Everything You Should Know About Berthing a Houseboat in Asia

Yachts and houseboats have gone past those days when they were strictly seen as pleasure crafts.

Today, a lot of people fantasize or are already living their dream lives aboard houseboats and yachts. Though North America and Europe still have the largest shares in global sales, the market in Asia has seen a seen a steady rise in recent years.

The good news is that experts believe this growth will continue into the future. Welcome to a new Asia where more and more millionaires are produced by the day.

The boating lifestyle is becoming more and more accessible to more everyday people as well!

 

More houseboats… more berthing needs!

Asia is buying more houseboats.

The idea of living on a boat in Singapore is becoming more appealing, just like it is in Hong Kong, Thailand, and most other parts of Asia.

This, of course, has brought with it a few challenges that need to be properly addressed. While you’re busy with your search for a houseboat for sale in Singapore, you’ll want to know what it involves to berth your houseboat in any of the marinas in Singapore and beyond.

This article is aimed at providing the most relevant information regarding berthing in Asia.

What are the best places to berth a houseboat in Asia?

What marinas allow houseboats in Asia? All of these and many more questions will be answered in this exclusive guide.

 

What are the best places to berth a houseboat in Asia?

If you want to live aboard a houseboat in Singapore, you’ll need to keep in mind that you’ll need marinas where you’ll need to berth your houseboat.

Take Singapore for example; there are a lot of marinas but not many where you can easily berth your houseboat.

Houseboats and liveaboards are generally restricted in most countries around the world and while there are some in Asia, you may have to dig hard to find out!

Although a lot of factors would factor into your decision of where to berth your houseboat in Australia, Singapore or Asia, the most important things will have to do with your convenience with such a location as well as the berthing availability in the marina.

Your right to residence in different countries is also an important factor.

In Singapore, there are a lot of nice marinas.

You would need to check with them individually about their liveaboard and houseboat policies.

While many marinas would take liveaboards, a lot of others would not. In some countries too, it is illegal to live aboard.

 

Many marinas in Asia do not have sewage disposal systems. Marinas like these would rather not take liveaboards.  Some others would also not want washing and laundry hanging over the boat.

Some others don’t want the washing machine discharging into the ocean. Australia, for example, has many marinas that will stipulate and regulate the number of days and nights you’ll be able to stay on your liveaboard boat or houseboat.

Some marinas in this place can allow a maximum of 10 days per month, and some, a few more or fewer days.

This may seem tricky and unclear but if you would like to know more, feel free to call us for a chat and we can advise you personally.

Read More: Houseboat Living Challenges

One 15 Marina

The One 15 Marina in Sentosa happens to be one very popular marina in Singapore.

Quiet, and on a little island approximately 7kms from away from the city, you’ll really enjoy the serenity and tranquility of the environment and surrounded by lots of nice restaurants and apartments.

The truth is that One 15 is one of the best marinas in Singapore to berth your boat. Unfortunately, the marina is not taking in any liveaboard for now.

Read More: Houseboat vs House

Keppel Bay Marina

Keppel Bay Marina is another nice option for berthing your boat.

It has nice facilities and seems a little more conveniently located compared to One 15 Marina only that you’ll hardly find available berths.

You’ll be lucky to find a berth here.

It is in walking distance to Harbourfront and surrounded by lots of nice restaurants and apartments.

 

Raffles Marina

The Raffles Marina is quite far from the city and is best suited for those working around the area.

The environment is quite lovable and livable.

It’s quiet, pleasant, and loved by most cruising sailors. Despite the distance being a disadvantage, berthing fees here are almost the same as in Keppel Bay and One 15.

 

Republic of Singapore Yacht Club

RSYC is a great marina too.

The location is decently convenient as it is in close proximity to Clementi.

Only complaints you may have heard here is the fact that the marina is a bit rolly. Your boat may be tossed around more often due to the wakes generated by the ferry’s terminal.

Good news is that RSYC recent installed a breakwater at a great cost, so the complaint is no longer true! It is a great place to berth a boat and has some of the least expensive berthing fees in Singapore.

These four are quite the most popular marinas in Singapore.

 

Aberdeen Marina Club

Aberdeen Marina Club in Hong Kong is a great place to berth a boat in this Southeast Asian country.

The environment is quite friendly and pleasant. Although most of the liveaboard community here are ex-pats living in Hong Kong, membership of this marina is based on invitation.

Some other marinas in Hong Kong include the Lantau Yacht Club, and the Hong Kong Sailing Club, among others.

 

Royal Phuket Marina

Also known as RPM, this marina in Thailand enjoys a strategic location advantage in the center of Phuket’s eastern seaboard.

It is also in close proximity to the popular Phang Nga Bay.

The marina is no doubt one of the best throughout Thailand, with state-of-the-art facilities and services. Other popular Thailand marinas include the Krabi Boat Lagoon, the Boat Lagoon Marina, and the Phuket Yacht Haven, among others.

 

What Marinas allow houseboats in Asia?

In Singapore for example, most marinas would usually have different policies.

The major factor to consider if you’re thinking of living aboard a houseboat would be the availability of berth.

You’d be better off calling ahead or visiting the marina to confirm for yourself. As much as this will help you ascertain berth availability, you’ll also be able to see for yourself if such a location will suit the lifestyle you intend to live.

Availability is becoming a problem and as we know, this will definitely affect sales.

You want to be sure you’ll have a berth for your new purchase at a location convenient for you.

To confront this problem, a lot of marinas are being developed across Asia to accommodate the new growth in this sector. Malaysia, for example, is developing a project in the city of Melaka. The marina, with an expected capacity of 1000 berths will be the largest private marina in Southeast Asia.

 

More berth availability underway

The same is ongoing in Thailand and Indonesia.

Houseboats, yachts, and other watercraft need berthing as a fundamental thing. While availability may be tough to secure in some of the busiest marinas across the region, it is always advisable to try the next best option.

As the sector continues to grow, it is expected that more berths will be made available to accommodate this growth.

 

Planning to buy a houseboat?

If you’re nursing the thought of living on a houseboat and finding a houseboat for sale, you may check out our collection or contact us for some of the best houseboats to perfectly suit your lifestyle and personality.

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