One forum member recently asked if any fellow Boatel boaters are interested in swapping experiences:

Dockmaster: Looking to chat and share experiences with fellow Boatel boaters. We live in the Cincinnati area and cruise the Ohio. I have a friend that has a 35 Boatel also in the Cincinnati area. Haven't seen many of you out there and would like to have someone to chat with about the boat. It is a 40-foot 1977 Bluewater Boatel Houseboat.

OLD HOUSEBOATER: Ahhh, the 40 Bluewater. Just a pretty boat!

BananaTom: I always wanted one of these. Handles big water, with the interior room of a Gibson, etc.

Dockmaster: We purchased it at end of the year here and really didn't get to enjoy it too much. We pulled it for the winter to do some work to her. There are twin bunks down below with two full baths. A heck of a lot of room and all the amenities one could want in a boat. Seems like we have been moving up in size every time—but I believe this is it, the dream.

Our prior boat was a 2880 Carver Cruiser with a 454. That really was a nice boat also. It sold right away—it was very clean, well-maintained and had never been bottom painted.

I have to agree, although we haven't had much time/experience running it—big difference from a sport cruiser at 35 mph and down to about 10 cruising, but I must admit I enjoy it the little I've had a chance to be at the helm. She throws a heck of a wake, weighing in at over 24,000 pounds dry.

Have you spent any time onboard a Boatel or cruising the Ohio River? Jump on our forum page at www.houseboatmagazine.com/forum and share your experiences.