The pros and cons of living on a houseboat

Is it the lifestyle for you?

Is it the lifestyle for you?, Factor in the fees, Popular designs, What will you use it for?, The downsides, Year-round commitment, Potential transport costs, Location, location, location, Careful design, Outside terrace, Narrowing down the choice, Size matters, Residential moorings

If you decide to take the plunge and purchase a houseboat or floating home, do rent one for a short vacation before committing to living on one full time.

Factor in the fees

Is it the lifestyle for you?, Factor in the fees, Popular designs, What will you use it for?, The downsides, Year-round commitment, Potential transport costs, Location, location, location, Careful design, Outside terrace, Narrowing down the choice, Size matters, Residential moorings

According to figures published on the Deep Sailing website, it can then cost a further US$11,460 a year to live on the vessel, which works out at around US$1,000 a month and takes into consideration living costs such as mooring fees, maintenance and repair bills, and food, electricity, heating, etc.

Is it the lifestyle for you?, Factor in the fees, Popular designs, What will you use it for?, The downsides, Year-round commitment, Potential transport costs, Location, location, location, Careful design, Outside terrace, Narrowing down the choice, Size matters, Residential moorings

The most popular style of houseboat is a flat pontoon or barge-like vessel. These boats feature four walls and are topped with a slanting roof.

What will you use it for?

Is it the lifestyle for you?, Factor in the fees, Popular designs, What will you use it for?, The downsides, Year-round commitment, Potential transport costs, Location, location, location, Careful design, Outside terrace, Narrowing down the choice, Size matters, Residential moorings

The main thing you should consider when looking at houseboats is your lifestyle. Do you plan to live on your houseboat full time, or will it be reserved for holidays and weekends? How much room do you need? And how many people will be living on the boat (whether full or part time)?

Taxes

Is it the lifestyle for you?, Factor in the fees, Popular designs, What will you use it for?, The downsides, Year-round commitment, Potential transport costs, Location, location, location, Careful design, Outside terrace, Narrowing down the choice, Size matters, Residential moorings

Houseboats are classified as non-traditional structures and as such houseboat owners don't pay property tax, according to Book2Sail. But beware of any state or local taxes you may be liable for. As outlined earlier, the main costs associated with living on a houseboat are slip or dock rental fees, insurance, and sales tax.

The downsides

Is it the lifestyle for you?, Factor in the fees, Popular designs, What will you use it for?, The downsides, Year-round commitment, Potential transport costs, Location, location, location, Careful design, Outside terrace, Narrowing down the choice, Size matters, Residential moorings

The downsides of living on a houseboat or floating home need to be recognized and considered carefully. For example, mooring fees can be steep, especially in popular built-up areas.

Year-round commitment

Is it the lifestyle for you?, Factor in the fees, Popular designs, What will you use it for?, The downsides, Year-round commitment, Potential transport costs, Location, location, location, Careful design, Outside terrace, Narrowing down the choice, Size matters, Residential moorings

Depending on where you choose to moor up, it's possible to live on a houseboat year-round. Be aware, however, that if the water freezes up you'll probably need to look for temporary alternative accommodation.

Potential transport costs

Is it the lifestyle for you?, Factor in the fees, Popular designs, What will you use it for?, The downsides, Year-round commitment, Potential transport costs, Location, location, location, Careful design, Outside terrace, Narrowing down the choice, Size matters, Residential moorings

Relocation is not an easy option. As a powered vessel, navigating your home a short distance along a waterway is a relatively uncomplicated maneuver. But if you move to another state, your houseboat or floating home will need to come with you, and moving it overland won't be cheap!

Location, location, location

Is it the lifestyle for you?, Factor in the fees, Popular designs, What will you use it for?, The downsides, Year-round commitment, Potential transport costs, Location, location, location, Careful design, Outside terrace, Narrowing down the choice, Size matters, Residential moorings

As with any property purchase, it's all about location, location, location. If you're employed and thinking about living on a house boat or floating home, will you be able to find a mooring near your place of work?

Careful design

Is it the lifestyle for you?, Factor in the fees, Popular designs, What will you use it for?, The downsides, Year-round commitment, Potential transport costs, Location, location, location, Careful design, Outside terrace, Narrowing down the choice, Size matters, Residential moorings

On the other hand, careful interior design can turn a shoebox into a palace. Well, perhaps not quite. But it's essential to utilize every nook and cranny to good and efficient effect. Naturally the bigger the boat, the more room to play with.

Outside terrace

Is it the lifestyle for you?, Factor in the fees, Popular designs, What will you use it for?, The downsides, Year-round commitment, Potential transport costs, Location, location, location, Careful design, Outside terrace, Narrowing down the choice, Size matters, Residential moorings

If you're stuck for space, consider building an outside terrace. This can serve as an outdoor recreation area, or as external storage space.

Narrowing down the choice

Is it the lifestyle for you?, Factor in the fees, Popular designs, What will you use it for?, The downsides, Year-round commitment, Potential transport costs, Location, location, location, Careful design, Outside terrace, Narrowing down the choice, Size matters, Residential moorings

Narrow boats were first built in the 18th and 19th centuries, and were originally for carrying goods on narrow canals. Narrow boats typically measure no more than 2.10 m (7 ft) in width, and not much more in height.

Size matters

Is it the lifestyle for you?, Factor in the fees, Popular designs, What will you use it for?, The downsides, Year-round commitment, Potential transport costs, Location, location, location, Careful design, Outside terrace, Narrowing down the choice, Size matters, Residential moorings

As mentioned, narrow boat length varies. The ideal "go anywhere" size is around 15.5 m (50 ft). Boats of this length are easily maneuverable and popular with novices. A boat 20 m (65 ft) in length makes it possible to have a second bedroom on board.

Residential moorings

Is it the lifestyle for you?, Factor in the fees, Popular designs, What will you use it for?, The downsides, Year-round commitment, Potential transport costs, Location, location, location, Careful design, Outside terrace, Narrowing down the choice, Size matters, Residential moorings

As with any houseboat, think about where to moor your boat. If you want to live aboard full time, finding a residential mooring in the area you want to live isn't always an easy task. And do the kids go to school? Unless you have a vehicle, getting the children off in the morning and picking them up in the afternoon could end up a logistical nightmare.

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