Hello,

I had originally posted this in the general forum, but then realized it should be in this forum, sorry.

I am new to this web site and to houseboating.

I hope that this is the place to get the answers to these questions or if not that someone can steer me in the right direction.

I have been kicking around the idea of building a housboat for some time now and I have many questions. Let me first explain what my intentions are.

I have been thinking of building a large pontoon type houseboat that I can live on and operate a scuba diving business on from one of the Hawaiian Islands. I would want something that is three or four bedrooms, living area, kitchen, 3 baths, large partially covered deck with a front and rear lower deck. I am thinking probably 2 G.M. V-8 engines.

I am looking for the following information for the preliminary stages.

1. where can I find a formula that will tell me about the size pontoons I need?

A. What size will float how much weight?

B. Should I oversize the pontoons so it sits higher in the water or is there a rule of thumb for how much water they should draft for safety and efficency?

2. When building your own houseboat with the intentions of living on it and operating a business from, what agencies do I need to comply with regarding the building and or certifing the construction of this venture?

3. Since this will be a salt water vessel, what are the recommended building materials? I am thinking aluminum pontoons and _frame_work for weight saving, but don't know how the salt water and air will effect this from a corrosion stand point?

4. How do you go about finding yard building space to construct and launch a boat like this?

5. Does anyone have any idea of what kind of cost is involved with dock space for a large boat like this for overnight docking and utilities?

I am sure that there are many things that I will need answers to later, and there are probably some intital things that I have overlooked and will appreciate anyone chimming in with suggestions.

Thanks in advance.

Darryl

I answered in the other thread