James R II is a simple, family-friendly houseboat that’s easy to settle into and well suited to smaller groups who don’t need all the extras.

There are three bedrooms, including two queen rooms and a bunk room, plus two double sofa beds in the lounge areas if you need the extra sleeping space. One of the queen beds can also split into singles, so there’s a bit of flexibility depending on who’s coming. 

Inside, there’s a large kitchen, dining for 10 and the usual essentials already onboard, including a fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, gas stove, drinking water and coffee machine. 

Outside, there’s plenty of deck space front and rear, a swim deck, BBQ, outdoor dining for 10, sun lounges and a shaded top deck. Safety railings make it a good option for families with younger kids too. 

James R II keeps the technical side pretty straightforward, with a quiet 60hp Mercury four-stroke, evaporative cooling, gas heating, instant hot water and a 3kVA Honda generator for backup power. 

It’s a good fit if you want a practical houseboat, plenty of sleeping options and a lower-cost way to get a crew out on the Murray without overcomplicating the trip.

Good for
Families, smaller groups, kids, shorter stays and anyone who wants a straightforward houseboat without paying for features they probably won’t use.

Worth knowing
Sleeps up to 10, with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2 queen beds, 1 bunk room, 2 double sofa beds, outdoor dining for 10, large front and rear decks, swim deck, evaporative cooling, gas heating and a 60hp Mercury four-stroke. 

Want every detail?
Open the sections below for the full kitchen, outdoor, bedroom, bathroom, laundry and technical lists.