Case Study: Essex, MD

Nestled along the scenic waters of Sue Creek, just off the iconic Chesapeake Bay, the Baltimore Boating Center offers more than a typical marina experience; it is a local hub showcasing craftsmanship, innovation, and a passion for boating. 

One of the organizations making major contributions to the local boating scene is Hank’s Houseboats. With their headquarters being in such an iconic region, the company finds inspiration in all things nautical.  

From design and construction to testing and launching, every houseboat is handcrafted on-site by a skilled, in-house team. The outcome is a truly exceptional floating home, where each material is carefully chosen for its purpose and performance. After all, homes that live on the water have to stand up to unique considerations that aren’t typical of their land-based counterparts. 

Everlast Siding Powers Durable Houseboats on Brackish Waters 

The Hank’s Houseboats team was searching for a siding product that could withstand the unique challenges of a floating home on brackish water while resisting fading and deterioration. Exposure to salty air and water can accelerate discoloration, corrosion, and warping in traditional siding materials, making durability a top priority. After evaluating their options, the team specified Everlast^® advanced composite siding, determining it would be the ideal material for a fleet of its houseboats. 

This came to life on a custom houseboat build where Hank’s utilized Everlast Lap Siding in Cabernet Red for a modern and versatile aesthetic. Everlast’s composite material is engineered to resist moisture absorption and fading while accommodating natural expansion and contraction, ensuring the houseboat will maintain its structural integrity and dockside appeal over time. 

"We believe in quality over quantity, focusing on one build at a time to ensure every houseboat is as unique as the person who dreams it,” said Morgan Zumpfe, CEO of Hank’s Houseboats. "Each project is a true collaboration, built with care, creativity, and pride. We select only long-lasting, durable, and low-maintenance materials to ensure every build stands the test of time, and Everlast siding helps us achieve that.” 

Houseboats face unique environmental factors that go beyond those of traditional homes on land. Constant exposure to water, humidity, and shifting weather conditions make materials like fiber cement or real wood far less suitable for these applications. 

“We used fiber cement siding in the past but found that Everlast siding was a step above and best in class,” said Zumpfe. 

Everlast siding’s advantages make it an ideal choice for challenging settings like marinas, floating structures, and other waterfront properties. The siding system can withstand extreme heat and continuous sunlight without warping or cracking. Plus, its impermeability to water is especially valuable in marine settings. 

Everlast siding’s unmatched durability is rooted in its proprietary composite substrate called C Core^® . This innovative formulation delivers superior strength, resilience, and dimensional stability, setting it apart from conventional siding materials. 

“One of the things that makes Hank’s Houseboats so unique is that we curate products that require little to no maintenance for our customers,” said Zumpfe. “Many boat owners can’t haul out frequently, so having a product like Everlast siding that gives us durability and resilience without sacrificing style is a huge win in our industry.” 

At the Baltimore Boating Center, Everlast siding demonstrated its exceptional versatility across a range of houseboats in the marina where it was used for exterior cladding. With its clean, low-maintenance finish, the siding helped maintain a cohesive, visually striking aesthetic across multiple structures, showcasing both practical functionality and thoughtful design. 

“At Hank’s, our boats aren’t just beautiful, they’re built to last,” said Zumpfe. 

The Cabernet Red houseboat was completed in Fall 2025, joining a growing number of Hank’s Houseboats finished with Everlast siding. The company continues to expand its fleet across the United States. 

Following an appearance at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the largest in-water boat show in the world, Hank’s Houseboats has begun delivering vessels from Philadelphia to South Florida, reflecting the company’s growth and increasing recognition.