Our Story
For many decades, our distinctive multi-level retro houseboat has been a familiar sight along these protected waters, passing under the iconic Pennybacker Bridge and gliding past the stunning cliff-top estates that define Lake Austin's scenic shores.
The original docking location on Lake Austin was at Westside Country Club where it served as a hippie hangout for trespassing teenagers and even made a special debut in the 1977 Austin-filmed Peter Fonda movie, Outlaw Blues.
Prior to it’s new ownership in 2025, it was generously loved by the Hall’s for 44 years where they maintained and chartered decades of locals and vacationers.
While Austin has grown and evolved around the memories made on this vessel.
The Sunshine Machine Boat has remained a constant through the decades, offering a window into the soul of our water-loving city with every new chapter.
New Chapter
In 2025, we continue it’s legacy by offering elevated, captained day-charters that capture the essence of Lake Austin living.
While others might offer simple boat rentals on Lake Austin, our experiences are crafted for those who appreciate the finer things
—whether it's a corporate retreat seeking inspiration on the water, a milestone celebration deserving of an extraordinary backdrop, or visitors wanting to discover what we believe is best boat charter Austin has to offer.
When you step aboard the Sunshine Machine, you're not just booking a boat—
We invite you to join us in being stewards of this legacy, where authenticity meets hospitality, and where the soul of Lake Austin lives on.
Every plank, every fitting, every detail has been thoughtfully preserved or restored with respect.
We believe there's something profound in maintaining these connections to our past, in choosing preservation over replacement, and in sharing the genuine article rather than a modern reproduction.