DARK KNIGHT

Having just compared previous photos of Dark Knight to what is presented today, you appreciate what a magnificent job the current owner has done and the large amount of work that he has undertaken to present a houseboat that ticks so many boxes as a fabulous family holiday home on the water.

Fortunately, he started with a houseboat that had what we call “Good Bones” as it was a Gary Anderson built houseboat from the 1990’s. The owner has used this framework to create something modern, vibrant and appealing for a family to use. In fact, he has used an excellent understanding of what makes a houseboat holiday home work for a family.

Where do I start! New composite aluminium cladding for the external walls and eaves at water level to add to the presentation and minimize maintenance. Underneath a new centre pontoon was added to improve the buoyancy; she now sits very well in the water. All new external decking using the mod-wood type of product; again, looks good and minimizes maintenance.

Internally, he has ripped out a couple of bedrooms and installed a completely new side kitchen. Beautiful new benchtops, new servery, new appliances, new large double pantry and new large fridge. Plus, there is the new plaster ceiling and the new waterproof flooring. With the new large windows it all comes together and looks tremendous, spacious, modern and fresh. If you have to be in the kitchen just look at the views.

This change has left plenty of room for an extendable dining setting and comfortable couches to take in the magic views or watch your favourite shows on the new TV. To enhance this more he has replaced what was a single rear door to a double width opening rear door to enable you to embrace the rear deck and the hydraulic duckboard.

But as they say, there is still more. Walk up the internal stairs. He has replaced the bedrooms he sacrificed downstairs with two new queen bed bunkrooms to the front.

Then as I mentioned previously for a family houseboat, he ticks another important box with a second all year round relaxation/entertainment space for the other generation. There is a very nice kitchenette to service this area.

Importantly, this area can be used all year round with side opening tinted windows and the rear double width doors. Again, he ticks another box with still having an outdoor space to sit back and enjoy the sun or watch the sun’s rays dance on the water at sunset.

The technology has been upgraded as well. The Mercruiser Motor has been reconditioned by a very reputable local marine mechanic. Importantly, there is a Bow Thruster to aid manoeuvrability. With the Solar Electrics there is a quality Outback Inverter/Charger and Solar Charge Controller System. These are feed by 10 Solar Panels on the roof. The house batteries have been replaced with 4 x 550AH 6V AGM Deep Cycle Batteries.

Slipped in 2023 at Easter with a GMW Compulsory Houseboat Inspection Report issued at that time, you should not be up for any major expenses for at least another three years; further the improvements have sought to minimize maintenance.

Dark Knight now presents as a fabulous family holiday home with the modern open layout, brilliant new kitchen, 4 bedrooms and all year recreational spaces for each generation.

Dark Knight ticks so many boxes as a great family holiday home on the waters of magical Lake Eildon, at a very affordable price.