Big or Small, We've Got 'Em All: Houseboats for Sale

Finding Your Perfect 50 ft Houseboat: A Quick Overview

A 50 ft houseboat for sale offers a unique opportunity to own a floating home that balances spacious living with manageable size. Here's a quick look at what to expect:

Quick Facts About 50 ft Houseboats:

• Average Price: $450,000 (ranging from $240,000 to $795,000+)
• Living Space: Typically 2-4 bedrooms, 1-3 bathrooms
• Dimensions: 50 feet long by 14-16 feet wide
• Best For: Year-round living, vacation homes, or rental properties
• Top Brands: Gibson, Stardust Cruisers, Sumerset, Sharpe, Thoroughbred

Finding and buying a 50-foot houseboat involves navigating specialized listings, understanding marine systems, and securing the right financing. The market is dominated by used vessels (around 95%), with the average boat being 10-15 years old.

A 50-foot houseboat hits a sweet spot: it's large enough for comfortable full-time living with modern amenities, yet small enough to dock at most marinas and manage without a crew. Popular locations for houseboat living include the Pacific Northwest waters around Puget Sound and Portland, as well as Lake Cumberland and Dale Hollow Lake in Kentucky.

This guide will walk you through key features, realistic budgeting (including mooring fees), and the purchase process. Understanding what to expect will make your journey to owning a unique vacation property or full-time floating home much smoother.

What to Expect from a 50 ft Houseboat

Owning a 50 ft houseboat for sale means waking up to waterfront views every day. These floating homes offer a unique lifestyle, blending comfort with the freedom of the water.

At 50 feet long and typically 14 to 16 feet wide, they provide genuine living space without being overwhelming to operate. Unlike yachts built for speed, houseboats are designed for living. They prioritize comfortable, spacious interiors and stability. Most feature flat-bottomed hulls or pontoon-style bases, creating a steady platform where you can walk around without the constant motion of a traditional boat.

Inside, layouts often rival a small apartment, with 2 to 4 bedrooms and 1 to 3 bathrooms. This is enough space for a couple, a small family, or hosting guests. Many owners aptly describe their 50-footers as "floating condos."

This size is ideal for various uses. It's large enough for year-round living, serves as a perfect vacation home, and can even be used as a rental property or a creative space like a floating office or art studio.

The key advantage of a 50 ft houseboat is its manageability. It feels like a proper home but avoids the complexity of massive 100-foot vessels that may require a special license and crew. Most owners can learn to dock a 50-footer with practice, and it fits in more marina slips than its larger counterparts.

Plus, you can trade your lawnmower and snow shovel for a new routine of hull cleanings and deck swabbing—a welcome change for many who choose life on the water.

Key Features to Look for in a 50 ft Houseboat for Sale

When searching for a 50 ft houseboat for sale, look beyond the "dock appeal" to evaluate the features that make daily life comfortable.

Living Quarters and Amenities

A 50-foot houseboat is like a floating apartment, with most models offering 2 to 4 bedrooms and 1 to 3 bathrooms. Clever design maximizes the square footage, providing ample space for a family or for hosting guests.

The galley kitchen is a key feature. Look for full-size appliances like refrigerators, cooktops, and ovens, which distinguish a quality floating home. Many modern houseboats also include microwaves, dishwashers, and trash compactors.

Houseboats excel with their outdoor spaces. A good 50-footer offers multiple areas to enjoy the fresh air, including rooftop decks (often with bars and canopies) and a swim platform for easy water access. Covered porches allow you to enjoy the outdoors even in drizzly Pacific Northwest weather.

Also, look for smart storage solutions and comfort features like efficient mini-split systems for climate control, tankless water heaters, and quality interior finishes. These details make a significant difference in daily living.

Hull and Construction

The hull is the foundation of your floating home, so its construction is essential to evaluate. Hull materials vary, with common options including aluminum (lightweight, corrosion-resistant), fiberglass (durable, smooth finish), and steel (strong but requires maintenance). The material directly impacts longevity and maintenance needs.

The hull type also affects performance. Pontoon hulls are stable with a shallow draft, great for calm waters. Flat-bottom hulls maximize interior space and are very steady, ideal for stationary living. For those who plan to cruise, displacement hulls sit deeper and handle waves better for a smoother ride.

Crucially, always ask about the float condition and any recent surveys. A float rating is a health score for the platform that can impact financing eligibility. Proper build construction also includes high-quality insulation (e.g., R-28 in floors/ceilings, R-21 in walls) to manage temperature and reduce condensation year-round.

Power and Systems

Understanding a houseboat's systems is key to avoiding surprises. Engine types include inboard, outboard, or sterndrive, with some modern vessels offering electric motors. Twin engines are common on 50-footers for easier maneuvering.

Generators provide power when you're away from the dock, while 50-amp shore power connections are standard for marina hookups. Reliable HVAC systems, like geothermal or mini-split units, are essential for year-round comfort, especially in the Pacific Northwest.

Water systems consist of freshwater tanks for drinking and washing, and blackwater systems with marine sanitation devices (MSDs) to manage waste. For those seeking more independence, look for off-grid options like solar panels and wind generators.

Budgeting for Your Floating Home: Costs and Financing

Understanding the financial side of buying a 50 ft houseboat for sale will help you make a confident decision. You'll need to consider both the upfront investment and the ongoing costs of ownership.

Understanding the Price of a 50 ft Houseboat for Sale

The average price for a 50 ft houseboat for sale is around $450,000, but the range is wide. New custom builds can start near $240,000 (for a shell) and climb past $795,000 for luxurious vessels.

Several factors create this price range. Age is significant, as most houseboats on the market are 10 to 15 years old. Condition is also crucial; a vessel with recent upgrades will command a higher price. The manufacturer's reputation plays a role, with well-known brands like Gibson and Sumerset often holding their value better. Finally, location affects pricing, with houseboats in desirable areas carrying higher price tags.

Ongoing Ownership Costs

Beyond the purchase price, budget for recurring expenses. Mooring fees or slip rental vary widely by location, with monthly charges ranging from several hundred to over a thousand dollars. These fees often cover amenities, maintenance, and utilities.

Houseboats can also be subject to property taxes, depending on the location. You will also need marine insurance, which provides specialized coverage for hull damage and liability that standard homeowner's policies don't offer.

Finally, budget for routine maintenance. This includes hull cleaning, anode replacement, engine service, and systems checks. These costs are essential for protecting your investment.

Securing Financing and Insurance

Financing a 50 ft houseboat for sale is achievable through lenders who understand marine properties. Many offer boat loans, and some even provide 30-year floating home loans, particularly for vessels with a strong "float rating." Expect a down payment of 20% to 35%.

If the houseboat serves as your primary or secondary residence, the loan interest may be tax-deductible, similar to a traditional mortgage—a benefit worth discussing with a tax advisor.

For insurance, work with marine insurance specialists. They can provide the proper coverage for risks unique to houseboat ownership, such as storm damage and liability.

Ready to explore your financing options? Instantly Pre-Qualify for a boat loan and take the first step toward making your floating home dream a reality.

The Buying Journey: From Viewing to Ownership

Finding and purchasing a 50 ft houseboat for sale is an exciting adventure. With the right guidance, the path from the first viewing to holding the keys to your floating home can be surprisingly smooth.

Where to Find Your Dream Houseboat

Finding a houseboat requires looking in the right places. While online portals are useful, the best opportunities often come from local connections.

The Pacific Northwest has vibrant houseboat communities. Puget Sound offers variety, from Seattle's iconic Lake Union to quieter moorages. The Multnomah Channel near Portland also has a distinct, tight-knit community.

Working with specialized real estate agents is key. At Special Agents Realty, we specialize in floating homes and houseboats throughout the Northwestern United States, including Seattle, Bremerton, Kirkland, and the broader Puget Sound region. Our local expertise helps clients steer marina facilities and moorage regulations.

Online portals like Boat Trader and YachtWorld are great for browsing listings. Also, consider visiting marinas with for-sale slips directly, as some sales include the moorage slip, a significant advantage in competitive markets.

The Process for Purchasing a 50 ft Houseboat for Sale

Once you find a 50 ft houseboat for sale you love, the purchase process begins. During the initial viewing, visit at different times of day to experience the moorage's atmosphere. When you're ready, we can help you craft a competitive offer.

Your offer must include contingencies for due diligence. The marine survey is the most critical step. A qualified surveyor conducts an exhaustive inspection, including:

• Hull Inspection: The boat is typically dry-docked for an out-of-water assessment of the flotation system, underwater components, and anodes.
• Systems Check: This verifies the proper function of engines, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and generators.

If the houseboat is motorized, a sea trial is essential to assess its handling, maneuverability, and engine performance. While inspections are underway, you'll work on securing financing with a marine lender.

The closing process involves finalizing paperwork and title transfers. As the purchaser, you are responsible for conducting thorough due diligence. With experienced guidance, the journey from viewing to ownership is an exciting one. Explore floating homes and houseboats in the Pacific Northwest to start your own adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions about 50 ft Houseboats

Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from clients considering a 50 ft houseboat for sale.

How difficult is it to maintain a 50 ft houseboat?

Maintaining a houseboat is different from home care but is manageable. It's a hybrid of home and boat ownership, trading lawn mowing for hull maintenance.

Regular maintenance tasks include engine service, checking and replacing anodes (which prevent hull corrosion), and regular hull cleaning. The electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems also require routine checks.

Hull care is critical and periodically requires the boat to be dry-docked for a thorough inspection, cleaning, and painting. In colder climates, winterization is an essential annual task to protect plumbing and engine systems.

Compared to a traditional home, you're swapping one set of chores for another. Many marinas and marine technicians offer services to help, making the process manageable.

Can you live on a houseboat year-round in the Pacific Northwest?

Yes, many people live on houseboats year-round in the Pacific Northwest. The region's mild climate and vibrant waterfront communities make it an appealing lifestyle.

Comfortable year-round living is possible thanks to key features. Proper insulation keeps the interior cozy in winter and cool in summer. Reliable heating systems, such as mini-split heat pumps, are common in modern houseboats.

Marina services are designed for full-time residents, providing essential shore power, freshwater hookups, and waste pump-out facilities. The community life in these moorages is often close-knit, offering a unique sense of belonging.

Do you need a special license to operate a 50 ft houseboat?

Generally, you do not need a "special" license, but you will need basic boating education. State-specific requirements in Washington and Oregon mandate that operators of motorized vessels complete a boater education course and carry a boater education card. This applies to a 50 ft houseboat for sale used for recreational purposes.

A captain's license is not required for personal use. However, navigational skills are crucial. A 50-foot houseboat handles differently than a small boat, so understanding how to maneuver in marinas and channels is essential.

Docking practice is particularly important. Learning to dock a large vessel in wind and current takes practice, and many new owners benefit from professional instruction. Once mastered, operating your houseboat becomes second nature.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect 50 ft houseboat for sale is the start of a new way of living. These vessels strike an ideal balance between spacious comfort and practical maneuverability, making them perfect for year-round living or as a unique vacation retreat.

This guide covered the key details: from the two to four bedrooms and full-size kitchens that feel like home, to the outdoor living spaces and essential power systems. We also reviewed the financial side, including the $450,000 average price point and ongoing costs like mooring fees and maintenance.

Beyond the specifications, the floating lifestyle offers an unparalleled connection to nature and a strong sense of community in places like Lake Union, Puget Sound, and the Multnomah Channel. You're not just buying a property; you're joining a unique community.

Expert guidance is crucial for navigating this specialized market. At Special Agents Realty, we help clients with unique real estate opportunities across the Pacific Northwest. We know the marinas and regulations and can guide you through every step, from viewing to closing, ensuring your journey is as smooth as the waters you'll call home.

Ready to start your floating home adventure? We'd love to help you explore what's possible.

Explore floating homes and houseboats in the Pacific Northwest