Boat Rentals Naples FL: Chillin' on a Houseboat!

It seems to be on everyone’s bucket list. Just mention the word “houseboat” and you’re sure to evoke romanticized images of a buoyant home floating in some exotic paradise.

The marriage of a water-bound “hotel” to a gorgeous tropical setting can be found right here in the United States. I recently stayed on a magnificent vessel in Naples, Florida and I have only one thing to say: I cannot wait to go back.

Naples, located on the southwest coast of Florida on the Gulf of Mexico, is an upscale city with a population is a little over 20,000, much of which is transplants from cooler climates.

It’s known for the abundance of golf courses, fast, expensive cars, and high-end shops and eateries. Named Best US Luxury Destination in December 2015 by JustLuxe, the city boasts miles of white-sand aquamarine beaches.

Walker’s Retreat

Bill “Walker” Harding always dreamed of having a “bed on the water” in Naples. He purchased a boat slip on Naples Bay and ten years later, it became home to what he affectionately calls “Walker’s Retreat,” a 1400 square foot houseboat that he now offers for rental.

“I decided that a houseboat would be most suitable, mainly because it’s half house and half boat,” said Walker. “Most boats, if you go inside, they’re usually dark and they don’t have a view of the upper area to view the water.”

But not Walker’s Retreat. The 52’ Harbor Master boat is very open, bright, and comfortable. There’s easy access off the back bow, and if the tide is not too high you can just step off onto the dock. On the second floor is an expansive deck, which is what most people use. “They love it up there!” Walker said.

Covering the upper deck is not your standard canopy. Originally, the boat had a large eleven-foot umbrella on the deck. Although it was attractive, it was a problem when the wind blew in off the ocean. “With the umbrella, you might as well go down to the beach and try to catch it,” laughed Walker. “Or hang on to it and float to Mexico!” Anything above 15 miles per hour would take it sailing, so Walker had to build something that would sustain the wind that sometimes passes through Naples. The sturdy-but-attractive canopy is able to withstand wind and also shields from both sun and rain, making the deck usable in every season.

It wasn’t easy getting the 52’ x 14’ fiberglass boat to the slip, though. First of all, finding a fiberglass houseboat in Florida is a challenge. Houseboats are not typically designed for saltwater or long journeys on the ocean; usually, they are riverboats made out of aluminum, which is not conducive to saltwater. There are only three or four manufacturers that made fiberglass boats in the past, but they do not make them anymore.

Walker found his boat near Knoxville, Tennessee. They had to obtain special permits to go through Knoxville and Chattanooga, and they had to take the top off of the upper deck to fit under bridges. It took three days to drive the 900 miles or so to Naples.

A lot of the inside furnishings came with the boat, and all of the outdoor furniture and rugs were added to the boat once it was nestled into the slip. The attractive finishing touches and accessorizing that transformed the vessel into the nautical-but-comfy home were done by interior designer Kathleen Scanlan.

When asked if he ever takes the houseboat out onto the ocean, Walker told me that it’s a real boat and it can get up to approximately 20 miles per hour, but he doesn’t take it out much, mainly because of all the furnishings and décor inside. “It would be rocking and rolling,” he said. “I have a smaller boat that I use if people want to go out in the ocean.”

At the Marina

The big attraction is not only the boat but where it’s located. Naples Bay is one of the most popular areas of Naples. On the bay is the Cove Inn, the Dock Restaurant, and the Tiki Hut Bar, all very popular. Visitors can rent bikes at the marina and there are more than 50 restaurants within walking distance of the boat. Sunset at the marina is not to be missed.

Walking Distance

3^rd Street

A 10-minute stroll will bring you to Third Street South, a colorful historic walkway of lush courtyards brimming with fragrant flowers, antique European fountains, and contemporary sculptures. You’ll also find sophisticated dining, specialty coffee shops, and chic boutiques selling the latest fashions, fine jewelry, and accessories. Whether you browse or buy, prepare for your senses to be in overdrive.

Beach

The Naples Municipal Beach and Pier on the stunning Gulf of Mexico is about a 20-minute walk from the houseboat and marina. You can sunbathe on the six miles of sugar-sand beach, frolic in the warm aquamarine surf, dolphin-sight just off the beach, or reel in your catch from the 19th-century pier – it’s the perfect spot to spend hours of fun. It’s also the best place in Naples to watch the sun dip into the ocean.

Exploring Naples

5^th venue

Everyone that comes to Naples does two things: they go to Naples Bay, and they go to 5^th Avenue – the heart of downtown, and the perfect blend of controlled business growth and charming shops. “Evening on Fifth” events feature live musical performances throughout the sidewalk areas of 5th Avenue, as well as dancing and dining.

Mercado

For vibrant nightlife, head to Mercato. The megacomplex offers a combination of upscale restaurants, bars, and retailers as well as luxury residential condominiums. Mercato hosts a vibrant year-round event calendar with most events free and open to the public. Arguably, the most charismatic nightlife in Naples is found in Mercado at the Blue Martini. The contemporary undulating architecture and live music beckon passersby who then find themselves unable to tear away from the frenetic and fun atmosphere.

Trolley Tour

A fun way to see a lot of the history and charm of Naples is with Naples Trolley Tours. The trolley runs seven days a week and you can hop on or off at any of the stops. The tour guides will regale you with the history, humorous folklore, and legends of Naples. There’s also the Water Shuttle which will take passengers to waterfront shopping, hotel, and dining destinations along Naples Bay.

Family Fun

There’s plenty to do for all ages in Naples, for those who want something more than just a relaxing respite. Bike tours, Segway tours, manatee viewing tours, and a day trip to Marco Island are just a few options.

Walker put the houseboat up for rental on Airbnb not knowing how that would go. It has been so well-received that they made him a “Super Host” available only after a host gets a certain number of five-star ratings.

“I really try to take care of them. I text them every morning. I keep tabs on them and make sure they don’t need anything.” said Walker. “I take 30 to 40 minutes when we first get to the boat to show them everything,” and laughing, he adds, “Then I expect them to call me that night and say “where do we find the light switch?” or “where is the hairdryer?”

His combination of ocean, home, and host is working. Walker now has a lot of repeat customers, often booking into the next year, from all over the world.

Chillin’ on a Houseboat in Naples first published in Vacation Rental Travels magazine, July 2016.

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