Interior / Systems

While our design philosophy for the boats that we have finished has been based on systems simplicity, "the world is your oyster"! If you want it, go for it.

Electrical

Our current demo boat is our first venture into a 110-volt system. While 12-volt handles most needs, we wanted to the option of air conditioning, microwave and dockside shore power hookup. Using a basic ABYC installation guide and recommended equipment, we have these capabilites for a $900 investment, including a 1600 watt generator.

Air Conditioning

With the cabin being well insulated with 4" EPS (styrofoam) in the roof panels and 2" in the walls, we never felt the pressing need for A/C in eight years of enjoying our prototype boat throughout the central Florida summers. Admittadly, we used a 12-volt circulating fan at bedtime, turned off at some point during the night. However, we wanted full features in our new demo boat. We wanted unobstructed use of the upper deck on this boat, so an RV-type rooftop unit (at $1,000) didn't work for us. Alternatively, we installed a 5000 BTU window unit ($150) in the aft wall and ducted it through the head enclosure. Works well.

Refrigeration

While we have relied on keeping a cooler iced (and emptied) in the past per our "simple-systems" philosophy, we've gone with a 12-volt cooler-style refrigerator in the galley of this new boat. We're putting together a dedicated solar system (panels on the forward roof overhang) to power it. We'll still use the old cooler for drinks out on the deck, however the cabin will be ice-free.

Cooking

Forgoing the need for every single comfort-of-home, we've chosen to bypass the complexities and space requirements of a plumbed propane system and associated components. A portable camp stove (small propane bottles or butane canisters) works well for our cooking needs and does not require dedicated counter space when not in use. And of course, the propane gas grill hanging off the aft rail gets frequent use. As for hot water, we'll fire up the stove if we need it.

Plumbing

We utilize a 15 gallon poly water tank with an on-demand 12-volt pump, plumbed to the galley and head sinks. Both sinks drain directly overboard (simple-systems, no holding tanks). We've also chosen to avoid the complexities of a marine sanitation system by using a simple chemical camping toilet. Yes, there are some issues to deal with when emptying the holding tank (which we certainly didn't do after every weekend outing). We used the same unit for eight years, replacing the seals at year five, with oder never being an issue that was problematic.

We've never included a shower in our builds, as there are always alternatives being on the water. We've used a poly-bag SunShower on the aft deck/roof which has served the purpose for our needs. We're also looking at these new propane-bottle hanging camp showers on the aft deck with a rooftop water tank. While it's adding complexity, it's certainly doable to build the head compartment as a "wet-head" with plumbed water and a floor drain. In that application, hot water can be added through the propane camp shower unit as well (either side of the aft wall)

Create Your Dream Houseboat With Our Pre-Fab Cabin Kit and Build System

Interior / Systems

This website uses cookies.