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Should I buy a hybrid RV/boat or just tow a boat

evagoblog
Explorer II
Explorer II
on a trailer?

If anyone reads a lot of different RV forums you will see this posted many places, as I want as many opinions or expertise advice as possible, the subject is so unusual wasn't quite sure where to put it. I was going to purchase an ordinary Class B van when I who have a weakness (I used the word fetish and was told it was NOT the correct word :)) for unusual house TV shows, was watching a show about houses on the water, and there was an episode on the Caraboat. A couple found it on ebay for $800 and then restored I think the show said for 200K (if you want to see the episode it's on the FYI channel website, season 2 episode 11, not sure if I can post links here) so then I became intrigued with that concept (there are very few of those made in the 70's left, at the first press conference for it, the boats started sinking and the reporters had to be rescued and the designer destroyed all the plans) but coincidentally there are TWO companies that just started making these with both very similar designs, though they are not related. I contacted both, and even though they don't sell in the U.S. now both said they will soon, but don't know when and I want to start RVing NOW. If anyone is curious about them, here are their names which you can google as again, not sure if this site will let me post links, some don't, Caravanboats for the German and Caraboat for the Australian, surprise they used the name of the failed company unless they want it to come up when someone is googling the other!) There is a company called Sealander where the trailers are lighter and they are cheaper (like a Happier Camper LOL) but I have been in contact them for almost TWO years and although the said they would distribute in North America and were having a tour here, they never did and their link to US sales is down. There IS an American made product the Terra Wind,on sale in the U.S. but like many American products (moderator if you take umbrage I will remove the last sentence) it's too big, expensive and over the top!

A friend of mine suggested that I just buy a truck or van and PULL a regular boat that you can live in (can be cheaper as of now, in USD the German boat is 70K range and the Australian in the 90K range) and so now, finally the question, after this long winded introduction, can that be done, will RV campsites or the county.state, federal parks allow it-actually living on the boat on land (only problem is can't stealth camp). I also wanted to do this and not have it towed by a RV because the weight would be too heavy and use too much gas.

Don't know if anyone ever thought or tried it, hope so as don't want to contact every campsite. I know people will have their jokes etc.but I am serious about it, so even if people haven't tried it but can think of the pros and cons, I'd like their opinions also.
50 REPLIES 50

evagoblog
Explorer II
Explorer II
Please look at the websites for the two vehicles via google, I am afraid to put the URLS in and be banned (as one forum-not this one-)threatened to do. They are trailers not driving vehicles, unlike the ones from over 40 years ago much better built and sea worthy and if the consensus is that it is not a good idea then to save money I wanted to know if anyone knew if I could buy a boat and just put it on a trailer and tow it from place to place at campsites (maybe an occasional stealth camp in an urban area) and then when I want to sail I can do that.


BTW, the show was called My Floating Home and the episode was titled Floating Micro Home.

gbopp
Explorer
Explorer
K Charles wrote:
Fully self contained and just passing thru why would they say no.

It depends on the age of the boat. :B

Clicck
Explorer
Explorer
So an RV that floats, sounds like it would be crappy RV and an even worse boat. Not surprised you don't see market ready "rv-boats" for sale.

Using a boat as an RV will get old real quick regardless of whether or not campgrounds will allow a boat on a trailer in lieu of a "real" camper.

K_Charles
Explorer
Explorer
Years ago we met a man camping in his sail boat. He said he had no problems in campgrounds never stayed more then one night. Fully self contained and just passing thru why would they say no.

Ralph_Cramden
Explorer II
Explorer II
IB853347201 wrote:
I don't understand your post.
Are you saying that you want to live in a boat in the water and be able to drive it from lake to lake, or are you saying you want to drive or tow a boat from RV park to RV park and stay in it on land?



I think the poster is asking if they launch a class C off a boat ramp will it sink or swim???????????.
Too many geezers, self appointed moderators, experts, and disappearing posts for me. Enjoy. How many times can the same thing be rehashed over and over?

IB853347201
Nomad
Nomad
I don't understand your post.
Are you saying that you want to live in a boat in the water and be able to drive it from lake to lake, or are you saying you want to drive or tow a boat from RV park to RV park and stay in it on land?
2010 Suncruiser