Houseboat rentals are just like a hotel on water! Perfect for cruising in style, houseboats often come with many amenities that will allow you to plan the perfect lake vacation or retreat. This article will provide you with information that can help you have great houseboat buying experience from start to finish. Whether you're having a houseboat party, checking out the local scenery, fishing or water skiing, the following will be beneficial to you.

No matter where you are the United States, there's a lake nearby just waiting for you and your family to stop by and enjoy everything it has to offer. Some lakes are great for fishing while others are great for recreation and water sports. Some lakes offer gentle waters surrounded by some of the most breathtaking landscapes you'll ever see.

A houseboat will let you experience all of this and more. You'll never have a better or more relaxing vacation than the one you'll have on a houseboat -- out on the open water, basking in the warm sunlight or taking in a clear sky full of bright stars.

Staying in a houseboat is like staying in a hotel suite, only you're floating on water. Houseboats usually come equipped with a full kitchen, bathroom, living room and sleeping rooms. Plus, they come in all different sizes and styles so that you can find exactly what you need to accommodate you and your guests. Small houseboats, or compact houseboats, start around 50 feet in length and usually sleep up to eight people. Larger houseboats, or luxury houseboats, like those around 85 feet in length, can sleep up to twelve people. The larger the boat is, the more amenities it's likely to have on board.

Before you buy your first houseboat, make sure you know what you're doing. What is your level of experience? If you have never driven a boat before, you should consider taking a boating safety course -- it could end up saving your life (and many others!).

Also, becoming familiar with boating is just the first step in the buying process. There are many different kinds of boats to choose from and each of them offer something unique.

Smaller houseboats are great for families. If your vacation plans include cruising, fishing or participating in water sports, this might be the best, most cost-effective option. Smaller houseboats are typically equipped with 3 to 4 beds, maybe even a sleeper sofa. The kitchen will have a dishwasher, oven and range, microwave and refrigerator. There will also be ice chests on board so you have plenty of room to store food. Many small houseboats also have a television in case of inclement weather. The upper deck will have a canopy to protect you from the sun and maybe even a water slide to help you cool off.

Larger houseboats enjoy all of the above on a grander scale. They're perfect for retreats or large groups who want to spend a lot of time on the water. The bedroom areas may contain king-sized beds and the living area will be spacious with central air and heat. The kitchen will be fully equipped and you'll most likely have access to two bathrooms. You might even be lucky enough to have a massive hot tub with a wet bar on the upper deck!

Comparing different houseboats isn't always easy, especially if you can't take them out on the water for a test drive. Sometimes it's best to make a list of houseboats you like and then go to a rental agency, rent the boat, try it out in a real-life situation and see if you still like it. You'll be glad you did this because you don't want to end up with a boat that you don't like!

Plus, you can also ask your friends or other boat owners what models they own or have owned and what they prefer. Do some research online to see what other people are saying about the types of boats available and which models are best for your budget and needs.

Don't buy the first houseboat you see that fits your budget. Of course you're excited and you want to get out there on the water, but it's best to take your time, shop around, and do your homework. If this is your first boat purchase, bring someone with you, preferably a friend who has bought a boat before, and they will help you look it over. Helpful resources are available -- use them!