Houseboat Retirement Communities

Aside from the enjoyment of living on the water, there are many benefits for older adults choosing to live out their golden days on houseboats:

• Less expensive to buy: The median sale price for an existing home in the U.S. is $382,600. Americans, especially those living in high-cost cities, can save between $700 and $2,000 per month by trading in an apartment for a boat slip. 1
• Less expensive to maintain: Although there is still upkeep once you’re the proud owner of a boat, the cost of maintaining a houseboat might be less than regular home maintenance. Granted, that’s assuming you have a small or average-size and new-ish houseboat.
• Freedom to travel: Retiring on a houseboat gives you the freedom to travel on a whim. You don’t have to pay an exorbitant price to book a last-minute flight. Nor do you need to travel for days by car if you have your own houseboat.
• Health benefits: A recent national online survey conducted by AARP found that 81 percent of people who travel reported an improvement in their health or well-being.2 Living on a houseboat lends itself to travel, and senior travel reduces stress and improves your mood. You can benefit from the slow pace of living on a houseboat (these kinds of boats don’t travel very fast) and gain peace of mind.
• Simple life: Houseboats are not very large, so there’s no room for clutter. The living space is small, an average of 500 to 600 square feet. You basically just need the essentials to survive. This cuts down on frivolous spending and allows you to enjoy a simple, less consumerist life. So, if you’re looking to downsize, this is a great option!
• Plenty of activities: Seniors who have retired on a houseboat often comment about the number of activities. Besides spending time out on the water, many socialize at the marina with fellow boaters. There seems to be an old-fashioned sense of community among those who live on a boat.

What Are the Drawbacks of Houseboat Living?

There are also downsides for seniors living on a floating home. Going to your regularly scheduled dentist and audiologist appointments might be challenging. Your health care needs might be compromised if you can’t be reached by emergency services quickly. Besides health-related issues, here are other drawbacks:

• Limited space: Having limited space makes it difficult to organize. Those who live on a boat talk about shuffling things around constantly. Storage is always a challenge, so that means you have to minimize personal belongings and keepsakes.
• Weather conditions: Changing weather conditions at sea can affect your comfort. Strong winds and storms can threaten your safety on board — not to mention skyrocket your stress and anxiety levels.
• Water and heat difficulties: In the winter, getting potable water and heat can get pricey. Docks are not insulated and marinas often cut off water supplies.
• Utility and internet challenges: Access to reliable utility and internet services could be compromised. Unlike living on land, where you can call your local provider, if your houseboat is traveling and out of reach, prepare for more challenges in these areas.
• Nautical challenges: Lack of experience in navigating the waterways and having only basic nautical skills might not be problematic for a day-tripper, but it can prove dangerous when you’re living on a houseboat during a weeklong weather event.

What Types of Houseboats Are Best?

If you’re considering houseboat living in your retirement years, there are two types of houseboats: motorized and moored. If you care to travel, a motorized boat might be more your speed. If you are choosing to live on a boat for affordability or to have an alternative lifestyle but you’re not leaving the marina, then you might choose a moored houseboat.

Popular houseboats for the liveaboard lifestyle include houseboats, catamarans, sailboats, trawlers, and cabin cruisers.

How Much Will a Houseboat Cost?

Just like trying to determine the cost of a home on land, the cost of a houseboat varies tremendously. According to Discover Boating, managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) on behalf of the North American recreational boating industry, the average cost of a boat “isn’t out of reach for most middle-class Americans.”3 Another source says the average houseboat costs $50,000.

The factors to consider about the ultimate cost depends on whether the boat is new or pre-owned, what the size of it is, and the type of boat you purchase. Obviously, new boats can be pricier than pre-owned vessels.

After paying for costs upfront, it’s important not to overlook the added costs for the boat’s insurance, registration, licenses, and taxes. Also plan for storage and marina docking fees, along with the cost of maintenance, including predicted upkeep expenses as well as those  unexpected ones.

Things Seniors Should Consider About Houseboat Living

As an active senior in pretty good shape, you can choose from a variety of places to live. If you keep fit with physical activity and your dream is to live on the water, houseboat living might be the perfect choice for you.

Although the idea remains appealing, it’s not for everyone. You should think twice, or at least get more information before deciding on houseboat living, if any of the following pertain to you:

• You fall easily.
• You have challenges with your balance.
• You take medications that can lead to dizziness.
• You require multiple doctor visits per week.
• You are sensitive to the sun.
• Your mobility is limited.
• You require a caregiver.
• You have a large pet.
• You easily become seasick.
• Your young grandkids or disabled friends need access.
• You have a medical alert system.

If you plan to live on a houseboat, you want to enjoy it to the fullest. Living on a houseboat with any of the above conditions might not be ideal. Just be sure to know the limitations if you can’t find a workaround. After all, you want “home sweet home” to be pleasant for you and your loved ones.

Consider Renting Before Purchasing a Houseboat

If you think a retirement houseboat might be right for you but you’re not completely sold, you don’t have to jump into one so fast. By renting a boat, you can decide if houseboat living makes sense for you or if you should limit your fun on a boat to vacations only.

You might look at Getmyboat, the world’s largest boat rental marketplace. Its app shows short-term rentals of watercraft on an hourly and a daily basis.

When it comes to retirement living, don’t rule anything out. Keep all options open until you find the retirement home best for you. If retirement on a houseboat best suits your needs, enjoy every minute of your waterfront views and leisurely lifestyle.