It is hard to think of a more intriguing dwelling than a houseboat. The idea of living on the water and enjoying the freedom to move your house in it is amazing! Just seeing a houseboat and the people that live on it can be an awaking experience.
Actually caring out such a thing, on the other hand
There are, however, many courageous individuals all over the globe that have takin the leap. That have bought, built, or rented a houseboat to live on full-time. Almost never do they regret the choice.
This article will go over some of the reasons that houseboats are actually and option to consider and take seriously.
Types of Houseboats that you can Really Live on:
There are several types of boats that people commonly take residence on, both in the United States and abroad. In this section we will briefly mention and explain the main ones.
Classic Houseboats:
Classic houseboats are generally small houses on a deck that is on top of floating pontoons. Another name for this type of houseboat is: “static houseboat”. They are not very practical to move and many don’t even have a motor. However, this shouldn’t discourage you.
They are a great, and sometimes economical, way to enjoy all that waterfront living has to offer! There are several communities that have risen up in recent years in the US. However, the idea is hardly new. Floating river homes along the rivers of Luisiana may come to mind.
Of course the idea of houseboats has been accepted for centuries on the old continent. Amsterdam and London are probably the most popular cities in the world for houseboat dwellers.
“Tiny-house” Houseboats:
This is a new style that has evolved by combining the idea of a classic boathouse with that of the ever so popular tiny house movement. Most of these tiny houseboats have a pontoon boat frame. They aren’t as
Tugboats:
TugBoats are quickly becoming a favorite choice among the bold DIY crowd. The great thing about tugboats is that they have an incredible amount of space. All of this space means that you won’t have to be crowded while living aboard. Since you obviously won’t be towing any large ships with your tugboat you can remove most of the engine. This leaves a lot of usable living space.
Tugboats can actually be bought relatively cheap before they are converted into homes. Another reason that they are a great choice is that they are very, very sturdy and seaworthy.
The classic look of a tugboat makes it a very artistic choice for a home. One that will be sure to turn a head or two.
Canal-boats
Canal
These boats were originally working boats. The purpose of these boats was to transport merchandise along the narrow canals in England. In recent years, however, many have ben converted into pleasure boats and living quarters.
There are plenty of articles online about what life is like on these fascinating boats. Its no wonder, since some estimate that upwards of 20,000 residents dwell on them in England alone!
Sailboats
Sailboats are more of a classic choice than a new idea or fad. They have proven the test of time and have been lived in literally for centuries.
Of course living in a sailboat is more of a lifestyle in itself than an alternative living quarters. Those who choose to live in sailboats are usually sailing enthusiasts who want to take advantage of the freedom that living in a sailboat can bring.
Most sailboat dwellers do not have a permeant home, but choose to travel the world and thus live in their sailboat.
Conclusion
You may be attracted by the idea of living full time on a watercraft or the idea of buying one to vacation on. Our best advice is to vacation on one first in order to get a feeling of the pros and cons of living on a houseboat.
Thanks to airbnb and other online vacationing websites you can actually try out the idea before taking the dive. After a vacation on a houseboat you will probably be very enthusiastic about buying or converting a boat into a residence. You will also have a much better understanding of what it means emotionally and physically to live on a houseboat.
We hope this article has inspired you to consider the possibility of living on a houseboat. At the very least it surely has helped you understand why so many people are choosing this wonderful alternative dwelling as their home!