Here’s a unique way, if you’ve ever been interested, of combining the boating and RV lifestyles. If you've ever thought it would be fun to live on the water, there's no better way than purchasing a recreational vehicle (RV). Many people make this lifestyle change and enjoy it for years. But if you want your RV to be more like a boat and less like an automobile, there are some key modifications you can make.
This list of tips for turning an RV into a boat can get you started on the right path.
1. Replace your RV tires with boat tires to increase buoyancy and stability
Most RVs are built to sit on top of four automobile tires, but boat propulsion systems require all four of these wheels to be in contact with the road or water at all times.
Replacing your RV tires with boat tires can help to ensure that all four wheels are in contact, giving you a better chance at remaining stable and afloat.
2. Put a life preserver on the driver's seat so you'll always be prepared
Boats can sink or capsize anytime, anywhere, making it absolutely necessary for the driver to remain alert and ready to jump into a lifeboat.
To make sure this never happens, install a life preserver on your seat so you can stay safe during your journey. You'll always be prepared for emergencies like these with this tip for turning an RV into a boat.
3. Add an anchor for safety when you're parked in water
An anchor is an important tool for boaters, but you can get similar results by installing an anchor on the back of your RV.
When parked in shallow water, this will help to keep your RV from floating away or getting swept downstream like a boat.
4. Install a bilge pump to help keep the inside of your RV dry if it ever takes on water
Most RVs are designed to be amphibious, but even when you're driving an RV from one campground to the next, bad things can happen.
One of the worst feelings in a boating or sailing environment is taking on too much water and getting flooded inside. This feeling is made even worse by the fact that most of these vessels have no way to drain all of this water once it gets inside.
This tip for turning an RV into a boat requires you to install a bilge pump, which will automatically remove any excess water from your RV so you never have to worry about being flooded inside again.
5. Use marine-grade vinyl flooring, paint, and insulation that will stand up better against saltwater or moisture
This tip for turning an RV into a boat is more about convenience than safety.
If you're going to be boating near the ocean, using marine-grade materials can help to cut down on maintenance over time. These types of paint and flooring are made to stand up against salt water, so it won't be nearly as big of a pain when you have to paint or scrub away dried salt crystals.
6. Install a marine toilet that is designed for boats instead of RVs because they are less likely to leak
One luxury that comes with buying an RV is having a bathroom inside the vehicle.
However, most RVs use an RV toilet that is designed for land use. If you want to make your bathroom more like a boat's, it's time to install one with built-in freshwater holding tanks and marine-specific mounting hardware.
Boats' toilets aren't designed to be flushed with running water (because there isn't any), so they're less likely to leak over time.
Final Thoughts
If you're ready to stop driving an RV like a car and start living on the water, don't hesitate.
You'll soon find that this type of lifestyle is much more relaxing than the one you had before, even if there are some changes you need to make beforehand.
Plus, converting your RV into a boat is easier than installing decks.