orlando is known for its theme parks and attractions, making it an ideal spot for families who want to enjoy a relaxing vacation on the water. Tampa is also a popular houseboat destination because of its warm weather and abundant waterways. Fort Lauderdale is another top choice for a relaxing getaway on the water; it has many beautiful beaches and resorts nearby.
New Orleans offers visitors plenty of activity options- from exploring the French Quarter to enjoying jazz at Preservation Hall- all while taking in stunning views of Lake Pontchartrain or The Mississippi River Delta.
What are the most affordable places for houseboating in the US?
Clearwater is the most affordable place for a houseboat because it costs $2,000 per month to rent a boat and live on-site. Tampa Bay is the second most affordable because it costs $1,500 per month to rent a boat and live on-site. Fort Walton Beach is the third most affordable because it costs $1,000 per month to rent a boat and live on-site.
What are the best features of each place?
The best features of each place include affordability, location, and amenities. Each site has different amenities that make it an excellent option for houseboats. Some areas have beautiful beaches you can enjoy, while others have unique waterways with plenty of exciting sights and activities to explore.
There are a variety of great places to houseboats in the US. You’ll find the perfect one for you if you research carefully! Each site also offers unique fishing, boating, swimming, and more opportunities.
What are the drawbacks of each place?
There are some drawbacks to each place, but overall they’re all great places for the houseboat. Some disadvantages of each location include low water pressure, bad weather conditions, limited accessibility, and high prices.
However, these disadvantages can be offset by the positives of that particular location. Each place has unique advantages, making it an excellent choice for boat living.
What are the best houseboat rental companies in the US?
Many choose to rent a houseboat instead of buying one because they believe it’s a better option. Renting allows you to try out different boats before making a purchase, and many rental companies offer great discounts on their boats if you decide to buy one later.
It’s essential to find a company that offers good value for money, as this is what will make your experience with them enjoyable. Some of the best houseboat rental companies in the US include Bayliner Boat Rentals, Captain Dave’s Marina & Yacht Rentals, and Waterway Cruisers Marina & Yacht Rentals.
What are the houseboat rules and regulations?
Houseboat rules and regulations vary by state but typically include restrictions on where you can dock your boat, who can occupy the houseboat, and what activities you’re allowed to do on board. For example, in some states, you might not be able to stay overnight at a particular dock or launch area. You’ll need to check with the local authorities for specific details about each location.
Some standard provisions include prohibitions against using a boat for any purpose other than recreation (for example, chartering), smoking inside the vessel, or aboard any property owned or leased by someone else while possessing tobacco products (even if they’re away from their property).
Cooking onboard unless authorized by an owner/operator designated as cook-on-duty during regular business hours., noise levels that will disturb others nearby between 7 am and 11 pm daily except when necessary for safety reasons like firefighting or law enforcement activity.).
Boating during restricted tidal periods (typically between high and low tide), and operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or another substance.
What are the best things to do on a houseboat vacation?
Depending on your interests, there are various things to do on houseboat vacations. There’s always something to do on a houseboat vacation, and you can do it in your swimsuit! Swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and cruising around the waterways are popular activities. You can also enjoy reading by the pool or taking a nap in the shade.
If you’re a foodie, be sure to try the local cuisine. If you love history, visit some of the many historical sites. You can even go shopping in the French Quarter in New Orleans or visit one of the many plantations located nearby.
What are the best times of year to go houseboating?
Spring and fall are the best times for houseboating because the weather is typically milder. In spring, the weather is usually mild, and there is less chance of rain. In fall, the weather is generally mild, and there is less chance of heat stroke. During the summer, it’s best to avoid houseboating in the southern states because of high temperatures and humidity.
What should you pack for a houseboat vacation?
Packing for a houseboat vacation is essential because you will spend a lot of time on the boat. What to pack for a houseboat vacation includes food, water, sunscreen, and hats. You should also bring items that make your stay more comfortable, such as a sleeping bag and pillows.
Some things to avoid packing for a houseboat vacation are heavy luggage and electronics. Pack light so that you can move around quickly on the boat.
What are the common houseboat hazards?
Boating accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. In fact, according to The Boat Owners Association (BoatUS), more than 10,000 people die each year in boating accidents—more than deaths from all other types of recreational activities combined.
Some of the most common houseboat hazards include: hitting rocks or coral reefs; running into other boats; getting lost, being stranded on a sandbar or reef; and drinking and driving while boating. Knowing how to avoid these dangers is vital to having a safe houseboating experience.
How can you stay safe while houseboating?
There are a few ways to stay safe while houseboating. You can ensure that you have a valid license, obey all local laws and regulations, and remain aware of your surroundings.
You can also keep an emergency flare or whistle on hand in case of an emergency. You should also be familiar with the safety guidelines for houseboating. These include staying alert, wearing a life jacket when onboard, and obeying any instructions from the captain or crew members. Finally, ensure that your boat is adequately maintained and stocked with emergency supplies.