MetroShip Re-Invents the Houseboat with Pre-fab Design and Modern Exterior and Interior

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) July 1, 2009

A new contemporary luxury houseboat, MetroShip, launches to the public, re-inventing houseboat design with modern New York City loft style interior and modern exterior that's never been seen before in the boating or yacht industry.

MetroShed pre-fab pioneer and product designer, David Ballinger set out to buy a modern houseboat 7 years ago. Ballinger found nothing and set about asking the largest houseboat builders in America to build something for his personal use. After several years of meetings and conference calls he realized that if he was going to get a truly modern houseboat and not 'RV of the Sea' he would have to design and build it from scratch. The result is a modern boating masterpiece in production just north of Atlanta, GA under the management of master boat builder, Ray Davenport.

The MetroShip features a unique open floor plan, more in keeping with an open loft space in Tribeca. The MetroShip modern houseboat has a media center to make most audiophiles and techies drool - from ultra high-end Cyrus Audio British stereo components to Jamo Danish in-wall speakers to the HD projector that not only acts as a High Definition movie theater, but also as an extra large computer monitor for internet and e.mails as well as an entertainment center for the kids to play Nintendo Wii games on a big screen. The unique houseboat layout has a central kitchen and bathroom that divides the living room from master bedroom - all with central air conditioning and heat - all remote controlled. The kitchen is a large 8 foot by 5 foot island with breakfast bar and top of the line appliances from Gaggenau and Viking. The bathroom is the epitome of design and functionality, from a full size shower, full size toilet and LG steam washer dryer. Even the faucet in the Italian vanity is touch-free to conserve water. The furniture is all 'green' - using recycled frames and remnant fabrics made by sister company, MetroSofa.

Designer David Ballinger commented, "The MetroShip represents 7 years of boat design and planning to utilize unique materials for a houseboat application. I wanted to incorporate the manufacturing efficiencies of our pre-fab buildings (MetroShed) into a luxury aluminum hull houseboat product. From the moment you walk on to the MetroShip you immediately forget you're on a boat - the ceiling is high and the space is open. No other houseboat has the same feel. Light was the key factor to the MetroShip houseboat design - most houseboats have lots of windows to let light in - but the result is a very poor looking design. We use transulent thermal aluminum walls to achieve a clean linear look but most importantly a light and airy space during the day and a stunning looking boat design at night. This is certainly a product where the design has evolved from solving problems - Philippe Starck would be proud."

The MetroShip comes with a single outboard or dual outboard engines for easy maintenance and even the roof deck is structural for outdoor living. The MetroShip represents a new way of houseboat liveaboard - in comfortable, not cramped living quarters. The MetroShip modern house boat is a floating condo for metropolitan urban areas like New York City, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Toronto and Chicago, as well as for lake use on Lake Cumberland, Lake Shasta, Lake Powell, Lake Mead, Lake Tahoe, Lake Havasu, Lake Shelbyville, Lake Sidney Lanier, Dale Hollow Lake and Lake of the Ozarks.

GDM ltd. is the home of the pre-fab modern garden shed, the MetroShed as well as home to MetroSofa furniture and now in keeping with its cutting edge modern design, the new modern houseboat, the MetroShip.

For more information call: (818) 357.4000 or http://www.metro-ship.com

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Voyagaire Lodge and Houseboat Rentals Announce New Fall Incentives

Crane Lake, MN (PRWEB) September 3, 2009

Voyagaire Houseboats invites anyone looking for a fall getaway to come see the beautiful fall colors, catch a prize fish, enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a houseboat vacation while avoiding the seasonal bugs. Located in Voyageurs National Park, the only water based national park, giving house boaters the chance to experience miles and miles of untouched wilderness.

Featured recently on Wheel of Fortune game show as a featured prize, Voyagaire houseboat rentals boasts a large fleet of 35 boats ranging from 36'-62'. Voyagaire is celebrating their 50th year in business and continues to offer unprecedented service to include daily deliveries of items of convenience to all floating homes, even delivery of live lobster.

Houseboat vacations range from three to seven days. Voyagaire has the staff and boats to meet every vacationer's needs and expectations. "There is only one way to see a water based National Park (Voyageurs) and that is from a houseboat. You are your own captain; choose to move every day or only once. There are not many places where you can see this type of wilderness from this type of amenity," says Jim Janssen. He and his wife Gretchen, owners of Voyagaire Lodge and Houseboats, have been providing trouble free houseboat rental vacations for many years.

Voyagaire offers houseboat models for everyone from basic models to luxurious rentals that include numerous amenities such as a hot tub. Novice skippers are welcome and, after training by friendly staff, find Voyagaire houseboats easy to operate. Voyagaire Lodge and Houseboats provides 24/7 boat-to-lodge radio communications. Guest's questions are answered and food requests are personally delivered.

Voyageurs National Park offers over 200,000 acres of water to explore. Guests start their family vacation adventure in Crane Lake, and traverse through Sand Point, Namakan and Kabetogama Lakes. Visit the historic Kettle falls, and enjoy miles of unending scenery. Whether guests are interested in honeymoon retreats, bachelor parties, or family vacations, they'll create lasting memories with a Voyagaire's houseboat vacation.

"At Voyagaire we realize that there is not much time to get out before the season turns cold. Take advantage of some great fall specials and enjoy the state we live in," Janssen says.

To learn more information, view customer testimonials, or see a live web cam from Voyagaire Lodge, visit http://www.voyagaire.com

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More Houseboats Press Releases

Sunset Marina and Resort on Tennessee?s Dale Hollow Lake Provides Affordable Houseboat Vacations for Price-Conscious Families

Byrdstown, TN (PRWEB) June 17, 2010

Families are flocking to the hills of Tennessee and enjoying the incredible vacation packages from Sunset Marina and Resort on Dale Hollow Lake. Houseboats range in size from 50? which sleeps 8, to the mid-size, 65? which sleeps 10, or the deluxe 74? Flagship which sleeps 12. Each with private bedrooms and all the essentials of a home on the water!

A houseboat vacation is the perfect way to gather friends, reunite families, or enjoy a family escape from the hectic pace of life. Dale Hollow Lake is centrally located, with more than 50% of the country being within a day?s drive time. It is a great alternative to large, impersonal cruise ships or long lines in theme parks. All the action takes place in and around the water. Each houseboat is equipped for family-fun.

The surrounding hills of Dale Hollow Lake afford many opportunities for hiking, campfires, exploring or sun-bathing. Nature lovers will enjoy the abundance of wildlife, trees and vegetation. Boating and water sports are abundant and with crystal clear water, snorkeling and even scuba diving are options. The night sky over the lake is filled with stars and the silence that only the water can bring. A house boat vacation is unlike any other for relaxation and family bonding.

?Sunset Marina?s Memorial Day weekend houseboat vacation packages were 80% full and the phone is ringing daily with families that are considering a houseboat vacation this summer or fall. Dale Hollow Lake is the perfect alternative to Florida vacations or cruise packages,? said Tom Allen, owner of the Sunset Marina. Advance reservations are necessary for all houseboats.

Sunset Marina and Resort also offers ski boats, pontoons, jet skis, a full range and size of cabins for just a couple or a family or group up to 14. There are two playgrounds for kids, a park within walking distance and boat ramps, parking and trailer storage available. The Sunset Restaurant has its own chef and a full range of daily specials or classic ?good food.? The marina store is filled with supplies, swim suits, flip flops and beach accessories. Fishing gear, live bait, gas, soda and ice are available daily.

Nothing is missing at this full-service, full-pleasure vacation spot. Families who vacation at Dale Hollow Lake return again and again to experience a true ?vacation? where fun is just a step away.

For more information, visit the web site at http://www.sunsetmarina.com

Contact information:

Tom Allen

931-864-3146

Or Patricia Stirnkorb

Write Words Media

513-860-0176

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MetroShip Reinvents the Houseboat - Again!

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) March 17, 2011

A new 35 foot by 12 foot modern loft style contemporary houseboat has been launched as the little brother to the groundbreaking 48ft MetroShip launched in 2009 to critical acclaim.

MetroShed pre-fab pioneer and MetroShip designer, David Ballinger, spent the last 2 years looking at how to make a small modern houseboat spacious and comfortable with all the modern conveniences expected in a liveaboard houseboat. The result is a 35ft MetroShip with fiberglass hull that is easy to move and a pleasure to stay aboard with 8 foot high ceilings, thermal insulated self-cleaning translucent wall panels, single piece fiberglass insulated roof and an open plan layout that New York loft lovers can identify with.

The 35ft MetroShip is largely pre-fabricated and this helps the modern houseboat start with prices at just $ 50,000 (fifty thousand US dollars). Just as the larger 48ft MetroShip made a splash in 2009 and became the Neiman Marcus 50th His & Hers Gift in the 2010 Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog, the 35ft MetroShip is set to reignite the houseboat industry ? that has been severely hit by the recent economic challenges. Many houseboat companies are no longer, including the largest manufacturer, Sumerset houseboats. MetroShip?s affordable, stylish, liveaboard alternative to the typical ?RV of Sea? houseboats is a welcome change that proves style and individuality doesn?t have to be costly.

Designer David Ballinger commented, ?The new 35ft modern houseboat is a welcome addition to the MetroShip family and something that grew out of customers requesting a smaller, more manageable, more efficient houseboat that could be easily moved and still had the luxury feel of the larger 48ft MetroShip. I?ve been careful to approach the 35ft MetroShip as a uniquely modern design that can utilize our knowledge of pre-fab components to drive down costs and be mass produced. I wanted to give customers a smaller alternative that always felt like a much larger space. A smaller houseboat provides lower dock space costs and gives the option of moving the boat around the lakes / rivers / coastlines while enjoying luxury houseboat living with all the amenities of home.?

The 35ft luxury MetroShip features a fully customizable open plan loft style space with private luxury bathroom with waterfall faucet, full size shower and toilet. The living area features a divided bedroom / living area with flat screen TV that swivels between them and a fully functioning kitchenette with glass door refrigerator. Two high efficiency heat and air conditioning units provide year round comfort and make the 35ft MetroShip a modern house boat that can be enjoyed and lived on year round in hot or cold climates. Engine options are provided by Honda Marine.

GDM ltd. is a privately owned Florida Corporation and is the home of the pre-fab modern garden shed, the MetroShed, and larger MetroCabin, as well as home to MetroSofa furniture and now in keeping with its cutting edge modern design, the new 35ft modern houseboat, the MetroShip.

For More Information Call: (818) 357.4000 or e.mail press(at)metro-ship(dot)com

http://www.metro-ship.com High Resolution Images Available at: http://www.metro-ship.com/press.php

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