Two friends, Jake Doggett and James Little, have gained internet fame for their ambitious project: transforming a $4,000, 24-foot pontoon boat into a luxurious 100-square-foot houseboat. The vessel, which they purchased in June 2024, underwent a 14-month renovation and is now listed for sale at $140,000.

Doggett, 25, and Little, 26, envisioned the project as a future family vacation spot on Massachusetts' Essex Bay. Doggett described himself as the engineer, while Little focused on the aesthetic design. Their YouTube channel, "Salvage to Scenic," documents the extensive rebuild.

The renovation involved stripping the pontoon to its frame and rebuilding it, incorporating features like Hamptons-style shingles, blonde wood interiors, and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. The houseboat is equipped with a solar-powered shower, kitchen, oven, refrigerator, and freezer. A convertible seating area also functions as a bed.

Challenges during the build included ensuring the structure would withstand saltwater, which necessitated the use of stainless steel materials. The pair also had to manage weight and stability, especially when transporting the wide-load to the bay.

Jake Doggett, 25, and James Little, 26, snapped up the 24-foot vessel for $4,000 in June 2024 and transformed it into heirloom vacation spot

A significant hurdle arose when the finished project's 9,000-pound weight exceeded the pontoon's original 5,000-pound capacity, requiring the purchase of new floats capable of supporting 21,000 pounds. The build also included custom-built cabinets, a rubber roof, and solar panels.

What began as an estimated $10,000 project evolved into a $40,000 investment, with an additional $10,000 in gifted supplies, bringing the total cost to approximately $50,000. The friends encountered setbacks and considered abandoning the project multiple times due to rising costs and the extended timeline.

The friends have now listed the houseboat for $140,000 as Little got a job in Florida working with horses. 'The fairest thing I figure I can do for James is list it for sale and split the profits with him,' Doggett (pictured) said

Little's decision to take a job working with horses in Florida led the friends to list the houseboat for sale. Doggett stated that selling it and splitting the profits was the fairest approach given their diverging paths. The listing on Facebook Marketplace initially faced removal due to high traffic and was relisted. Doggett has expressed interest in developing a houseboat community on Essex Bay, citing numerous inquiries about renting the unique vessel.