life on the water (Seattle, Tacoma: for rent, houseboats, buy)

[apache man 25]

We are looking to move to pugent sound area and would like to know if there any houseboats that maybe for rent. My wife loves the water and would like to entertain the idea. I am sure that maybe some what a strange housing request, but hey, I must try. Please let me know, thanks.

[mthomson]

Gig Harbor does rent some. You can go to www.gigharborrentaboat.com to see what they have. Their true houseboats aren't used for sailing, you just hang out in the Harbor on them. They've got (or had) cabin cruisers you could take out for a few nights that are great.
I've got a deal with them where my clients and referrals get 10% off...feel free to contact me if that's a route you decide to go.

[AzDreamer]

Are you looking for a place to live or something for just a few days?

[apache man 25]

i was looking for a place to reside in. i was hoping for something closer to main pugent sound metro area.

[AzDreamer]

Originally Posted by apache man 25

i was looking for a place to reside in. i was hoping for something closer to main pugent sound metro area.

You might be able to find something using google. Your spelling might be why you can't find what you are looking for, it's Puget Sound.

In Seattle there are some houseboats on Lake Union.

[apache man 25]

i am sorry for the misspelling of Puget Sound. I guess i had better learn to spell it correctly if i plan on living in the area. i do not want to offend anyone. Thank you for your input on the matter.

[nullgeo]

Originally Posted by apache man 25

We are looking to move to pugent sound area and would like to know if there any houseboats that maybe for rent. My wife loves the water and would like to entertain the idea. I am sure that maybe some what a strange housing request, but hey, I must try. Please let me know, thanks.

While it is possible to live on a boat/houseboat/floating home in Puget Sound, the range of experiences and sizes / types of vessels is complex -- to say nothing of the expense: from nearly free to $1,000,000 floating homes. I have experience (and no agenda -- retired, and like it that way ). Feel free to either detail more here in open postings, or contact me with questions directly.

For example, just last week I had a conversation with a gal who has a 12'x35' houseboat in seemingly excellent running order that she is desperate to sell ... I think I still have her name and number. Her boat is moored in a very nice marina in the Tacoma area on the Sound ... it has liveaboard status available. She may entertain the idea of a rent-to-own experiment as she is in difficult circumstances.

I have lived aboard boats, including in Hawaii, as well as having about 5 boats still here in the Sound where I live on waterfront island acreage. If you don't have a very substantial boating background, you are best advised to start with a marina arrangement until you gain a LOT of knowledge and experience ... take your boat out when the weather is safe, etc. ... take advantage of shoreside facilities while you learn the ropes.

It's a terrific lifestyle for those who love the sea and can live in small spaces.

It is hell for those who find themselves unsuited and stuck with a boat

Best two days of a boater's life:
the day they buy a boat
the day they sell it

[apache man 25]

Nullgeo,

Thank you for the information and the heads up on the women with the boat. I will keep you in mind when we come for our visit next fall. I am trying to get up as much information before then so that i can at least know some thing about the area. I do agree that it is a lifestyle only if one can live in small places. We are very simple type of people and do not need alot but to live comfortable, not to mention not having to cut grass. The South can be a pain when it comes to that. I do hope to be able get up with you on our visit. I do hope that you have a great day.

[Jake840]

You may want to look into Salmon Beach in Tacoma. They aren't houseboats but homes built on pilings over the water. Great views of the Sound, Narrows Bridge, right next to Pt. Defiance Park. You do need to be somewhat athletic because you have to climb about 10 stories of stairs to get down to the water and back up to the parking lot.

[rickers]

I lived at Salmon Beach for ten years and those steps and the trail to the north lot took a toll on my knees. When I lived there it was before there was a sewer system and you could look into the toity and see the water or the beach right under your house. Our house was the second one on the right of the big one with the bright blue roof. Good luck getting a place at Salmon Beach they are in high demand. For more info on this historic community you can get a book by Roger Cushman Edwards, he is the Salmon Beach historian.