Houseboat building

[Alf]

Apologies if this is the wrong forum. Perhaps someone could direct me if not.
I intend to build a houseboat. Wondering which material would be best. I have extensive concrete pool building experience. Would this material be suitable maybe? Where to get plans, advice etc. Thanks, Alf.

[Dutch Peter]

Originally Posted by Alf

Apologies if this is the wrong forum. Perhaps someone could direct me if not.
I intend to build a houseboat. Wondering which material would be best. I have extensive concrete pool building experience. Would this material be suitable maybe? Where to get plans, advice etc. Thanks, Alf.

Alf,

There are concrete boats sailing around the world, so why not as a houseboat. In Holland it's a commun way of making a pontoon for a houseboat.
Try this address, it's all in Dutch, but maybe they can help!

http://www.woonboten.com/

if you can't figure it out, contact me, I'll help!

do you blokes know how to build a house boat or any sites

[PAR]

I have a few houseboat designs and have constructed several. Ferro cement is a well tested building material, though it has it's pro's and con's like any building material, a capable method.

It's not a technique I'd recommend for the amateur, but with your experience, may be right up your alley. Drop me an email and I can fill you in on details and recommended reading.

[Paul Browne]

You might have a look at the free plans for the shantyboat Lisa B Good on my website at

www.geocities.com/geezerboat

Lisa B Good isn't your usual houseboat, but she might give you some ideas.

Cheers,

Paul Browne
"I shall surpass all the others with my humbility" - Hercule Poirot

[Joyce]

I see you have done research on the houseboat, however I'm a begginer. I can't seem to find any regulation or requirments for houseboats. Where did you start and how did you find out your codes for your state?

[JonathanCole]

Originally Posted by Alf

Apologies if this is the wrong forum. Perhaps someone could direct me if not.
I intend to build a houseboat. Wondering which material would be best. I have extensive concrete pool building experience. Would this material be suitable maybe? Where to get plans, advice etc. Thanks, Alf.

You need to give a little more information. What kind of waterway will the boat be used on? (protected harbors, lakes, rivers, open ocean) Does the boat need to move or simply sit in the water? A boat needs to be designed for the way it is intended to be used. For example a ferro cement houseboat hull may be fine if you don't intend to move around much, but a lighter material like aluminum pontoons may be better if you want to be more mobile. Here is a company that provides aluminum pontoons.
http://u-fabboats.com/

[Robjl]

Alf,
If you are considering hiring it out don't forget to check with your state transport authority. they may have some requirements. I wouldn't use concrete though. Why not you may ask? 1. Too heavy, propulsion costs are high enough anyway with houseboats. 2. I suspect poor resale; you will want to sell it one day. 3. remember the cost of the pontoons will only be a fraction of the overall cost. 4. Check out resale prices of SH concrete yachts....not good. Good luck