Top Five Houseboat Accessories

It doesn’t carry the name for fun; since many people live onboard their houseboat, accessories are generally geared toward safety and functionality.

Watercraft that is referred to as a houseboat is the type that has been converted for use as an actual dwelling or domicile. Unlike standard fishing boats, houseboats include a kitchen, living area, one or more bedrooms and a full bathroom. Truly a “mobile” home, this type of vessel can be moved about continuously on the water if desired or kept moored at fixed points. These floating furnished residences are often the focus of vacation seekers; many lakes across the United States are settings for vacationing families looking for a unique and unusual experience. Increasingly popular is the idea of actually living on board a houseboat; able to navigate freely if desired to various locations across the country or to float placidly in one favorite spot.

While these vessels generally contain many of the same amenities as a traditional “stick and brick” house, there are some houseboat accessories that won’t be found in the standard home. For those who make these boats their primary residence, there are specific items that are featured as being most popular among them.

• An inflatable dinghy is a common sight among houseboat communities. When moored off shore, a means of getting ashore is necessary for shopping trips or just getting around. They can also be likened to a lifeguard item, providing those on board with a way of escaping if disaster strikes. There are various types and sizes from which to choose, depending on the intended usage.
• Inflatable life jackets are an important safety feature on board houseboats. Easy to store and easily accessible, these houseboat accessories are often compared to seatbelts in a car.
• Propane is often the fuel used aboard the floating homes; a possibly explosive situation. A propane detector can control several sensors on the boat which will immediately shut down when a leak is detected and begin a lifesaving alarm to sound.
• Navigational software and GPS devices are equally as helpful on houseboats as they have proven to be in motor vehicles.
• Kits to aid in safety and security can be purchased cheaply to equip the houseboat with easily installed systems. High water bilge monitors, fire alarms, watch alarms, engine temperature systems, underwater cameras and cell phone alerts for fire, smoke, bilge and security have all provided peace of mind to boat owners.

Houseboat accessories can be tailored to meet specific needs of specific individuals. Whether installed for safety or functionality, they can make the floating home more secure and worry free.