Get A Look Inside This $50,000 Custom Houseboat

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.

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 was listed for sale in Palm Desert, California for $50,000. For more information, 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.