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2002 Sumerset Houseboat

Grand Rivers, KY, US 75 ft · 16 ft' beam
Asking
$289,900
Our Thoughts

This 2002 Sumerset 75-foot diesel houseboat represents a well-maintained liveaboard platform with the power, systems, and accommodations to support extended cruising or marina-based living on inland and coastal waterways. Located in Grand Rivers, Kentucky, the vessel combines a 16-foot beam with thoughtful interior planning, making efficient use of space across three separate staterooms and two full bathrooms.

The propulsion system centers on twin MerCruiser D-Tronic diesel engines with reported hours around 750 each, paired with stern drive configuration for reliable, fuel-efficient operation. This diesel setup is a significant advantage for long-term cruising economics and range, particularly for owners planning extended time away from fuel docks. The Westerbeke 15kW generator, logged at approximately 2,650 hours, provides independent power generation for all onboard systems, a critical component in houseboat ownership where consistent electrical availability directly affects comfort and functionality.

Interior layout prioritizes livability. The master stateroom includes an ensuite full bathroom, providing privacy and convenience for the primary occupants. Two additional guest cabins share a second full bathroom, allowing the vessel to accommodate family or visiting guests comfortably. The galley is equipped with modern appliances and substantial storage—essential considerations for extended cruising where provisioning efficiency matters. An onboard washer/dryer combo unit addresses one of the practical realities of liveaboard life, eliminating regular trips to shore facilities.

The salon features an open layout with natural light, creating usable entertaining and relaxation space. A windlass anchor system supports secure anchoring for extended stays, whether in protected anchorages or designated houseboat moorages. The overall configuration reflects the specific demands of houseboat ownership: stationary comfort when moored, reasonable mobility when underway, and systems designed for self-sufficiency away from permanent infrastructure.

This Sumerset is positioned for buyers seeking established liveaboard capability without the complexity of larger motor yachts, making it relevant for retirees, full-time cruisers, or families building a waterborne home base.

Provided listing description Click to read the original broker text

Recent Price Improvement!2002 Sumerset 16’ x 75’ – Diesel-Powered Houseboat $289,900 | Grand Rivers, KYLux Yachts is proud to present this 2002 Sumerset 16’ x 75’ houseboat, a beautifully maintained vessel that blends space, comfort, and dependable diesel power. Powered by MerCruiser D-Tronic diesel engines with just 750 reported hours and stern drives, this Sumerset offers reliability and efficiency that makes her ready for years of cruising and liveaboard enjoyment. Well-kept by attentive owners, she boasts spacious accommodations, updated amenities, and a Westerbeke generatorwith approximately 2,650 hours, ensuring all systems run strong.  Key Features Twin MerCruiser D-Tronic Diesel Engines – ~750 reported hours Stern Drive Configuration – dependable and efficient drivetrain Westerbeke Generator (15kW) – ~2,650 hours, powers all onboard systems Large Master Stateroom – with ensuite full bathroom for privacy Two Guest Rooms + Additional Full Bath – plenty of space for family or guests Washer/Dryer Combo Unit – liveaboard convenience Windlass Anchor System – easy anchoring for extended stays  Interior Comforts Expansive salon with open layout and natural light Full galley with modern appliances and ample storage Large stateroom suite with ensuite bathroom Two comfortable guest cabins and a second full bathroom Onboard washer/dryer for extended stays Generous seating areas for entertaining or relaxing  Specifications Length Overall (LOA): 75 ft Beam: 16 ft Engines: Twin MerCruiser D-Tronic Diesels Engine Hours: ~750 each Generator: Westerbeke (15kW) | ~2,650 hours Fuel Type: Diesel Staterooms: 3 (including master with ensuite) Heads: 2 full bathroomsThis 2002 Sumerset 75’ houseboat is the perfect choice for those seeking a luxury liveaboard or cruising home on the water. The reliable diesel powerplants and thoughtful layout make it ready for both extended cruising and comfortable marina living. Disclaimer:The details provided in this listing are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed. All information, specifications, and features are subject to verification by the buyer. No warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to any warranty of condition, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose, are made by the seller or broker. Vessel is sold AS IS, WHERE IS. All inspections, sea trials, and surveys are the responsibility of the buyer.

2002 Sumerset 75-Foot Diesel Houseboat for Sale in Grand Rivers, Kentucky
Overview
This 2002 Sumerset 75-foot houseboat represents a well-maintained vessel built for extended cruising, liveaboard living, and comfortable family time on the water. Measuring 75 feet in length with a 16-foot beam, the Sumerset offers substantial interior volume and stable platform characteristics typical of modern houseboat design. Powered by twin MerCruiser D-Tronic diesel engines with approximately 750 reported hours each, the vessel combines fuel-efficient diesel propulsion with stern drive maneuverability suited to inland and coastal waterways. A Westerbeke 15-kilowatt diesel generator with approximately 2,650 hours supports all onboard electrical systems, accommodations, and appliances throughout extended stays away from shore power. The Sumerset nameplate is recognized within the houseboat market for prioritizing livable space, functional layouts, and systems designed to support full-time or seasonal water-based living. This particular 2002 model reflects that philosophy through its three-stateroom configuration, two full bathrooms, galley, salon, and onboard laundry facilities—amenities that distinguish houseboats from other recreational vessels and appeal directly to buyers seeking a floating home rather than a traditional cruising yacht.
Layout and Interior Configuration
The vessel's interior arrangement centers on maximizing usable living space and comfort across multiple accommodation zones. The master stateroom features an ensuite full bathroom, providing private facilities and separation from guest areas—a practical consideration for extended liveaboard situations or entertaining multiple families. Two additional guest cabins offer flexibility for family members, visiting guests, or charter scenarios, while a second full bathroom ensures adequate facilities throughout the vessel without bottlenecks during morning and evening routines. The expansive salon features an open layout with natural light, serving as the social and functional heart of the vessel. This gathering space typically accommodates dining, entertainment, and relaxation activities, with generous seating areas designed for both daily living and entertaining groups. The full galley is equipped with modern appliances and ample storage—essential infrastructure for liveaboards and extended cruises where meal preparation and food storage are daily necessities rather than occasional conveniences. A washer and dryer combo unit addresses one of the most practical challenges of liveaboard life: managing laundry without dependence on shore facilities. This onboard laundry capability significantly enhances the vessel's self-sufficiency and appeal to buyers planning extended stays away from marina services. The combination of three staterooms, two heads, galley, salon, and laundry facilities creates a residential footprint that rivals many shoreside apartments while offering the unique advantages of waterfront living and mobility.
Propulsion and Power Systems
The twin MerCruiser D-Tronic diesel engines represent a proven powerplant choice for vessels in this size and category. The D-Tronic designation indicates electronic fuel injection and engine management, offering improved fuel efficiency, easier cold-weather starting, and reduced emissions compared to carbureted gasoline alternatives. With approximately 750 hours on each engine, the powerplants remain well within the typical service life expectancy for diesel marine engines, which commonly operate reliably for several thousand hours with proper maintenance. Stern drive configuration provides the maneuverability and directional control necessary for navigating rivers, lakes, and coastal waterways. Unlike traditional shaft-and-rudder systems, stern drives integrate engine, transmission, and steering into a single articulating unit, simplifying installation, reducing shaft tunnel intrusion into living space, and enabling tight turning radius—practical advantages for a 75-foot vessel operating in confined waterways or maneuvering in marina basins. The Westerbeke 15-kilowatt generator, with approximately 2,650 hours of operation, powers all onboard electrical systems including air conditioning, galley appliances, water heating, lighting, and entertainment systems. The 15-kilowatt output is appropriately sized for a vessel of this displacement and accommodation complexity, capable of supporting simultaneous operation of multiple systems during liveaboard use or extended anchorages away from shore power. Generator hours at 2,650 suggest moderate use relative to the vessel's age, consistent with a well-maintained cruising and liveaboard profile rather than continuous full-time operation.
Anchoring and Station Keeping
A windlass anchor system simplifies the practical demands of extended cruising and anchoring in various locations. The windlass—an electrically powered winch mounted on the bow—allows the operator to deploy and retrieve the anchor from the helm or a remote control, eliminating the manual labor and safety risks associated with hand-cranking anchor systems on larger vessels. This feature is particularly valuable for liveaboards and cruisers who may anchor in different locations throughout a season, as it reduces physical demand and enables safer, more controlled anchor handling in varying weather and bottom conditions.
Diesel Efficiency and Fuel Characteristics
Diesel propulsion, while requiring higher-quality fuel and more rigorous maintenance protocols than gasoline engines, offers significant advantages for vessels designed for extended cruising and liveaboard use. Diesel engines deliver superior fuel economy compared to gasoline alternatives of equivalent horsepower, extending range and reducing the frequency of fuel stops during extended cruises. The fuel's higher energy density and the engines' superior thermal efficiency create operational economics that favor diesel for vessels spending extended periods underway or maintaining systems during long-term anchorages. Diesel fuel stability also supports liveaboard scenarios where fuel may sit in tanks for extended periods between cruises. Properly treated and stored diesel maintains usability far longer than gasoline, reducing the risk of fuel degradation and the need for frequent tank draining and refilling. For a vessel positioned as a cruising home and liveaboard platform, these characteristics align directly with buyer expectations and operational requirements.
Accommodation and Liveaboard Readiness
The three-stateroom, two-bathroom configuration explicitly addresses liveaboard living patterns and extended family cruising. The master suite with ensuite bathroom represents a private retreat, essential for couples or families managing close quarters during extended time aboard. Guest cabins accommodate adult children, visiting family members, or friends, while the second full bathroom prevents the morning congestion that commonly affects smaller vessels with single-head configurations. The galley's emphasis on modern appliances and storage capacity reflects the practical demands of provisioning and meal preparation during extended time away from shore. Unlike day-cruising boats where galley use is intermittent, liveaboard vessels require full-service galley functionality supporting daily cooking, storage of fresh and preserved foods, and efficient cleanup. Ample storage in the galley and throughout the vessel enables provisioning for extended cruises without the space constraints that compromise comfort on smaller vessels. The inclusion of washer and dryer facilities represents a significant quality-of-life upgrade for liveaboards, eliminating dependency on laundromats or shore services and enabling the practical management of personal and household laundry during months-long cruises or seasonal liveaboard arrangements. This amenity directly addresses one of the most frequently cited challenges of extended water-based living.
Suitable Waterways and Cruising Profile
The 75-foot length, 16-foot beam, and stern drive propulsion suit this Sumerset to inland river systems, lakes, and protected coastal waters. The vessel's draft characteristics enable navigation of waterways with moderate depth restrictions, while the beam provides stability and interior volume without excessive width that would complicate locking through river lock systems or navigating narrow channels. The twin diesel engines and stern drive configuration provide adequate power for maintaining cruising speeds while maneuvering in confined spaces or challenging current conditions. This vessel aligns with cruising patterns centered on extended stays in diverse locations, seasonal liveaboard arrangements, and family-based water living rather than high-speed offshore performance or tournament fishing. The spacious interior, comfort-focused amenities, and self-sufficiency systems (generator, washer/dryer, full galley, multiple staterooms) support the practical realities of extended time aboard, whether as a primary residence, seasonal home, or extended cruising platform.
Condition and Maintenance Profile
The approximately 750 hours on the twin diesel engines indicate moderate use consistent with a well-maintained vessel operated by attentive owners. Diesel engines in this hour range remain within early-to-mid service life, with substantial operational capability remaining under proper maintenance protocols. The 2,650 hours on the Westerbeke generator reflect proportional use, suggesting the generator has been operated regularly to support liveaboard systems without excessive demands or neglect. The broker's notation of attentive ownership and recent price improvement signals a vessel that has received consistent care and is being actively marketed. Prospective buyers should conduct independent surveys, engine inspections, and sea trials to establish current condition and verify operational systems before committing to purchase.
Why This Houseboat Merits Consideration
The 2002 Sumerset 75-foot houseboat offers buyers seeking extended cruising or liveaboard living a vessel with
Length
75 ft
Beam
16 ft'
Year
2002
Builder
Sumerset
Model
Houseboat
2002 Sumerset 75' Diesel Houseboat **Q: What type of boat is a Sumerset 75' houseboat and who typically buys one?
A Sumerset 75' houseboat is a full-displacement luxury liveaboard vessel designed for extended cruising, seasonal marina living, or permanent residence on the water. Buyers of this class typically include retirees seeking a floating home, families wanting a multi-cabin vacation platform, or boaters interested in leisurely river and coastal cruising without the need for high-speed performance. The 75-foot length with 16-foot beam provides substantial interior volume and stability, making it well-suited for navigating inland waterways, lakes, and protected coastal waters where shallow draft and maneuverability matter more than speed.
What diesel engine package powers this 2002 Sumerset and how does it perform?
This Sumerset is powered by twin MerCruiser D-Tronic diesel engines configured with stern drives. The D-Tronic system is known for fuel efficiency and reliability in marine applications, and these engines are reported to have approximately 750 hours each, indicating relatively light use for a vessel of this age and type. Diesel propulsion on a houseboat of this size provides economical long-range cruising capability, lower operating costs compared to gasoline engines, and the torque characteristics needed to move a 75-foot displacement hull efficiently. The stern drive configuration offers good maneuverability for docking and anchoring in tight spaces common to river and marina environments.
How does the Westerbeke generator support liveaboard comfort and functionality?
The onboard 15kW Westerbeke generator is the power backbone of liveaboard systems on this houseboat. It supplies electrical power to air conditioning, heating, refrigeration, galley appliances, water heaters, lighting, and entertainment systems when the vessel is anchored or moored without shore power. With approximately 2,650 hours logged, this generator has proven durability and provides the capacity needed to run multiple systems simultaneously—essential for comfortable extended cruising or marina living. A 15kW unit is appropriately sized for a vessel of this length and accommodation level, ensuring adequate power without excessive fuel consumption.
What is the cabin layout and how many people can this houseboat accommodate?
The 2002 Sumerset features a three-stateroom, two-bathroom layout providing sleeping and living space for extended family groups or guests. The master stateroom includes an ensuite full bathroom for privacy, while two additional guest cabins share a second full bathroom. The expansive salon with open layout and natural light serves as the main living area for entertaining and relaxation. This configuration makes the vessel practical for multi-family vacations, extended family cruising, or comfortable liveaboard living for a primary couple with frequent visitors. The inclusion of a washer/dryer combo unit addresses the practical needs of extended stays, reducing the need for shore-based laundry facilities.
What galley and food storage capabilities does this houseboat provide?
The full galley features modern appliances and ample storage, designed to support the meal preparation needs of a family or group living aboard for extended periods. Modern appliances typically include a full-size refrigerator, stove, oven, and microwave—substantially more equipped than typical cruising yachts. The generous storage capacity accommodates provisioning for weeks of cruising without frequent resupply stops. For liveaboard use, this galley functions as a primary kitchen rather than a compact galley, allowing everyday cooking and entertaining without the space constraints found on smaller vessels.
How does the windlass anchor system enhance extended cruising capability?
An electric windlass anchor system provides powered raising and lowering of the anchor, eliminating the physical labor of manual anchor handling—a significant advantage for extended cruising or frequent anchoring. On a 75-foot displacement houseboat, the anchor and rode are substantial, and mechanical assistance makes the difference between convenient anchoring and exhausting work. This system allows the operator to deploy and retrieve the anchor from the helm or flybridge without leaving the controls, improving safety and ease of operation during anchoring maneuvers. For cruisers planning extended stays in different locations, a reliable windlass system is essential infrastructure.
What interior comfort features make this houseboat suitable for liveaboard living?
Beyond the three staterooms and two bathrooms, this Sumerset includes several liveaboard-specific amenities: the washer/dryer combo unit eliminates dependence on shore laundry facilities, the expansive salon with natural light provides comfortable common living space, generous seating areas support entertaining and relaxation, and the full galley with modern appliances enables everyday cooking. These features collectively address the practical requirements of living aboard for extended periods or year-round, distinguishing a true liveaboard houseboat from a vacation cruising vessel. The thoughtful layout emphasizes livability and comfort rather than compact efficiency.
What are the advantages of a 75-foot houseboat for river and inland waterway cruising?
The 75-foot length with 16-foot beam creates a vessel with substantial interior volume and living space while remaining maneuverable enough for river navigation, lock transits, and marina docking. Unlike larger oceangoing yachts, a houseboat of this size can access inland waterways, lakes, and protected coastal areas where shallow-draft and moderate beam are advantages. The displacement hull design and diesel propulsion provide economical long-range cruising at modest speeds, making it practical for extended trips up rivers like the Tennessee, Cumberland, or Mississippi without excessive fuel consumption. The relatively low profile and cabin design allow passage under bridges common to river systems.
How do the engine hours and generator hours indicate the maintenance history of this vessel?
The twin diesel engines with approximately 750 hours each represent light-to-moderate use for a 2002 vessel, suggesting either careful operation by previous owners or extended periods of marina living with minimal cruising. The Westerbeke generator at approximately 2,650 hours indicates regular use, consistent with a vessel that has been lived aboard or used seasonally with generator operation for comfort systems. These hour counts suggest the engines and generator have not been subjected to the intensive use that would indicate heavy commercial operation or neglect. Lower engine hours on a diesel-powered vessel often correlate with extended service intervals remaining and reduced likelihood of major overhauls in the near term.
What type of buyer profile is best suited for this 2002 Sumerset houseboat?
This Sumerset appeals to buyers seeking a full-time liveaboard platform, seasonal cruising home, or multi-family vacation vessel where spacious accommodations and comfort systems take priority over speed and performance. Ideal buyers include retirees planning extended river cruising, families wanting a floating vacation home with multiple cabins for children and guests, or boaters interested in leisurely exploration of inland waterways and protected waters. The diesel engines and generator provide the reliability and efficiency needed for extended cruising or seasonal use, while the three-stateroom layout and liveaboard amenities make it impractical for buyers seeking a high-performance day boat or offshore vessel. This is a vessel for buyers who value space, comfort, and the ability to live or vacation aboard for weeks or months.
How does the Sumerset hull design and beam-to-length ratio affect stability and sea-keeping?
The 16-foot beam on a 75-foot length creates a beam-to-length ratio of approximately 1:4.7, which is characteristic of full-displacement houseboat design prioritizing interior volume and stability over speed or fuel efficiency. This proportional hull design provides good lateral stability at rest and moderate rolling characteristics in beam seas, making the vessel comfortable for extended anchoring and marina living. The full-displacement hull form is optimized for stable, economical cruising at modest speeds rather than planing or semi-displacement performance. For river and inland waterway use where vessels typically encounter small to moderate wave conditions, this hull design provides the stability and comfort that liveaboard cruisers value, though it is not designed for offshore or blue-water conditions.

Fly Yachts is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Lux Yachts. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel.

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