Best Trailerable Houseboats

The majority of houseboats you see are built to remain in the water, but trailerable houseboats are a cheaper and more versatile option to consider too.

Trailerable houseboats are smaller versions that can be transported to different areas by truck. The two best options are the Catamaran Cruiser Lil Hobo and CaraBoat Model 870 because of the modern designs and spacious interior. These two boats are always lightweight and easy to tow. 

The best trailerable houseboats are high in quality and low in price. The primary purpose of a trailerable houseboat is to be transported by truck and to become a floating home. Most of these houseboats are more compact, but they are still ideal for use on the water.

Getting started with houseboats can be overwhelming, but a good place to start is with a trailerable option. They give you more flexibility at an affordable price so you can move your boat to different areas and treat it as more of a temporary space rather than a long-term housing option.

‍5 Best Trailerable Houseboats

Trailerable houseboats are becoming more popular among sportsmen, outdoor enthusiasts, and people who love to travel. This is because they provide an easy way for people to explore different locations without having to spend too much money on accommodations.

The current market offers a wide range of options with different price ranges and features that appeal to different types of travelers. It is important to understand what kind of experience you would like to have on your next houseboat vacation, as there are many different types available.

Trailerable houseboats are smaller and they can be carried by trailer and removed from the water. This means the living space is more compact, but they are much more flexible options. We have listed some of the best options to consider below.

1. Catamaran Cruiser Lil Hobo

The Catamaran Cruiser Lil Hobo is an all-around boat that can be docked or driven. It has the amenities of a yacht, such as showers and bathrooms, but with the convenience of a houseboat.

This makes it perfect for professionals looking for an upgrade from their current living situation without spending too much time or money to do so. One thing that sets the Lil Hobo apart from other houses in its class is its spaciousness.

It is 8’ x 31’ and can comfortably accommodate up to 4 people living in various levels of luxury depending on their needs and how much they spend on upgrades. The Lil Hobo also has plenty of space for storage since it comes with watertight compartments too.

Maintenance is minimal aboard this houseboat and you have full access to amenities like toilets and refrigerators that make everyday living easier. There are two Yamaha four-stroke motors that give this boat its power on the water too.

2. CaraBoat Model 870

The CaraBoat Model 870 is a houseboat that offers you the option of adding a car trailer to your purchase. It is also extremely easy to transport and store with a spacious interior despite the compact sizing.

What sets the CaraBoat Model 870 trailerable houseboat apart from other boats on the market is its design and features. The boat itself has a lightweight aluminum hull, making it easy to transport and store.

Homeowners can use this boat to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It offers a clean and peaceful place to rest, while also being mobile so that you can travel when you have the time.

This boat also comes with endless storage options to give you plenty of interior room for everything you need. You will even notice many of the interior objects can fold away to make more room inside.

CaraBoat claims this vessel is completely unsinkable with the fiberglass hull and dual Suzuki engine setup.

3. TravelWave 360

The TravelWave 360 houseboat is a modern home on the water, equipped with room for up to four people. It's a great choice of accommodation for those who want to stay close to shore but still have the freedom of sailing away from it.

The TravelWave 360 has a sleek design and all the modern conveniences you need. It's 36' x 14' in size with an interior that is spacious with plenty of storage space.

It comes with oak hardwood cabinets and a full kitchen design with necessary appliances to make your everyday life easier. For those looking for something less expensive but still trendy and trendy-looking, this boat looks like it could be perfect.

The body has been designed with a sleek, sophisticated exterior that is eye-catching and distinctive. There is also an outdoor deck with sunbathing areas on the rooftop. This upper deck area is 20’ long to accommodate multiple people too.

4. CaraBoat Model 790

CaraBoat Model 790 is a small houseboat that can be towed by a car. It has a lot of features that make it suited for different types of people and activities and it is also one of the easiest trailerable houseboats to launch.

It has many features, including a modern interior design with appliances, carpet-less flooring, and a full-height pantry for food storage. It is also relatively light, making it easy to tow with any vehicle.

This is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to experience the freedom and adventure of boating without spending too much money or effort on maintenance and upkeep. It is perfect for the needs of the most demanding boaters, but also for those who are just looking to have fun on the water.

The cool thing about the interior is the panoramic interior window design. You can also get good sunlight during the day and enjoy the views around you. There is also plenty of storage space with compact underdeck spaces to put your things.

5. MatrixMX24 Glampboat

The MatrixMX24 is a trailerable houseboat made by Matrix that was created for those who want to take their boat with them. It comes with two stern mid floats that completely define the way this boat works.

It comes with a comfortable master cabin with a bathroom that can easily accommodate two people, two bedrooms, and a kitchenette area. This is a much more compact product but it is ideal for someone looking for an easier to transport houseboat.

The MatrixMX24 has all the amenities of a normal houseboat with standard features such as electric start and LED lights. It also includes a rear deck to board easily or get some sunlight in the morning.

What To Consider When Buying a Trailerable Houseboat

A lot of people consider buying a trailerable houseboat so they can have their own little getaway when they don't have to worry about keeping up with lawn care or when their boat needs repairs.

Before deciding to buy a well-made trailerable houseboat, you need to know what activities you would like to do on it. Below are some of the critical factors you must consider when shopping for a new trailerable houseboat.

New or Used

It is important to know if your trailerable houseboat is new or used before buying it. In general, older trailers are more likely to have problems but they can be found for cheaper. New trailers are more expensive but it also includes the benefit of being less likely to sink or have problems.

We recommend always going with a new boat if you plan to get lots of usage from it. This will ensure you are buying something you know all of the history to avoid any bad situations that could happen in the future.

Model Type

When you are buying a new houseboat, it is important to consider the model type you are buying. The pontoon-style can be a popular model because they last longer and tend to provide the most balance for new owners.

Houseboats come in several different designs, shapes, and sizes. This allows you to have plenty of choices when deciding the best option for you. There are specific models for everybody that make loading or boarding easier too.

Size

When buying a new houseboat, it is important to take into account the size of the boat, because it will determine how much you can afford to spend on repairs and maintenance. You want to make sure there is enough space for all of the people who will be on board.

Sizing is a bit more limited on the trailerable options, but if you intend to spend a little bit more money then there are bigger sizes that can be found for entire families.

Engine Type

When you purchase a new houseboat, you will need to consider the type of engine and engine size you want it to have. There are some considerations that you should make when buying a new boat and a common example is a set of dual engines in the rear.

However, the size and power of the engine will vary greatly based on boat type and size so you should keep this in mind as another important factor.

Advantages of Trailerable Houseboats

Trailerable houseboats offer an option for those who enjoy the water and want to live on the water most of the time but still want some land access. These houseboats are becoming more popular as they provide a unique experience and offer more leisure activities.

We have listed some of the key advantages to buying a trailerable houseboat compared to the alternative options that might be available to you.

Less Expensive

Trailerable houseboats are the newest trend in the industry, becoming an affordable alternative for people who want to live on the water without having to spend too much money.

Trailerable houseboats are less expensive options compared to traditional ones. This is mostly because of their smaller size, which allows them to be pulled by any big or small vehicle. So it’s not only cheaper but also easier since you don’t need all types of paperwork to live in them.

Easier to Maneuver On Water

Trailerable houseboats are easier to maneuver than traditional ones because they don't have as much size to worry about. This makes them perfect for people who enjoy living on the water but don't want the hassle of driving the boat with added risk.

They are also loaded or unloaded into the water and are driven more like a traditional boat than an actual houseboat. This is ideal for better speeds and sharper turns too.

More Versatile Usage

The best aspect of a trailerable houseboat is how easy it can be to transport it to new locations. This allows you to dock it in new places all the time with plenty of versatility.

The design is also much easier to customize which is what makes it the most popular among the younger generations. These are important factors that many people consider when purchasing their new home.

Disadvantages of Trailerable Houseboats

For homeowners, trailerable houseboats may seem like a good idea because they can live on land while still enjoying the freedom of living aboard their boat. But there are also some disadvantages to consider before deciding whether they are right for you.

Much Smaller

Trailerable houseboats are smaller and more compact than regular houseboats. They come with outboard motors and a trailer so they can be easily moved around but you should expect less space and interior comfort.

This is where the size of the boat matters, as it determines the amount of living space that you will have.

Not as Easy To Purchase

Trailerable houseboats are not as easy to purchase and they tend to be less popular. This is because they are more complicated to maintain, have a smaller capacity, and don't have many amenities that people look for when looking for a new home.

More Difficult Upkeep Process

The main issue with the trailerable houseboats is that they are not self-sufficient. The owners have to take care of them while they are on the water or at their dock.

They need more upkeep than regular houseboats because they more easily get damaged when they are on land, whether it’s from driving over them, or walking on them, or even just walking through them.

What Kind of Vehicle Can Tow a Trailerable Houseboat?

SUVs, trucks, and dually trucks are extremely light in size and weight. They can tow a trailerable houseboat because they are so light in size and weight.

Most SUVs, trucks, and dually trucks can tow a trailerable houseboat and you should make sure your vehicle has roughly 4,000 to 8,000 pounds on average of towing capacity first.

These vehicles are typically designed for carrying heavy loads of cargo instead of people or passengers.

They can be used to tow boats on trailers because of their ruggedness, strength, high-torque engine power making them reliable when pulling heavy loads through rough terrain.

The key to this capability is the size and weight of these vehicles. The current SUVs, trucks, and dually trucks are so light in size and weight that they are able to tow a houseboat.

The downside of this is that these vehicles are not well-equipped for rough terrain or inclement weather, for which you will need a heavier vehicle. But these trailers are easier to handle and they should not present much of a problem.