Get A Look Inside This $50,000 Houseboat For Sale

We have seen unique boaterhomes in the past such as this vintage Avion camper and this Airstream renovated as a pontoon boat. However, this custom houseboat, lovingly named Heidi-Ho, really impressed us with its ability to be towed as a regular camper trailer and extensive list of on-board amenities. And it’s currently up for sale in Palm Desert, CA!

Part boat, part camper trailer

Unlike most houseboats, the custom-built Heidi-Ho can be enjoyed on land or water. During transit, the 11.5-foot-wide boat deck reduces to an 8.5-foot width to fit on the road, or the cabin can be removed from the deck and used as a regular travel trailer.

The vessel is powered by a 115 Suzuki outboard engine and comes fully equipped with a 175-watt solar power system. The beautiful cedar interior features a galley, bathroom, and enough sleeping room for three between the convertible double bed and a bunk bed that drops down from the ceiling.

Scott Cronk, the current owner, designed much of the boat himself but commissioned F&S Houseboats to complete the building. He shares on his website,

“In 2018 I started designing a house boat that was easy to drive (on and off water), comfortable throughout, and fun. She can be hauled on the road with a pickup (5,500 lb) and without any special or wide load hauling permits. These are difficult tasks for most houseboats to accomplish. Heidi-Ho is the great boat for romantic getaways, family excursions and a fabulous way to entertain and enjoy friends. While I designed much of her, she was built and commissioned by a very professional and experienced houseboat builder. She was named after my favorite dog, Heidi.”

The interior

Inside the cabin is a full galley with a 3-burner stove, oven, cabinets, and fridge, along with a dinette that converts into a bed. The space includes a removable dining room table, bench seats, and center windows.

There is also a small bathroom on board with a composting toilet and wardrobe space. The houseboat comes equipped with portable water and gray water systems as well as a 4-gallon electric water heater. There is also an exterior shower space with a curtain for privacy.

The after deck

The rear doors open up to a pontoon platform, transforming the cabin into an indoor-outdoor lounge. Step out on the deck to find more comfortable lounging space outside. The boat comes with DeckMate chairs, a swim ladder, anchor, and life jackets.

Custom features

The Heidi-Ho houseboat was custom built with several unique features, including:

• Five fishing holes with lights for those interested in ice fishing
• Solar battery power with inverter and shore power features
• A hand-crank winch system (to raise the cabin to road height)
• 12V and 110V receptacles
• Custom Zieman dual-axle boat trailer
• A portable A/C
• 20,000 BTU furnace
• A coat rack

Entertainment features

When you’re not lounging on the deck, ice fishing, or out swimming, the houseboat has several other features to keep you entertained. This includes:

• A stereo system (radio, CD, Bluetooth, USB, aux inputs) with 4 ceiling speakers
• Wire & brace for TV
• Digital TV antenna
• It comes wired for portable satellite
• A cell signal booster

Learn more about the houseboat

So, why would anyone want to sell this beauty? Scott shares on his website,

I am selling her because I moved and now live in the desert of California; I lost convenient access to a marina. In the summer of 2019, I lived aboard her for 3 months. It was an incredible way to experience nature and friends — in new ways. She is a fabulous and fun boat, in excellent, like new condition.

The boat is currently for sale in Palm Desert, California. For more information, visit his website and check out his Flickr album.

About Nikki Cleveland

Nikki is a writer and editor for Do It Yourself RV, RV LIFE, and Camper Report. She is based on the Oregon Coast and has traveled all over the Pacific Northwest.