Prepping a House Boat for Weekend Trips and Creature Comforts

• Business Services, Hardware, Industrial and Manufacturing

Written by: The Foam Factory

Renting or buying a house boat can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it will require some prep time. Like any vacation, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to survive in your home away from home. Before you set sail, we’ll cover everything from seating arrangements and a boat mattress replacement to coolers, storing food and cooking on the open sea. Read on for tips to make your houseboat weekend trip one you’ll never forget.

Safety First

You can take care of seating arrangements and manage safety concerns in one fell swoop. A simple foam patio cushion is all you need for both comfort and life saving flotation. That’s thanks to the large, open cells in these foam sheets. Water doesn’t retain, so your foam pad will float. The foam is also durable, designed for outdoor use and long term exposure to the sun and other elements.

You’ll be able to re-use cushions for quite some time, especially if you use a canvas cover for them. Canvas is a durable material that will resist sun bleaching, tearing and provide a comfortable place for everyone to relax. Make sure you measure the width and height of your foam replacement so you can cut your fabric properly. Most foam manufacturers will allow for custom cuts, so send your specifications directly to the manufacturer to avoid cutting foam.

Food and Drinks

As far as food is concerned, simplicity is usually best. A crock pot will do wonders, so stews, chili and roasts are all great. Bring lots of crackers, which will also help with motion sickness. If you plan on fishing while you’re out there, it’s a good idea to look up some recipes for fish chowder. You can also try floating some things in the water to keep them cool, like coolers or large fruits. It’s not a good idea to leave them out there, as they will attract fish, but you can keep drinks cool for the afternoon while you float.

As for drinks, be sure to pack plenty of water. You’ll need about 3 large bottles of water per person travelling. Avoid sugary drinks and anything that will increase your thirst.

Warmth

The other major concern you face is keeping warm overnight. It’s best to use sleeping bags rated for temperatures lower than you think it will be. Sleeping bags rated for 20 degrees Fahrenheit will usually suffice, with warm sleepers having the option to open them up a bit. Generally, it’s a good idea to plan for warm sleep with plenty of options to remove clothing or decrease blankets if temperatures rise.