Becoming Boat People

Oh, Captain...
My in-laws have just bought a houseboat located at nearby watering hole, and we couldn't be more excited. It's a 40' 1967 (I'll say "vintage" to make it sound cooler, which it is) model that will need some cosmetic surgery. Basically, the price was right (it's a fixer-upper) and no one could resist.

Amidst the exciting visions of BBQs on the deck, relaxing afternoons strolling around the lake to find the perfect cove, and beating the heat with dips in the lake, I've been looking around the web for ideas. That is, just what exactly do these houseboat people do, exactly (especially those who have restored affordable models)? As way of an introduction to what will no doubt be a nasty habit of browsing the web, here is what I've found so far. (Hopefully, these will be the resources the inspire the a successful restoration.)

Solar Power. The slip (i.e., parking spot) included with the boat does have electrical and water hookups. This is not to say, however, that you would have the modern convenience of an electric fridge while parked in a cove. Solar or wind power seem like an obvious choice, and Wholesale Solar just so happens to have packages for the energy needs of a boat.

Blog Inspiration. I found a blog chronicling another happy camper's (or rather boater's) journey to restore a '43 yacht. The entries at Must Be Nice chronicles the progress on an 80s model and a totally different design, but inspirational none the less.

Keeping it Modern. Admittedly, my father-in-law will want to have a Jimmy Buffett or Log Cabin aesthetic for any remodeling, and as long as we get to enjoy the houseboat that's fine with me. Regardless, it was nice to see that there are renovations leaning toward the uber mod out there: Inhabit (hmmm...a roof garden), Sunset, and Metroshed (including interior layouts).

Furniture Inspiration and Design. Outdoor furniture is just one of the many appealing designs provided at a few new finds: 6 Different Ways, Extremis, Greenform, and Furniture Fashion.

I'll try to provide updates to my restoration progress along the way. Here's to happy boating (and the hope that I finally learn how to pull the boat into the slip without too much chaos...I'll leave that story for later).