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Is it the lifestyle for you? -

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.

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What are the costs involved? -

It costs an average of US$50,000 to purchase a houseboat in the United States. This figure rockets up to US$300,000 for a brand new custom-built houseboat, designed to your specifications.

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Factor in the fees -

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.

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New or used? -

Bear in mind, however, that there are many different types of houseboat, which greatly vary in price. A used houseboat will set you back considerably less than a new unit.

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Popular designs -

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.

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Two-story option -

Many of these types of houseboats come complete with a full second story or, at least, a deck where owners can sit out and relax on the water.

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What will you use it for? -

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)?

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Houseboat or floating home? -

Note that there is a considerable difference between a houseboat and a floating home. A houseboat has an engine and moves. A floating home is just like a barge that is tethered to a dock. This fundamental difference can affect any financing you may want to arrange.

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Taxes -

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.

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Financial advantages -

Other financial advantages of living this kind of lifestyle include generally lower maintenance costs, and potential houseboat tax breaks— factors to think about when assessing your overall houseboat budget.

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The downsides -

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.

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Asset or hinderance? -

Here's a question: do houseboats depreciate in value? Most of us purchase homes not only to live in, but as a long-term investment. Well, there are certain types of vessels that hold their value better than others. This is a subject you need to bring up with your broker when houseboat hunting.

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Year-round commitment -

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.

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Flood risks -

In fact, when it comes to the weather, note that if you're moored on a river there's always the risk of flooding after heavy rainfall. Is your boat shipshape and waterproofed? And how far does the temperature tend to drop in winter in the area you're looking at?

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Potential transport costs -

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!

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The need for speed? -

If you do decide to relocate using a waterway, remember that houseboats are generally not built for speed (though some custom-made models can achieve a useful 34 knots, or about 64 km/h, around 40 mph). But speed is rarely a priority when purchasing a houseboat.

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Location, location, location -

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?

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Interior motives -

Okay, so you've made your mind up and want to live on a houseboat. Well, a word about the interior. Typically, a vessel of this kind is boxy in design, and space inside is of a premium. It can feel very cramped, claustrophobic almost. If you're the type that appreciates dwellings with plenty of room, a houseboat environment is probably not for you.

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Careful design -

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.

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Space is a premium -

Where you might have to compromise is with kitchen and bathroom space. Function and form are the bywords here, and remember: these are the areas where adequate plumbing and waste disposal systems are vital. And it's a fact that you'll need to have your boat's sewage system pumped regularly.

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Outside terrace -

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

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Are you narrow minded? -

In the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, houseboats are more usually referred to as narrow boats.

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Narrowing down the choice -

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.

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Fit for the family? -

Space on a narrow boat is limited. First-hand advice to anyone thinking of purchasing a vessel of this kind is simple: the bigger, the better. If you are a family of four living on a 10-m (30 ft) boat, then space, privacy, and storage is probably going to be an issue. Shop around. These boats are relatively uniform in width and length, but dimensions do vary.

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Size matters -

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.

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Pet concerns -

If you're a pet owner, think carefully before taking to life on the water. A dog is far more likely to adopt the canal lifestyle than, say, a cat. On the other hand, if you've decided to live in a static floating home, then most pets can be accommodated.

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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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Don't get locked out -

Beware of purchasing anything over 21 m (70 ft). Vessels beyond these dimensions may struggle to fit in the numerous locks found on the network.  

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Weather warning -

We've already mentioned the weather, and in England and many parts of northern Europe winter can be miserably cold and wet. You'll need adequate heating installed to stay warm and dry.

Sources: (Deep Sailing) (Book2Sail)

See also: Venice and beyond–Cities with water for roads

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