Houseboats

What exactly are houseboats?

Houseboats, which are larger watercrafts, are commonly used for activities such as living on board. These boats can range in size, with the smallest being 27 feet in length and the largest measuring 107 feet, and an average length of 60 feet. It has been specifically designed or modified for long-term residence. They are designed and produced by a variety of boat manufacturers, with different hull types including displacement, modified vee, pontoon, monohull and other designs.

Unlike most boats, a houseboat is not usually motor-powered and is instead moored to a dock, providing access to essential facilities. Nonetheless, many houseboats are capable of being self-propelled.

Which are the top houseboats?

Some of the most well-known houseboat builders include:

These manufacturers offer models with inboard, inboard/outboard, outboard, outboard-4S and other types of propulsion systems, running on gas, diesel and other fuels.

Why do people choose houseboats?

With their shallow draft and spacious beam, houseboats are popular for their suitability for living on board. They are also favored for coastal, inshore, and offshore boating. On average, houseboats can accommodate up to 10 people, but some can hold up to 25. With 397 houseboats currently listed for sale and 73 added in the last month, Boat Trader is confident that you will find the perfect boat you’re looking for.

Houseboats in Poland

Poland is renowned for being the runner-up in global motor yacht production, coming in second only to the United States for vessels up to 9 meters long. With a rich history in manufacturing cutting-edge and fashionable houseboat yachts and floating homes, Poland has become a top destination for houseboat enthusiasts. Boat vacationing is particularly popular in the Masuria District, as well as along the Vistula River and neighboring lakes, all close to the beautiful Baltic coast.

Houseboats in the United Kingdom

Houseboats in the United Kingdom are subject to various authorities depending on their location. Those docked in marinas typically fall under the jurisdiction of local authorities. On the other hand, those moored in tidal waters, such as estuaries and coastal harbours, are overseen by a variety of authorities (citation needed). Most navigable waterways in England and Wales fall under the management of either the Environment Agency (EA), sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, or the Canal and River Trust (CRT).

However, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and some additional waterways in England and Wales have their own authorities (see the List of navigation authorities in the United Kingdom). Both the EA and the CRT make a distinction between powered and unpowered houseboats. The EA defines a Launch as any vessel with mechanical propulsion, while a houseboat is defined as any pleasure boat that is not a launch and is capable of being used as a place of habitation. The CRT, which manages 2,000 miles of inland waterways, requires all houseboats on their waterways to have a certificate. According to the CRT, a houseboat is “a boat whose main use is for a purpose other than navigation and is capable of being used for permanent residence, provided it has the necessary planning permission for its mooring site”.

These definitions leave some room for interpretation, as the main use of a narrowboat or other inhabitable vessel may vary between cruising and permanent residence. Owners may choose to obtain a license for cruising or a houseboat certificate, depending on which is more cost-effective and whether the local authority overseeing the marina allows for permanent residence or only short-term inhabitation. This grey area further complicates the determination of what constitutes a houseboat in the UK.