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How does it trailer?At 8.5 feet width and 6800 pounds including the trailer, our twin 115 HP's, and loaded for fun, our prototype is a piece of cake to pull with our 3/4 ton pickup. The 2024 model will incorporate honeycomb core walls and furniture and will be even lighter. Our Bunkhouse doubles as our camper trailer. No more feeling stuck on your home body of water. We pull our Bunkhouse all over. Go explore!
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What kind of motor does it come with?That’s up to you. We can work with you on finding one and deliver a turn-key boat, or you can buy a Bunkhouse without a motor and take care of it yourself. We were pleased with a single 200 HP and are now trying twin 115's. Great hole shot, top speed, and maneuverability. If you pick your own outboard(s), we'll customize your console cutouts for your gauges and controls.
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What type of electrical system does it have?We loaded the Bunkhouse with well-placed USB, 12 volt, and AC outlets. Our three dual purpose AGM batteries (wired and ready for a fourth) recharge when the motor is running or when plugged into shore power. We could use an onshore generator for extended remote layovers. Our system is also connected to two zero-profile, flexible 100 watt solar panels on the back section of the roof to keep the batteries topped off between journeys. There's plenty of room to add more panels.
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What do you do for lighting?LED all the way to minimize power usage, including navigation lights. Light ropes in the ceiling vent areas share their light with the interior and the front and back decks. Hidden light strips run the length of the roof arcs on both sides to provide light at the dock and to show off the boat. Spot/flood lights under the front of the roof help you scope out shoreline when you pushed daylight a little too far. Several more interior lights are strategically placed, including reading lights for each of the six sleeping spaces.
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How do you handle meals?We like options for where we cook and eat and do a combination of grilling on the front deck, cooking over a campfire on shore, or using a portable gas stove in the boat. Our top bunks provide tons of counter space for food prep and eating. Dishes will be easy using a dish pan and the same hot water hose and nozzle that we'll also use for showering on the back deck. The hot water system will be standard on our 2024 model.
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How do you keep food cold?We use a 12-volt refrigerator/freezer on the back deck or on a slide-out tray under a bunk. Between the solar panels and running the boat daily on trips, we've had no problem keeping the batteries charged.
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How many does it sleep?Six adults; two on the top bunks, three on the bottom bunks (one double) and one perpendicular behind the captain's seat, and still an open aisle to the head. All six spots are spacious and have their own reading light with a USB outlet and a place to put belongings. Sleeping pads can range from camping pads to custom pads with your choice of thickness, foam type, and cover type.
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What about water?For showering and dishes, the 2024 model will have a small tank, pump, hose, and spray nozzle on the back deck. Water will drain through scuppers. For drinking, we bring a few 1-gallon jugs and keep some water bottles full in our 12 volt refrigerator.
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Does it have a bathroom?Yes. The entire back deck will quickly convert to a private bathroom on the 2024 model. It comes with an industry-leading composting toilet. We’ve read of houseboat owners who have removed a flush toilet and the associated weight and complications in favor of the simplicity of a composting toilet. They work, especially if they’re in the open air like ours. The same planned hot water system for dishes will be used for showering.
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How is it in hot weather?It generally feels the same inside as it does outside. Circulating fans keep air moving through ceiling vents, with no roof penetrations! When motoring, the windows allow a refreshing breeze to sweep through while you enjoy the shade in the cabin. We plan to offer as an option a heat pump air conditioner/heater beginning in 2024.
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How is it in cold weather?Pretty much the same temperature as outside but no wind. With the windows closed you get some nice passive solar warming when the sun is out. Consider 12 volt electric blankets. We plan to offer as an option a heat pump air conditioner/heater beginning in 2024.
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How much maintenance does it need?Nothing to speak of beyond your motor and normal cleaning. The decks are aluminum and the walls and roof are a composite panel that is rot-proof, tough, and lightweight. It’s all covered in a rubberized and textured paint. This boat can take a direct hit by a baseball, hail, or an Asian carp without scuffing, cracking, or denting, and the textured paint gives it a rugged look that suits this rugged boat. You can leave it uncovered in the winter. No more blue shrink-wrap!
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Can you water ski with it?For sure. With a single 200 HP or twin 115's, our boat has plenty of hole-shot to pull up a big skier and more top speed (39 mph) than any pull-behind water sport would need. There are some blind spots that you don't have with a regular ski boat. We always have an observer sitting on the back deck with the windows open to alert the driver when the skier falls.
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How is it for swimming?Super. It has a self-deployable telescoping ladder to get you out of the water and you can jump off of the roof. Yes, feel free to hang out on the roof, just not when the boat is under power. Also, don't plan to bring furniture on the roof and do plan to sit when boat wakes approach.
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Can you take it out on big water?The 2024 model Bunkhouse will have water shedding front and rear decks, and a low center of buoyancy, high sides, and high transom compared to many boats. Ours has twin outboards, in part, to reduce the risk of being without power. However, the cabin will catch wind and the cathedral hull will make for a rougher ride than a deep V hull if seas get rough. These factors will restrict our safe weather windows and waters.
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Can I strap things to the roof?Yes, using two optional heavy duty ratchet straps that hook under the front and back of the roof. Crank them tight and you can hook other straps underneath them to secure something like a kayak, stand up paddle board, or small canoe.
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What custom features do you offer?We’re wide open to ideas to optimize this boat for socializing, fishing, bowfishing, long-distance trips… Think of it as a blank slate and let’s talk.
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