Havana brings new sophistication to houseboats

Havana Houseboats will display the latest of its sophisticated live-aboard houseboats at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May.

Tinted glass panels, massive full-depth windows throughout and a large entertaining deck on the second level make the Havana G52 a striking luxury apartment on water. In fact, 90 percent of the exterior wall of this new houseboat is glass.

The interior includes a master stateroom with king-size bed, a second guest cabin with a queen double bed and a massive bathroom with floor-to-ceiling 600mm marble tiles that runs the full width of the stateroom.

 “The effect is a luxury Gold Coast apartment rather than a houseboat,” says designer/builder Matt Duncan.

The boat was built on commission to Mr Gavan Carr who was so delighted with the design and finish that he immediately ordered a slightly larger model. So the Havana G52 is back on the market.

Matt Duncan said: “Houseboats are an ideal design for the Broadwater in particular and make a perfect home away from home from the Tweed to Bribie Island. It would be great asset for families on Sydney’s many waterways or on the Victorian lakes. 

“The Havana brand is committed to changing the image of houseboats. So much of the market views these versatile and comfortable boats as low-rent or cheap charter vessels. Our Havanas are quality apartments on the water. The benefit of a houseboat over an apartment, of course, is you can change the scenery at any time!”

Stepping on board the aft quarter of the Havana G52, a companionway along the port side leads from stern to the forward saloon with the master stateroom at the aft end.

The stateroom features large wardrobes and the king-size bed can lift on gas struts to offer more storage. The stateroom is equipped with a wall-mounted 40-inch LCD TV.

The massive ensuite bathroom includes walk-in his-and-hers showers with rainfall shower roses, twin basins moulded into the glass vanity top and an electric flush toilet.

A second doorway in the companionway provides bathroom access for guests.

The guest cabin is forward, leading from the saloon.

Lighting throughout is soft auto sensing 12-volt LED and the entire interior is fully carpeted and air conditioned

The Havana G52 includes a comprehensive galley with double door fridge/freezer and ice maker, five burner gas cooker on a stone benchtop/breakfast bar, an electric oven as well as a microwave. The custom cabinetry is finished in a high gloss two-pack finish for durability and shine.

Forward of the galley is the saloon, complete with large flat-screen 3D LED TV. The helm station is centred at the forward end of the saloon with a sweeping view.

An external moulded staircase with mirrored stainless steel handrail and non-slip treads leads to the upper deck and the main entertaining area with its large gas barbecue, wet bar and sink. A large 1.4m LCD flat-screen TV is mounted above the bar. 

All TVs on the boat have satellite connectivity.

Three quarters of this deck is covered by a hard top with a small area forward available for sun worshippers.

The entire upper deck is covered with tough water-and-weather-resistant carpet.

The Havana G52 is powered by twin 60hp Mercury outboard engines and a bow thruster, providing manoeuvrability and plenty of power for cruising at a steady eight knots.

The boat carries 2,300 litres of water and 1,000 litres of fuel – plenty of resource for a couple to stay out on the water for up to a week. At an average burn rate of 16 litres per hour for both engines, the Havana C52 can easily cruise for weeks without needing to refuel.

Matt Duncan says Havana Houseboats are available in a range of sizes from a 38-footer to a massive  two-storey 62-foot live-aboard model.

“We build both form the private owner and the charter market,” said Matt. “All can be purchased at various build stages for an owner/builder to complete in their own time and budget.”