Houseboat Kit FAQ

An organized builder with average shop skills can assemble the cabin kit in about 60 hours. Interior and systems typically take 100 to 300 hours, depending on how you approach the buildout (interior configuration and what you build yourself vs. purchased components).

Many builders assemble the cabin single-handedly. That said, a second set of hands will be useful when it comes time to install the roof structure.

It depends on your pontoons. Start with the manufacturer's rated capacity and subtract the net weight added. See the worked example.

Basic hand tools and a good drill for the cabin: wrenches, sockets, files, snips, clamps and a rivet tool. For the interior, woodworking tools. A power miter saw is invaluable, and a table saw helps.

Ordinary skills in measuring, accurate drilling, leveling and pop riveting. The interior on our demo boat needed only basic woodworking.

About 30 days after we receive your 50% deposit. Payment in full is due before the kit is released.

Both. The kit fits on a 6′×8′ trailer and weighs about 800 lb (12 ft kit) uncrated. Crating costs $1,600 to $2,000 through a separate vendor; freight for 1,000 miles is about $2,000 to $3,000, both depending on kit size.

Yes, in calm water, at slow speed and at anchor. We recommend a 600 lb limit, spread out. The upper deck package adds rails, a ladder and a reinforcing sheet, about 220 lb in all.

We recommend at least 6 ft of open deck up front and 4 ft at the stern: 20 ft for a 10 ft cabin, 22 ft for a 12 ft cabin, 24 ft for 14 ft, 26 ft for 16 ft and 28 ft for 18 ft. More is better.

8′0″ wide on an 8′6″ deck, 7′6″ on an 8′0″ deck. Added height and width are available.