Waterpod - How are we different?

We are often asked “How does Waterpod compare to other houseboats and floating apartments sold in the UK? after all, at least superficially, many floating apartments and houseboats appear similar and difficult to distinguish. Here is a short comparison of the key areas of differentiation:

1. Waterpod is a builder not a reseller.

   There are a growing number of companies in the UK which import and re-sell houseboats from eastern Europe. At Waterpod, we fully design and hand-build our houseboats in-house here in the UK. We have a small, highly skilled team of designers, engineers and builders who design and build our floating apartments to order, to meet each client’s requirements.
   
   What this means for you:
   You will deal directly with the builder, not an intermediary, from your first conversation with us, throughout the design, build, delivery and warranty period - meaning that we take full accountability from start to finish.
   
   Others:
   There are a growing number of companies in the UK who import and re-badge boats from Eastern Europe, such as from houseboats designed and built by La Mare Houseboats in Bydgoszcz, Poland (https://lamare.pl/en/).
   

2. Waterpods are designed & built in the UK

   At Waterpod, we design and build our houseboats here in Berkshire, UK. By building locally, we minimise transport costs, ensure no EU import taxes and minimise our carbon footprint. As a client, you’ll be dealing directly with the builder and we can provide regular updates on your build - you can come to visit our factory and see it before it is ready and check it out before it is delivered to you.
   
   What this means for you:
   Quite simply: faster deliveries, lower costs - and the option to come and view your Waterpod while it is being built, so that you can inspect it before delivery or make any last minute changes.
   
   Others:
   Brokers and re-sellers typically import houseboats which are designed and built overseas. Whilst this typically lowers some of the build costs (such as labour costs) compared with the UK, the boats are more expensive overall, due to large transport import costs - and the additional profit taken by the reseller.
   

3. Warranty Claims

   Waterpod warranties are backed by Waterpod ourselves, which means that in the unlikely event of a defect leading to a warranty claim, you will deal with us directly and we have full authority to resolve your claim quickly.
   
   What this means for you:
   Nobody likes to think of the worst-case scenario, but in the very unlikely event of any defect or warranty issue, we will be able to resolve this quickly as this is entirely under our control and we are usually, at most, a few hours away.
   
   Others:
   Warranties for floating apartments purchased from re-sellers/brokers are usually provided by their manufacturers, based overseas. Any warranty claims are subject to approval from the manufacturer and depending on the terms of your warranty agreement, you may be required to return your houseboat to Eastern Europe (and back) for repair, at your own expense - a cost in the tens of thousands (check the terms of the Warranty agreement(s) for more information).
   

4. 2X insulation (and half the heating bill) at no additional cost

   Waterpod is focussed on sustainability and being ecologically friendly, minimising our impact on the natural environment. Reducing heating and cooling requirements with good insulation reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions while providing a comfortable living space all year around - cool in summer and cozy in winter. That’s why, as standard Waterpod offers high (10cm) average insulation across roof, floor and walls - creating a highly insulated and comfortable environment all year, while minimizing energy bills.
   
   What this means for you:
   Higher levels of comfort, sound proofing, warmth (in winter), cooling (in summer) and lower bills all year.
   
   Others:
   Other builders typically offer 5cm spray foam wall insulation as standard, with upgraded insulation as an expensive upgrade option. Compared to 5cm spray foam insulation, our insulation system can be more than 2X as effective - meaning up-to 50% saving on your heating or air conditioning bill each year!
   

5. Aluminium vs steel Hull Frame

   A critical component of any houseboat is its hull system - the foundation of the boat. At Waterpod we build our floating apartments with a focus on sustainability and being built-to-last which is why we use a marine-grade aluminium hull frame, which attaches atop a number of foam-filled floatation tubes. While this upgraded material costs us more to build with, aluminium is an excellent material, since it is highly resistant to corrosion, highly sustainable (and recyclable) and is around 65% lighter than steel, meaning your Waterpod has a higher weight allowance - so you can invite more friends and family onboard!
   
   What this means for you:
   Confidence that your houseboat is built to last and will not rust or corrode - and assurance that your houseboat is sustainably built with eco-friendly recyclable materials.
   
   Others:
   Other houseboats rely on a galvanized (zinc coated) steel frame chassis. While much cheaper than aluminium, is generally accepted as an inferior material, given its shorter life expectancy and potential for catastrophic corrosion (rust) in the event of damage to the zinc coating, especially in saltwater environments.
   

6. Designs and layouts

   At Waterpod, whilst we have a small number of off-the-shelf designs, we pride ourselves in our ability to create fully bespoke sizes and designs (lengths, widths, internal layouts and specifications) to meet client requirements. We have developed design tools that allow us to rapidly design and engineer Waterpods of almost any size, allowing us to optimise each Waterpod for its destination site - such as directing the bedroom towards sunrise and the front deck towards sunset, or optimising solar panel positions for maximum sunlight and energy generation.
   
   What this means for you:
   Complete flexibility over design and layout, allowing you to have a houseboat that perfectly meets your unique needs and location.
   
   Others:
   Other sellers offer a range of off-the-shelf standard designs and can make modifications to layout and/or colour choices.
   

7. Compliance & safety standards

   All boats of this kind are required to be designed and built in compliance with the Recreational Craft Directive (2013/53/EU). Waterpod is also compliant with UK Recreational Craft Regulations for use on Category D waters (designed for waves up-to 30cm in height), which includes inland waterways, lakes and sheltered marinas on the sea.
   
   What this means for you:
   Confidence that your houseboat is complies with the required regulations in the UK, ensuring safety.
   

8. Price

   As Waterpods are built in the UK, with high specification materials and to custom designs, you might expect a higher purchase price. However, since we sell direct, and we build in the UK, we avoiding the high costs of transport, import costs and we cut-out the middle men. This means that our luxury floating apartments are typically 10-20% less expensive than others, on a like-for-like basis. Saving buyers up-to £50,000.

Speak to us to learn more about how we can help you achieve your dream of luxury floating apartment ownership.