• jerry dycus
  August 20, 2021, 10:45 am

  From the pics empty this has already used up most of the buoyancy of the round hulls so not safe and easily roll over on a turn, high side wind or people on 1 side .
  They should fix it before they sell it and the builder, seller could be liable if they don’t.
  Another center pontoon could help but but for living, safety on you need 2x the buoyancy of the loaded boat in EACH hull. And each hull should have 4-5 watertight compartments so if you get a leak,
  you don’t sink.
  And straight up sides so it doesn’t suddenly go under. On a round hull it after half deep, added weight doesn’t have much support as the volume gets smaller.
  So get squarish hulls with good height, 2′ or so.
  Living on the water is a great thing, I did it 25 yrs building and maintaining all kinds of house, other boats and hard to beat but one needs to study, ask and liveaboard, sailors are great people to ask as some of the best people you’ll ever meet.

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  • Marsha Cowan
    August 20, 2021, 7:47 pm

    Good to know, Jerry. Hmmm. . .does seem a little low in the water. Maybe if you turn the last 8 feet on the other end into a covered screened porch, it would take some weight off, and get rid of the upper rail stuff. An upper deck is nice, but not if it ends up at water level, right? Using light weight furniture would help a lot. Those sofas are heavy, especially if it is a sleeper. Use folding camping cots instead, if you are going to nap, and folding launge chairs for sitting. Throw some matching pretty pillows on them and the decorating is done. Make a simple shelf for a single burner cooktop or coffee maker, and have a small frig underneath. Some lovely valances to match the lovely pillows, too. What do you think? Can this houseboat be saved?

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    • jerry dycus
      August 21, 2021, 10:34 am

      It can and should be but only by adding more floatation.
      Just sell the present pontoons and building or buying new ones.
      They can be easily, cheaply done with plywood/epoxy and FG the outside to 6″ above the waterline, watertight compartments and ventilation. You should be able to make good ones from the sale of the round ones.
      And make the total width 8’6′ for a wider stance so not only party on the upper deck but a solar panel shade too that can be lower like a Bimini for storms, when not being lived aboard.
      The best about these is a roof deck sitting up in the sun or breeze. It’s a great low cost, impact way of life.

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