Recreational houseboating began in the late 1940s when people were looking to stay on the water for longer periods of time. Then, with the release of John D. MacDonald's Travis MeGee series, the popularity of houseboats exploded. The fictional character of McGee lives on a custom-made 52-foot barge-type houseboat dubbed The Busted Flush, named after the pivotal poker hand that won it for him, docked at Slip F-18 at Bahia Mar Marina, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A self-described beach bum who takes his retirement "in installments", McGee prefers to take on new jobs only when the spare cash runs low. Ready to browse our selection houseboats?

Seattle, Washington remains home to perhaps the largest collection of floating houseboat neighborhoods in the United States. There are currently approximately 500 houseboats in Seattle. Most houseboats are designed and built for inland lakes and waterways only. LASausalito, California, also has a large community of floating homes, many of which were owned by famous musicians, film stars and authors.

Houseboat owners continue to battle local municipalities over water access and liveaboard rules.

Still, houseboating is a very popular recreational activity for groups of people of all ages aboard houseboats of all varieties ranging from more modest 30-40 foot boats to 70-foot-plus luxury houseboat models. Houseboating is appealing due to scenery, proximity to other outdoor activities and potential to move the house for a change of view or neighbors. Plus, there are no sails to repair!

In Florida, especially along the St. John's River, houseboating is a lifestyle many choose to pursue. Houseboating offers amenities similar to land-based homes with large staterooms (bedrooms), galley (kitchen), and heads (baths), even hot tubs.

With newer houseboats with generators, you can literally stay for days anchored in the crystal clear backwaters of the St. Johns. These houseboats are designed for getaways with room to live. There’s space for everyone and everything. They are built with tons of deck space for enjoying the outdoors such as spotting gators and manatees.

Paradise Yacht Sales, the Premier Authority in pre-owned and repossessed marine houseboats, boats for sale and used boats.