T E X A R K A N A M A G A Z I N E
LIVING ON LAKE TIME BY TIFFANY HORTON, HORTON DES I GN STUDIOS SUBMI T TED PHOTOS
How do you make the most of summer? By spending as much time as you can on a houseboat, of course! Texarkana residents Rebecca and Chad Shipp warmly welcomed us to take a look at their houseboat appropriately dubbed “Pirate Shipp,” at nearby DeGray Lake. It is a beautiful 18’ x 91’, four-bedroom boat the Shipps bought in 2018. It is the second houseboat they have owned since starting this journey 14 years ago. Stepping inside, you might be surprised to find all the comforts of home, including high-end finishes like granite countertops, a tile backsplash, standard size appliances, a cozy sectional and even a dining table that seats six. “You have everything you would have at home, except a garage, and you can change your location every week if you want,” said Chad. Chad grew up spending weekends with his family on a houseboat at Lake Greeson. “I just really wanted to recreate my childhood at the lake during the summer when I bought the first houseboat for my
kids,” he said. “And, in my opinion, you aren’t really at the lake unless you’re on a houseboat.” After growing up spending so much time at the lake, Chad felt there was not much to houseboat ownership that could surprise him. Rebecca, on the other hand, said she has learned a lot, including how to conserve water when they take the boat out and how to best help Chad with setting the anchor and navigation. “We know our jobs. As soon as Chad drives, I’m in the back making sure there are no boats coming or kids back there. Then when prepping the cove, I can pull the thrusters and work those while he’s tying up the boat,” Rebecca explained. “When we go back in, the houseboat community is there, ready to help us out because Chad has no room for error when docking. On either side of us, there are two boats sticking out, and he has to fit right in that little slot. The other guys are quick to help guide him in.” Pirate Shipp calls the S-Dock at Iron Mountain Marina home, alongside several other Texarkana families and their boats. Families
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