A Spacious Weekend on the Water: Liveaboard Comfort Aboard the 46' Gator Hunter

Board the 46' 6 Sleeper Gator Hunter (#13) at 2280 Hontoon Road, DeLand, FL 32720 and push off onto the slow, wide sweep of the St. Johns River. This 46-foot charter is a live-aboard-ready cruiser with two queen staterooms, a full galley, central air, and a top deck built for sun and shade — an ideal platform for exploring freshwater river corridors, sandbars, and the oak-lined islands that define this stretch of northeast Florida.

Inside, the main salon centers on a helm, dining table and a full-size futon; a flat-screen TV and a well-equipped galley, including a ceramic stove, full-size refrigerator/freezer and convection oven, make multi-day trips comfortable. The vessel sleeps six across two private staterooms and the salon futon, and linens, towels and blankets are provided so you arrive ready to relax. A single full bath with a walk-in shower keeps things simple; life jackets for up to 12 guests, multiple fire extinguishers and a CO detector cover basic safety needs.

Outside spaces shape the trip. The forward deck hosts an outdoor dining setup and propane grill for riverside meals; the aft deck stores kayaks and water toys and provides ladder access to the sun-swept top deck, where loungers invite long hours of sun and stargazing. The boat’s 12.5 KW Westerbeke generator and Volvo Penta inboard/outboard engine keep creature comforts running and give confidence for day runs or overnight cruises.

On the St. Johns you’ll watch cypress knees and old live oaks slip by, pause at sandbars for a swim, and scan the shallows for manatees, otters and wading birds. Hontoon Island State Park is a natural anchor for exploration and short hikes; the river’s tannic water and broad channels make navigation forgiving for first-time captains and groups focused on wildlife watching and relaxed cruising.

Practical travelers will appreciate transparent rental options: weekend rentals start at $1,300 (Fri–Sun), midweek rentals $1,600 (Mon–Thu), and full-week charters $1,900 (Mon–Sun or Fri–Thu); taxes and fees are additional. The meeting point is at 2280 Hontoon Road, DeLand, FL 32720 — arrive provisioned or stock up locally before departure.

The galley’s full inventory — from blender and coffee pot to dining service for eight and a butcher’s block with knives — makes group meals easy, while exterior storage accommodates kayaks, paddleboards and water toys. Whether you book a romantic overnight, a family holiday, or a multi-day river loop, the boat’s combination of sleeping space, generator power and on-board refrigeration keeps itineraries flexible and easy.

The 46' Gator Hunter blends boat-camp comfort with a riverboat’s easy pace: it’s a standout choice for families, small groups, and anyone wanting a slow, private way to soak up St. Johns River scenery without giving up the comforts of home.