Boats with living quarters offer the perfect blend of adventure and homey convenience for anyone seeking freedom on the water. Selecting the right vessel can be overwhelming with countless options varying in size, amenities, and price points. Many first-time buyers end up with boats with living quarters that don’t meet their lifestyle needs or strain their finances. Let’s cut through the confusion, offering expert insights on liveaboard vessels from cozy cabin cruisers to luxurious yachts. Discover how to match your boating dreams with practical reality and turn your floating home fantasy into an achievable lifestyle choice.
Table of Contents
- Best Small Boats with Living Quarters (Under 30 Feet)
- Best Large Boats with Living Quarters (50+ Feet)
- Houseboats: Best Floating Homes
- Trawlers: Best Fuel-Efficient Boats with Living Quarters
- Sailboats with Living Quarters
- Best Budget-Friendly Boats for Living
- Finding Your Perfect Floating Home
- FAQs
Best Small Boats with Living Quarters (Under 30 Feet)
Bayliner 285
The Bayliner 285 packs impressive living space into its sub-30-foot frame. Featuring a roomy V-berth, compact galley, and separate head, this vessel maximizes every inch. The convertible dinette provides additional sleeping space, while generous cockpit seating includes practical underseat storage. Its single stern drive delivers reliable performance without excessive fuel consumption.
Beneteau Antares 8
The 26-foot Beneteau Antares 8 brings French design sensibilities to compact boating. Large windows create a bright, airy cabin while the separate shower and toilet—rare in boats this size—enhance extended stays. Its exceptional stability makes coastal cruising comfortable, and the outboard configuration maximizes interior space while simplifying maintenance.
Jeanneau NC 895
The Jeanneau NC 895 showcases innovation at 29 feet with its modular approach. Sliding doors and convertible furniture transform the space effortlessly, while the asymmetrical deck plan creates surprising interior room. The full galley includes amenities typically found on larger vessels, and efficient outboard options extend cruising range significantly.
Related: 17 Best Sailboats to Live On
Best Large Boats with Living Quarters (50+ Feet)
Sunseeker Manhattan 52
The Sunseeker Manhattan 52 offers sophisticated on-water living with three beautifully appointed cabins, including a full-beam master suite with walk-in closets and ensuite facilities. Its high-end galley features stone countertops and premium appliances. The main salon connects seamlessly to the aft cockpit through sliding glass doors, while the flybridge provides another entertainment space with wet bar and panoramic views.
Azimut 60
The Italian-crafted Azimut 60 combines style and substance with three or four stateroom configurations. The master suite features full-height windows for natural light and stunning water views. Advanced technology, including digital switching systems and stabilizer options, enhances comfort during extended stays. The spacious salon incorporates an open-concept gourmet galley perfect for entertaining.
Viking 72
The American-built Viking 72 delivers exceptional craftsmanship and seaworthiness with massive interior volume. Customizable layouts typically offer five staterooms plus crew quarters. Commercial-grade systems ensure reliability for ocean crossings, while multiple living zones—including a professional-grade galley, spacious salon, and climate-controlled enclosed bridge—provide privacy even with numerous guests aboard.
Houseboats: Best Floating Homes
Gibson Houseboat
Gibson Houseboats blend traditional design with practical livability, offering spacious open floor plans and full-height ceilings. Available in lengths from 37 to 75 feet, they prioritize residential comfort with full-size appliances, central climate control, and generous storage. Their wide beam design maximizes interior space while providing excellent stability—crucial for those sensitive to motion.
Bravada Atlas
The custom-built Bravada Atlas redefines houseboat luxury with modern architectural elements and expansive windows creating bright interiors. Multiple deck levels, including rooftop entertainment areas, effectively double the usable living space. Extensive customization options allow for multiple bedrooms, home offices, and even theater rooms, while advanced power systems support all high-end home amenities.
Harbor Cottage
Harbor Cottages offer an affordable entry into floating home living without sacrificing style. These 30-40 foot houseboats utilize tiny home design principles with vertical space maximization and multi-purpose furniture. Despite their compact size, they include full bathrooms, efficient kitchens, and comfortable sleeping areas, while their shallow draft suits various water environments.
Related: 9 Best Liveaboard Catamaran
Trawlers: Best Fuel-Efficient Boats with Living Quarters
Nordic Tug 37
The Nordic Tug 37 blends efficiency and livability with distinctive tug styling. Its semi-displacement hull delivers remarkable fuel economy—often 2-3 nautical miles per gallon at cruising speeds. The single diesel engine provides reliable propulsion while keeping maintenance simple. Inside, it offers a full-beam salon, a well-equipped galley, and a comfortable stateroom. The pilothouse design ensures excellent visibility and all-weather protection, while substantial storage capacity allows for weeks of self-sufficient cruising.
Ranger Tugs R-43
The Ranger Tugs R-43 reimagines trawlers with a semi-planing hull that maintains efficiency while offering versatile cruising speeds. It sips fuel at displacement speeds but can reach 15+ knots when needed. Two staterooms and convertible salon seating accommodate family and guests, while the flybridge adds another living space with sweeping views. Most remarkably, the R-43 remains trailerable despite its substantial size.
Kadey-Krogen 44
The Kadey-Krogen 44 excels in offshore capability with its full-displacement hull prioritizing stability and efficiency. It crosses oceans comfortably on minimal fuel, delivering exceptional range. The livable interior features protected walkaround decks, a spacious salon, and an ergonomic galley designed for meal preparation in any condition. The isolated engine room reduces noise, while the raised pilothouse provides excellent visibility.
Sailboats with Living Quarters
Beneteau Oceanis 46
The Beneteau Oceanis 46 balances comfort and performance with its chined hull design providing spacious accommodations for liveaboards. The three-cabin layout includes a generous owner’s suite forward and two aft guest cabins. Cruising amenities include a spacious cockpit with twin helms and a fold-down swim platform, while the interior features abundant natural light and a well-equipped galley with ample refrigeration and storage for extended voyages.
Hallberg-Rassy 44
The Hallberg-Rassy 44 exemplifies Scandinavian quality and bluewater capability. Its center cockpit design creates a secure helm station while allowing for a spacious aft master cabin—ideal for liveaboard couples. Protected by a windscreen and hardtop, the cockpit offers shelter in adverse conditions. Deep bilges and substantial storage support self-sufficient cruising, while the meticulously crafted interior provides excellent ventilation and robust systems for long-term comfort.
Lagoon 42 Catamaran
The Lagoon 42 revolutionizes liveaboard sailing with its catamaran design offering nearly twice the living space of comparable monohulls. The single-level salon and cockpit eliminate the cramped feeling of traditional sailboats. With up to four cabins and two heads possible, it easily accommodates families or guests. Benefits include stable sailing with minimal heeling, excellent visibility from the raised helm, and substantial power capacity for extended anchoring.
Best Budget-Friendly Boats for Living
The Practical Albin 28 TE
The Albin 28 Tournament Express offers exceptional value with sturdy construction and practical amenities. Its diesel engine provides reliable performance and fuel economy. Used models from the 1990s-2000s can be found under $50,000, featuring a V-berth, enclosed head, and functional galley. Simple systems make it ideal for DIY-oriented owners looking to minimize maintenance costs.
The Popular Catalina 30
With over 6,500 units produced, the Catalina 30 is highly accessible for sailboat living. It offers a spacious main cabin, private aft cabin, and functional galley with simple sailing characteristics. Older models start around $20,000. The massive owner community and parts availability help manage maintenance costs effectively.
The Spacious Hunter 36
The Hunter 36 features two private cabins, a spacious salon, and a well-appointed galley. Large windows create a bright interior that feels larger than the actual dimensions. Well-maintained examples from the 1980s-90s typically sell for $40,000-$60,000, with systems designed for easy maintenance access.
Finding Your Perfect Floating Home
Whether you want weekend escapes or full-time water living, there’s a boat with living quarters for you. Compact powerboats like the Bayliner 285 offer smart space design, while luxury yachts like the Sunseeker Manhattan 52 provide premium comfort. Houseboats from Gibson and Bravada deliver maximum stability and residential-style living. Fuel-efficient trawlers like the Nordic Tug 37 combine excellent range with comfortable accommodations. Sailors can choose traditional monohulls or spacious catamarans for distinct liveaboard experiences. Budget-friendly options like the Catalina 30 make boat living accessible to everyone. Your perfect boat matches your lifestyle, cruising goals, and practical needs!
FAQs
What boats have living quarters?
Boats with living quarters include houseboats, cabin cruisers, motor yachts, trawlers, sailboats (particularly catamarans and ketches), canal boats, and some pontoon boats. The size and quality of accommodations vary widely, from basic sleeping areas to luxury apartments on water with multiple rooms and amenities.
What are the living quarters on a boat called?
The living quarters on a boat are commonly called the cabin. On larger vessels, this area may be referred to as the saloon or stateroom for the main living space, with additional terms like galley (kitchen), head (bathroom), and berth (sleeping area) describing specific parts of the onboard accommodations.
