Houseboat

[sharkymark2]

I have been thinking along time about building a houseboat and am wondering if anybody else has had the same idea? I was thinking of Aluminium pontoon style with a sips panelling cabin on top. Probably with an entertainment area on top deck. Maybe build a smaller version to start with to trial it out. Any idea where to start? I can't seem to find plans for them anywhere apart from designs from the 50's. Would I need to see a boat designer and get him to create a plan? Are there any regulations or building codes for a houseboat? I have been a member on this forum for years and have only just had this thought....... no wonder I don't catch a lot of fish ;).

[Schulzy]

Interesting I've always thought about an old trawler for the future more sea worthy and less build time a lot more time repairing but depends if you want to build it for the pleasure of building yourself. Are you a welder or have welding experience? Where would you like to use it or keep it?

[tunaticer]

There's the rub.......mooring it or road transporting it home.......both are damn costly.
I would be using sandwich board (cold room panels) for it.
Pontoons will be a personal preference as to what shape and appearance, they still need to be suitable in volume to displace the weight above in the water with some ample freeboard above.
Have you thought about getting a big old cat and rebuilding it into a house boat?
It might give you a lot more bonuses than a pontoon style.

[sharkymark2]

I can weld used to have a backhoe business but rather build it from new. But as I said before does anyone know of restrictions re standards or because it is a boat you getaway with it?

[tigermullet]

We helped build our houseboat during 1997/98 and built to a plan drawn by a marine architect. I am not up to date and things have changed but you might be able to build without too many restrictions - unless you intend to sell the boat in the future. Here is a starting point, especially para 32: http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/~/media/msqinternet/msqfiles/home/registration/australian%20builders%20plate/pdf_faqs_builders.pdf

[Shark Poker]

Depending on the level of seaworthiness that you might be aspiring towards, independent pontoons (ally or poly) with a rectangular structure above could be very easy to make. You could design it so that it fits happily into a (smallest size) 9m marina berth. And the internal design would be too easy to do because it is all rectangular - a simple 2D floor plan. Aluminium composite panels could be utilised for the sides (they even come already coloured/coated) and strengthened by the windows and doors. Only a section of the roof needs to be strong enough to stand on and the rest covered with the dinghy and lots of solar panels. Yes I have often thought about it as well. Pauly

[FNQCairns]

Pretty sure you have no true standards due to home build...of coarse you nee to ensure for duty of care and potential future liability that the construction is worthy anyway...pretty basic stuff and all that's actually necessary in truth.

Someone here ages ago spoke of building barge like structures out of alum builders trestles....what a great idea IMO, so much could be acomplished with these for strong and diverse hull shapes if one has the interest.

[sharkymark2]

Thanks to all the people who replied it is nice to see there are some kindred spirits out there. Asked the wife about moving into a houseboat; her reply was "No". I am going to take her for a holiday in a houseboat down the gold coast and try to sneak it up on her :).

[tjotter]

http://www.pontoonz.co.nz/ (http://www.pontoonz.co.nz/)

[stevemid]

http://www.google.com.au/search?q=houseboat+designs+plans&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari