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Description
The Apart XS houseboat for sale is the smallest displacement hull model in the Apart houseboat line. It gives you everything a holiday flat offers, including a full size toilet and a furnished kitchen with fridge, sink and a choice of gas or induction cooker, in a compact floating home designed to fit standard marina berths. It is new, built to order, and we quote delivery worldwide.
If you have dreamed of a houseboat but worried about size, cost or handling, the Apart XS is the easy way in. It is made for couples, first time houseboat owners and rental operators who want a comfortable unit that slips into a normal harbour berth. This page explains the layout, the displacement hull, how to choose your kitchen, where you can use the boat, ownership costs, ordering and delivery.
Apart XS houseboat for sale: Key Details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Apart XS |
| Type | Compact houseboat on a displacement hull |
| Position in range | Smallest displacement hull model in the Apart line |
| Condition | New, built to order |
| Bathroom | Full size toilet |
| Kitchen | Furnished, with fridge, sink and gas or induction cooker |
| Berthing | Sized to dock in standard marina and harbour berths |
| Dimensions, engine, berths | Confirmed in your quote |
| Price | $78,888 |
Because each Apart XS is built to order, final dimensions, engine and equipment are confirmed in writing with your quote. Ask us for the full specification sheet.
Everything a Holiday Flat Has, on the Water
A lot of small boats promise comfort and then hand you a chemical toilet and a two ring camping stove. The Apart XS does not. It has a real bathroom with a full size toilet, and a furnished kitchen with a fridge, a proper sink and your choice of gas or induction cooking. You can cook full meals, keep food fresh for days and live as you would in a rented apartment.
That level of comfort changes how you use a boat. Instead of a day trip, you stay for the weekend. Instead of a weekend, you stay for the summer. Guests who would never sleep on a cabin cruiser are happy to book a night on the Apart XS.
What a Displacement Hull Means for You
Many floating homes sit on flat pontoons or rows of floats. The Apart XS uses a displacement hull, which sits down in the water and moves by gently pushing water aside, like a canal boat or a trawler yacht. That brings real advantages at houseboat speeds:
- Efficiency. Displacement hulls need little power to move at low speed, which keeps fuel and running costs down.
- Comfort. The hull’s weight sits low, which gives a steady, settled motion when boats pass and wash rolls in.
- Handling. A defined hull tracks straighter than a flat raft, which makes steering and berthing easier.
- Familiar berthing. The shape fits normal marina berths, so you are not hunting for a special houseboat mooring.
The trade off is speed. Like every displacement boat, the Apart XS is built to cruise gently, not to plane. For a floating home, that is exactly the point.
Why Size Matters: The Case for XS
The builder describes the Apart XS as the smallest displacement hull model in its range, designed to dock in harbours across Europe. A smaller houseboat has practical benefits wherever you live:
- More marina berths fit it, so it is easier to find a home port.
- Mooring fees, insurance and maintenance are usually lower than for larger units.
- It is easier for one or two people to handle, berth and look after.
- Transport and launching are simpler than for wide, heavy houseboats.
If you mostly travel as a couple, or plan to rent to couples, you may find you do not need more space than the Apart XS gives you.
Gas or Induction Cooking?
You choose the cooker when you order, so it is worth thinking about how you will use the boat.
Gas works anywhere, with or without shore power. It suits owners who cruise to quiet bays and spend nights away from the dock. It needs a properly installed gas locker, regular checks and a gas alarm.
Induction is clean, fast and safe, with no open flame and no gas bottles to change. It needs a good electrical supply, so it suits boats that spend most nights connected to shore power, and holiday rentals where guests may be new to boats.
We can help you weigh up the choice when you request your quote for the Apart XS houseboat for sale.
Who Buys the Apart XS houseboat for sale
Couples
A compact, comfortable floating home for weekends and holidays, with everything two people need.
First time houseboat owners
A manageable size and cost to learn the houseboat lifestyle before deciding whether to go bigger.
Holiday rental and hire fleets
Operators like smaller units because they are easy for guests to handle, cheaper to run and popular with couples. Some regions allow houseboats to be hired without a boating licence after a short briefing, which widens the market.
Day cruiser and motor boat owners
Many owners pair a houseboat with a small day cruiser or tender for exploring, using the Apart XS as their floating base.
Lakeside property owners
A guest suite or studio moored at your own jetty, ready for visitors.
Where You Can Use It
Houseboats like the Apart XS are built for sheltered water: lakes, rivers, canals and protected marinas. Before cruising, check the design category on your boat’s documents. For example, design category D under the European Recreational Craft rules covers winds up to force 4 and significant waves up to about 0.3 m, with occasional waves up to 0.5 m. Stay within your boat’s category and keep an eye on the forecast.
Licences, Mooring and Rules
Houseboat rules differ by country, region and waterway. Before delivery, find out:
- Whether the boat must be registered and what licence, if any, you need to drive it. Some regions allow licence free use of small houseboats after training, others do not.
- Whether your marina allows overnight stays, live aboard use or holiday rentals.
- Where to empty waste tanks and refill water.
- Which shore power connection your berth uses.
- What insurance cover your marina requires.
Your marina office or local waterways authority can answer most of these. We will provide any documents they need for the Apart XS houseboat for sale.
A Weekend Aboard
Friday evening, you arrive at the marina with a bag of groceries. The fridge is already cold because the boat has been on shore power all week. You cook dinner on the induction hob, open a bottle of wine and watch the lights come on across the water.
Saturday morning you cast off and cruise gently to a quiet stretch of river. The displacement hull glides along with barely a sound. You tie up to a riverside mooring, swim, read and walk into a nearby village for lunch. In the evening you cook again, this time with fresh fish from the market.
Sunday you cruise home, plug back in, tidy up and lock the door, just as you would leave a holiday flat. That ease is what makes the Apart XS so appealing.
Running Costs to Plan For
- Mooring, which depends on location and season.
- Insurance for the hull, contents and liability, plus rental cover if needed.
- Utilities such as shore power, water and pump out.
- Fuel or charging, which is modest at displacement speeds.
- Maintenance for the hull, engine, systems and finishes.
- Gas, if you choose a gas cooker.
- Winter care in cold climates.
Making It Pay as a Rental
If you plan to rent the Apart XS houseboat for sale when you are not using it, a few steps make it easier:
- Confirm that your berth allows paying guests.
- Get insurance that covers rentals.
- Decide whether guests may cruise or must stay moored.
- Choose induction cooking for simplicity and safety with guests.
- Write a clear guest guide for power, water, toilet and safety gear.
- Arrange cleaning and laundry between stays.
- Take great photos of the kitchen, bathroom and the view.
Demand depends on your location and season, so look at local holiday rental listings before you buy.
Living Small: Storage and Layout Ideas
A compact floating home works best when everything has a place. Owners of the Apart XS houseboat for sale often use a few simple tricks:
- Soft duffel bags instead of suitcases. They fold flat and slide under a bed or into a locker.
- Furniture that does two jobs, such as a bench with storage underneath or a table that folds away.
- Hooks and rails on the walls for jackets, towels and kitchen tools.
- Stackable, lidded boxes in the kitchen so nothing slides around when you cruise.
- A dock box at your berth for tools, fenders, spare lines and outdoor gear.
- A small folding bike or scooter kept on deck for trips into town.
Keep a simple routine: put things back after use, wipe the kitchen down after meals, and air the cabin each morning. A tidy small space feels much bigger than a cluttered one.
Pairing Your Houseboat With a Tender
Many owners add a small tender or day boat to their houseboat. It lets you leave the houseboat moored and zip off to explore shallow creeks, fish, or run to the shops without moving your home. A light inflatable such as a Takacat 260 LX stows easily on deck or at the berth and pairs well with a small outboard or electric motor. Ask us for a bundle quote if you would like a tender with your Apart XS.
Insuring a Floating Home
Insurance for a houseboat sits between boat cover and home cover. When you ask for quotes, include the hull and structure, the engine, the contents, third party liability, and paying guests if you plan to rent. Tell the insurer where the boat will be moored, whether it will cruise, and whether anyone will live aboard. Specialist marine insurers usually understand houseboats best.
Delivery and Launch Day
A smooth launch starts with planning. Book a crane or slipway at your marina that can handle the boat’s weight. Check that the delivery truck can reach the launch point. Have mooring lines, fenders and a shore power cable ready at your berth. Once the Apart XS houseboat for sale is afloat, test the engine and systems, then take a short run in calm water before your first night aboard. We will share the builder’s handover notes so you know how every system works.
Using It Through the Seasons
Spring is for checks: mooring lines, the hull, the engine and a deep clean of the exterior. Summer brings long evenings, swimming and the busiest rental weeks. Autumn is often the calmest, quietest season on lakes and rivers, ideal for a few peaceful trips. In cold climates, agree a winter plan with your marina well ahead, covering frost protection for water lines, ventilation to keep the cabin dry, and whether the boat stays afloat or comes ashore.
More Questions Buyers Ask
How fast does a displacement hull houseboat go?
Displacement hulls cruise gently. Expect relaxed speeds suited to rivers, lakes and canals, and always follow local limits.
Can I choose the interior finish?
Yes. Tell us your preferences and they will be included in your quote.
Is it suitable for year round use?
Many owners use houseboats year round. Ask us about heating and insulation options for your climate when you request a quote.
How long does the build take?
It depends on the specification and the builder’s schedule. We confirm an estimate with your quote.
Apart XS houseboat for sale vs Other Houseboats
| Model | Length x width | Engine | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apart XS | On request | On request | $78,888 |
| Apart M | 8.40 x 3.60 m | 25 hp | $69,900 |
| Floating house | 7 to 12 x 3.00 m | 25 hp or electric | $41,000 |
| Apart XL | 12.00 x 5.00 m | 2 x 50 hp | $127,900 |
The Apart M is a twin hull model with a roof terrace and four berths. The Apart XS uses a displacement hull for efficient, settled cruising and easy berthing. The Apart XL is a much larger unit for families, groups or business use.
Houseboat, Cabin Cruiser or Lakeside Cottage?
Cabin cruiser. Faster and able to travel further, but the cabin is usually tight, with low headroom, a small galley and a marine toilet. The Apart XS gives you a proper kitchen and a full size toilet, trading speed for comfort.
Lakeside cottage. A cottage with a view costs far more in popular locations, carries property taxes and never moves. The Apart XS houseboat for sale gives you the same view from the water and lets you change it.
Bigger houseboat. More space, but higher purchase, mooring and running costs, and fewer berths that fit. For couples, the Apart XS is often all the boat you need.
Tips for First Time Houseboat Owners
- Spend your first few nights at the marina before cruising, so you learn how the systems work.
- Practise berthing on a calm day with a friend on the dock.
- Learn the local waterway signs, speed limits and right of way rules.
- Keep a simple log of engine hours, water fills and pump outs.
- Make friends with your marina staff. They are your best source of local knowledge.
- Start with short trips and build up as your confidence grows.
How Ordering Works
- Talk to us about how you will use the boat and where it will live.
- Receive your quote with full specification, price and build estimate.
- Choose options such as gas or induction cooking and interior finishes.
- Build to order.
- Delivery to your nearest port or agreed point.
- Launch at your marina by crane or slipway.
Worldwide Delivery
We sell the Apart XS houseboat for sale to buyers around the world. Delivery is quoted per order based on your country, nearest port and how the boat will be transported and launched. Send us your location and we will include a freight quote.
Please read our terms and conditions and refund and return policy, and see our customer reviews.
Caring for Your Apart XS houseboat for sale
- Check mooring lines and fenders regularly, and before storms.
- Clean the hull at the waterline to keep growth down.
- Service the engine on schedule.
- Have the gas system checked if fitted.
- Ventilate the cabin to prevent condensation and damp.
- Protect water systems from frost in cold climates.
- Wash and treat exterior finishes each season.
Safety Aboard
Keep life jackets for everyone, a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, a horn and navigation lights. Fit smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and a gas alarm if you choose a gas cooker. Learn the rules for your waterway before you cast off. For background on boat design categories, read this Recreational Craft Directive overview.
Buy the Apart XS houseboat for sale From Us
NJ Marines Outboard Engines is based in Fresno, California, and supplies boats, houseboats and outboards worldwide. Call or WhatsApp +1 209 690 5983, learn about us on our about page, or message us through the contact page. If you plan to power your boat yourself, browse our Suzuki 25 HP outboards or Torqeedo electric motors and ask which suits the hull.
More Houseboats
FAQ: Apart XS houseboat for sale
Is the Apart XS houseboat for sale new?
Yes. It is built new to order.
Does it have a real toilet?
Yes, a full size toilet, not a camping toilet.
What kitchen does it have?
A furnished kitchen with fridge, sink and your choice of gas or induction cooker.
What are the exact dimensions?
Dimensions, engine and berths are confirmed in your written quote.
Will it fit my marina?
It is sized for standard marina berths. Send us your berth size and we will confirm.
Do I need a licence?
That depends on your country and waterway. Check with your local authority.
Do you deliver the Apart XS houseboat for sale worldwide?
Yes. We quote delivery to your nearest port or agreed point.
Final Word
The Apart XS houseboat for sale brings holiday flat comfort to a compact, efficient displacement hull that fits ordinary marina berths. It is the easy way to start living on the water. Contact us today for your quote.
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