Houseboat On-Board Water Systems

Your Forever Houseboat comes equipped with several convenient water management systems, all designed to help make sure you have enough clean water inside, as well as outside. When you first take charge of your new watercraft, it is important for you and your crew to become familiar with these systems and their limitations - to keep the water flowing for your entire trip. Your houseboat instructor will review each with you thoroughly - allowing time for any questions you may have.

Designed to be clean for both you and the lake you are on, the self contained water systems on board are simple, easy to use, and will provide you with the conveniences of home with as little extra hassle as possible. You do need to know about the fresh water capacity of the boat, how waste is flushed, processed, and stored, and where the controls are. There are also some simple steps you and your crew can take to get the most use out of the water you take with you on your voyage. If you are unfamiliar with the water systems on board, your houseboat instructor will make sure you are comfortable with its operation and use prior to your departure from the marina.

When you arrive at the marina for your houseboat orientation, a qualified and experienced Houseboat Instructor will review the water systems with you. Most "Captains" find it helpful to assign one or two "Water Mates" to take part in this important orientation to make sure everyone else on board is briefed on water use and conservation.

Fresh Water
The fresh water tank on your craft provides all of the clean, filtered water you will use in the sinks, showers, dishwasher, and ice makers. (The capacity of this tank will vary depending on your houseboat type.) There is a water gage on the helm to check your supply - if you are running low, you will need to head to the marina for a fill up. Careful water use by your whole crew can help avoid running out before you return.

The tank has its own filter and the pressure & flow is controlled by 2 fresh water pumps. You can control the water pressure with a switch on the 12 volt panel at the helm for the water pumps. The switch has three positions; The center position is "OFF". Use this position when no water is needed. You can turn the pumps on by switching either direction. If one fails, switch to the other. There is limited water pressure so don't try to use too many faucets at once.

This one is very important... The hot water heater runs on generator power. It is important to make sure the generator is switched on BEFORE stepping into the shower in the morning!

Waste Water
All of the sinks, showers, and toilets on your boat drain into a common waste holding tank (The capacity of this tank will vary depending on your houseboat type). No wastewater goes into the lake. This tank is emptied back at the marina when you return your houseboat. Conservation is very important to avoid filling up your tanks too quickly. A gage at the helm will keep you appraised of capacity and "Tank Full" warning lights will alert you to the need to have your tank pumped out sooner.

Marine Toilets
It looks somewhat similar to a normal toilet from a distance, but you will find that there are some big differences in how a marine toilet works from the one you use at home. The marine toilet on your houseboat draws water from the lake for flushing, and the water is discharged into the same tanks that all of the sinks and showers also drain into. Nothing goes into the lake. The whirring sound you hear when flushing is the in-line macerator grinding up the waste on its way to the holding tank (think garbage disposal).

You will also find a few extra controls near the marine toilet that you will need to understand. One adds water to the bowl and the other flushes as it macerates. It is important to always add water to solid waste and then "flush" for at least 20 seconds. Liquid waste needs little water added so just go and flush. One important thing to remember (make sure to remind everyone in your crew about this) is to never add anything other than the toilet paper provided. Paper towels and feminine products will clog the bowl and create a mess! It is also important to never pour chemicals down the drains.

Simple steps to conserve your fresh water supply and make it last for the whole trip:
1) Don't leave the water running when you are washing, brushing your teeth, or shaving.
2) When showering, turn the water off while lathering up.
3) Use the dishwasher with a full load as opposed to washing dishes in the sink. (great idea)
4) Make sure your whole crew is "on board," and knows what to do.
*Conservation is also very important to avoid filling up your waste holding tank too quickly.

The Wet Slide
Many houseboat models come equipped with a fun water slide. Find the button at the top of the slide. When you push it, a pump draws water from the lake and gets the slide nice and wet. Perfect for that first slide into the lake. Water stops flowing when you release the button.

Hot tub
If your houseboat features a hot tub, you will be pleased to learn that it has it's own dedicated water system, filling and draining into a separate water tank. It will take at least 4 hours to heat your hot tub so you will need to plan ahead. The houseboat instructor will review your boat's specific hot tub system during your orientation.

Many captains find it useful to assign a "spa mate" to warm up to this part of the orientation and then to oversee the hot tub operations.

Anchoring/Staking Your Houseboat

Houseboat Safety Systems

On-Board Water Systems

Checklist: What to Bring

Safe Boating Information and Discount

Safe Boating Videos

Houseboating Orientation Videos