Hello out there,

I am buying a 1981 Gibson 36 foot houseboat from a good friend of mine who owns a marina. I also have a Ski Nautique which i use the heck out of in the summer. I have decided to buy this boat and live aboard it for the year (including winter) maybe several years, depending upon my experience. The marina is within walking distance to my office! It is on the Allegheny river in Pittsburgh and there are currently 3 couples living aboard at this marina - they love it.

I am going to sign the papers this weekend. I am so excited to be able to live on the water all year round. I know the size of the boat is small - but it is just me and I don't need much - as long as i'm on the water and will be outside 90% of the time anyway. I am a little concerned about the winter months. It gets cold here - but the rivers haven't froze over in a long time. It will be chilly - but i'm sure i'll figure out a way to stay warm

Well i just wanted to introduce myself and say hello! And if your in the Pittsburgh PA area, drop me a line.

Happy boating!

Laura

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Hi Laura, welcome aboard! Sounds great! You may have to do some
additional insulating for those cold winters. And you'll need a way to
keep the boat heated. Also, does your marina have water available
throughout the winter?

We keep our boat on the Ohio River just above the Meldahl Dam. The
biggest problem is the fluctuating water levels we experiance with a
lot of rainfall and run off.

I'm sure you'll have a lot of questions, and you've come to the right
place for answers. There's a wealth of knowledge on this board, and
many experienced houseboaters to help you out.

Hi Laura. Sounds like a nice living situation. Water may not be too horrendous a problem if you can find some other source to fill your freshwater tank. 5 Gal. bottles?? PA has some lovely areas away from Philadelphia. We use a small oil filled elec. heater, BTW.