New to houseboating

[Tony B]

You are lucky. That is kind of rare.

[OLD HOUSEBOATER]

You will be selling it because it's an underpowered single engine boat that is a PITA to handle and dock.

All that being said You will have gained experience and will not lose too much money.

If your handy and like to putter (I am) a boat is a good choice to work on. It's fun and you get to ride your hobby.

Good Luck what ever your decision.

[BananaTom]

The thing I would be concerned about is a single engine. I have driven several. They do not track staright. You always have to counter steer to maintain a some what straight line.

With twins, set your course, and put your feet up.

So, if you are going to be dock sitter, no problem.

But if you are going to use it away from the dock, you will not like manuvering it. And when you do, have lots of large fenders down.

I would only own a twin.

[Jakebg]

Hey guys thanks for all the input. That why i like this site,others helping others.I am still on the search for a good twin .The lake i am on is pretty open, so docking is where twins would be a great help.My travels would be leaving the dock and looking for a quiet cove to hang out in for the weekend.

[OLD HOUSEBOATER]

Go for it then.

[clarencio5]

You only need a single engine. Sure, twins are super nice to have (you can turn in your own length--big deal) but the fuel and maintenance is a lot higher. This will be your first houseboat. That means if you really enjoy this hobby you will want something bigger, further down the road. If you don't want to continue, then it hasn't cost you as much and you have learned a lot.
I travelled over 3000 miles on my single engine houseboat, under all kinds of conditions. Having twin engines would have made life easier some times.. But, there are a lot of things that would have made life easier!

[Jakebg]

Well i bit the bullet and bought my first houseboat. A 1982 Gibson Lazycruz 50' with a single volvo 145a and 280 outdrive. I know it will be a pig to drive,but hey its big. So the fun begins on the remod. It is dry and really solid has spent the last several years under cover and got a great slip with the boat. So the questions will begin shortly!

[easttnboater]

Congratulations. Have fun with it.

[Endurance]

Good work. If I were choosing an outdrive for that vintage boat, a Volvo 280 would top my list. They shift smoothly and are pretty much bulletproof. Volvo used them behind 350 chevys that they rated around 240hp and they performed admirably. It should serve very nicely behind a 145hp motor.

[Tony B]

Congrats on your new houseboat.
Enjoy the heck out of it.

Tony B