Whether on a boat or at the beach, my happy place is near the water. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Imagine trying to get the kids ready for school while having to worry about those that are already ready playing in the water! In todays modern narrowboats you can often expect to find washing machines, fridges, showers, toilets and microwaves. Contents. You will get to enjoy the benefits of living on the water. Everyone loses sight of their children once in a while, but this can lead to a lot of panicked moments when you are living so close to a large body of water. Pros and Cons of Living on the Water: Houseboats and Floating Homes. I enjoy the gentle rocking of the waves. Living on a boat might seem cheap compared to living in a house, but instead of gas, water and electricity bills, and repairs to plumbing, roofs, boilers and the like, on a boat you have diesel and gas to purchase, toilet contents to get rid of (whether that is emptying it yourself or paying for a pump out), repairs and regular maintenance to the hull and superstructure, and maintenance, repair or replacement of … Still others differentiate between floating homes, which they tax as real property, and houseboats, which are taxed … Now don’t get me wrong, of course things will break on your houseboat and need repaired just like with a traditional home. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'justhouseboats_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',133,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'justhouseboats_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_5',133,'0','1'])); If there is a major storm headed to your location you will often have to leave the boat and find a safe shelter. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'justhouseboats_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_6',112,'0','0'])); Granted being in a warmer location for the holidays can certainly be nice but having a bunch of people on a 500 sq ft boat isn’t many people’s idea of a good time. It makes a lot of the other stuff worth it. Does it have a shower? This floating home, known as Otter Magic, measures 600 square feet with ample living space, a solarium and more. Further, you may find it difficult to find dock space if you’re planning on just buying a floating home that is not mobile. You have to figure out how to deal with it or move your boat unnecessarily anytime a cold front might pass through. With a traditional home you will have to pay for gas, electricity, water, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and more. Cons: Hidden Costs of Living on the Water in a Floating Home. People all over the world live on boats - from fishing trawlers to yachts - but the houseboats most popular in the United States are flat-bottomed and "designed to be floating cottages," according to Jennie L. … eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'justhouseboats_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_2',110,'0','0'])); If you’ve never been a part of a boating community you probably looked at this benefit and thought I ran out of things to write lol but this is actually a huge plus. Property taxes will usually be less on a boat than a house as will electricity since you’re not heating/cooling/lighting as big of a space. What are the pros and cons of a small houseboat? That leisure does come at a cost however. Everything else is … Having a group of people that you regularly dock with means you can easily make friends no matter where you stop. Rows of houseboats on the banks of Regent's Canal in Little Venice, London. Living as the “captain” of your own houseboat is a fantastic experience. Some docks are more "lively" than others and it can get noisy. In some parts of the country a houseboat isn’t considered real property, so you won’t be paying property taxes. The pros and cons of living on a boat . Under the law, boats without permanent moorings must move every 14 days. There is nothing I like better than spending time outdoors with my family and friends! You will certainly become quite spoiled with your daily views and visiting other people for the holidays will make you want to go back to your home on the water! What Are The Boat House Pros Cons? Waking up to gentle rocking and the sun coming up over Belvedere is really nice. Houseboats for sale; Penelope, London SW18. So while it may be rare, it is a possibility. Floating homes are sold like any other house, with traditional loans and closing costs. (not really, but seriously - it’s close). Yacht Management shares the pros and cons of this type of living. The day you sell your boat. The Pros and Cons of Houseboat Living for Writers. Newsletter; Facebook; Share; Every once in a while, we need to take a break. Pros of a small houseboat. In this article I will list the pros and cons that you will experience while living on your houseboat. January 2020 Multimedia By Vasy Kafidoff. https://realtybiznews.com › the-pros-and-cons-of-houseboat-living › 98749682 Living on a boat has many more pros and cons than just the ones mentioned here but I hope the ones I have listed will help you with making the decision for you and the ones you love. Many liveaboards don’t even worry about securing their cabins, something most traditional homeowners haven’t done since the 1950s. (What’s The Difference? I spent six months living on a houseboat in London – here's what I learned; 3. All kidding aside being on vacation 365 days a year is one of the biggest attractions for people that choose the houseboat life. With the septic on a houseboat it all goes to one tank and then just has to be pumped out at a marina. The freedom to explore Britain’s waterways at a moment’s notice; Fresh air, an outdoorsy lifestyle and the chance to bond with nature; A strong community spirit; Unrivalled waterside views; No stamp duty Cons: Hidden Costs of Living on the Water in a Floating Home. In others it may be considered personal property, and you’ll be levied a small personal property tax annually. Boat-Living Guide > Pros and Cons. Listed below are the pros and cons of living in a houseboat: THE PROS OF LIVING ON A HOUSEBOAT. You can find some of those best sellers by clicking here. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'justhouseboats_com-box-4','ezslot_7',108,'0','0'])); This one could be a pro and a con to be honest. I have long had a fascination of living in a houseboat, upon the tide. Here’s Ryan Jo! The two happiest days of your life The day you buy your boat. If you are downsizing that much you will have to embrace the minimalist lifestyle. All rights reserved. If you’ve been thinking about life on the water then you’ve come to the right place. Pros. With a houseboat you will often only have to pay for the fuel for the boat/generator, the water (assuming you don’t have a system that will pull it from the lake or river) and boat insurance, and yearly registration. When you live on a houseboat that is difficult if not impossible as there isn’t much room for family to gather and being on the move can make it difficult for people to plan to visit you. Float homes and houseboats are not immune to destruction. With many people’s homes running 2,000-3,000 sq foot and larger downsizing to a houseboat that is 5-600 sq ft can be quite a shock. You are free to travel the world! Can practice fishing anytime: You can go on fishing anytime you want. April 27, 2019, 10:00 PM. Have high death rates due to carbon monoxide from generators and gas engines. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'justhouseboats_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_16',138,'0','0'])); This can certainly be a pro or a con but for the sake of argument I will put it in with the cons. A lot depends on which dock. Is A Boat In Or On The Water? You can tour nature: while in the houseboat you may decide to move around just to enjoy the beautiful scenery of... 3. Having all the mod cons on board will make day to day living very comfortable. I made this site to make it easy for beginner to learn all there is about houseboats and how much fun can be had on the water! Keira Knightley and David Suchet have all spent a considerable amount of time living in a houseboat so there must be something to it! Living on board a boat will often be far cheaper than renting or owning a traditional home. There will be less expenses and the original purchase price is often far cheaper than what you could ever purchase a house for. For example your septic system in a house can get tree roots that grow into it causing you to have to hire someone to dig up your yard. Hard work. Another thing that keeps the upkeep down on a houseboat is simply the size. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'justhouseboats_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',103,'0','0'])); Hopefully knowing some of the pros and cons will help you make a more informed decision or just help you have more information at your fingertips. Basically all the household goods a traditional home has. Whether you are there for a few days or a few months you will be sure and find many like minded people who love boating and can help you with the best things to do and places to go in each new area you visit! Having to walk around crouched over is one of the cons of living aboard. What are the pros and cons of living on a houseboat? to do but carpet vacuuming, window washing, and even dusting will be far easier with the smaller vessel. ). It will be the best of times and the worst of times. I want to research living on a houseboat as a less expensive alternative to living in a landhouse. 1 The Benefits of Living in a Houseboat. Living on a houseboat when it is below freezing is absolutely NO fun so avoiding the cold is a great plan, but what if a cold front quickly blows in? Living on a houseboat: the pros and cons of a floating home; 2. Any help would be good, I'm very excited to buy a boat, but want to make sure I make a sound decision. And in the city of Seattle, there’s just one lender who handles houseboat loans. Whether at night or during daytime when you’re... 2. Living on a boat can provide a serene existence, at one with nature and surrounded by a tightly knit community of fellow boaters. If you are just getting into boating or you are simply curious about the correct way to phrase things about boats then this article is for you. Living on a houseboat you are susceptible to all of the whims of the weather where you are at. Along with the incredible views of nature around you, you have a whole lot more to look forward to. Of course you will still have dishes, laundry, etc. Happy Boatingeval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'justhouseboats_com-leader-4','ezslot_15',140,'0','0'])); I love the outdoors and especially spending time with my family. Home is Where You Lay Your Head: Living on a yacht is your ticket to see the world, and if you aren’t planning on travelling from port to port, then you’re missing out on an opportunity of a lifetime. This might not be too much of an issue if you’re using it for vacation, but if you plan on a houseboat for your permanent residence you may want to consider this factor. Benefits Of Living On A Houseboat (The Pros) 1.Saving Money Living on board a boat will often be far cheaper than renting or owning a traditional home. Days spent relaxing,... Hi, My name is Matt and I am an outdoor enthusiast! They can sink. Fish Anytime; Awesome Scenery; Vacation Activities All Year Round; No Yard To take Care of on a House Boat; The House Boat Will Be an Upgrade; No Property Taxes; House Boat Tax Break; Rent Would be Cheaper Than A Normal House Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of living on a houseboat so you can make a better-informed decision. eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'justhouseboats_com-leader-2','ezslot_9',132,'0','0'])); Size really is everything nowadays and living aboard a houseboat means downsizing especially when compared to most modern sized homes. Pros; 1. The Cons of Owning a Houseboat: Less Living Space- Houseboats traditionally have less living space than a traditional single-family home. A houseboat passes along the Bridgewater canal at Lymm in Cheshire. Who doesn’t want that? Living in the water can certainly be amazing but one drawback is you almost HAVE to stay on the water or near it all of the time. Before I make the trip to go houseboat shopping, does anyone know the pros / cons to this type of houseboat? Having your everyday life feel like you are on vacation while also saving money? eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'justhouseboats_com-banner-1','ezslot_14',109,'0','0'])); With a house you have all sorts of integral systems that can be quite complex to repair. Houseboats today boasts maximum comfort and suitability similar to conventional homes without the traffic and noise you’ll have to put up with when living in the city. Houseboating is a great way to spend time with your family and friends and make lifelong memories! eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'justhouseboats_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_0',125,'0','0']));There are tons of amazing gadgets that are super popular and almost a “must have” for your boat. Posted by:GJW Direct | Apr 28, 2020. You either walk or pay for a ride. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'justhouseboats_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_17',134,'0','0'])); Around the holidays people will often have family and friends come over for parties etc. According to Brown, … That is of course assuming you aren’t paying a normal dock fee for every night. Read full article. Another thing you have to deal with or plan around is the cold. Living on a houseboat, right on the ocean, is going to require constant supervision of your young children. You can often save multiple hundreds of dollars a month by living on board than you would renting a home. Not only will you not have much space for your family to spread out but you will also have to worry about your kids getting wet all the time. If you are still working, whether from home or a normal 9-5, it will be difficult to have to tear yourself away when the fish are really biting or the scenery is particularly beautiful. In many ways, living in a community of boat homes is more secure than living in a land-based neighborhood. The people who do this (often known as liveaboards) are a special breed. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Cons - Hard to handle, compared to yachts and other vessel types. Boat House Pros Cons of Owning The House Boat http://www.fishingstone.com/fishing/boat-house-pros-cons-owning/ – Boat House Pros Cons. Nothing beats saving time on cleaning and watching the sunset or fishing instead! Depending on the size and value of the vessel, boat insurance may be just as expensive as house insurance. Upkeep is simple, because it's built similarly to an apartment. Houseboats have a sales tax due at the point of sale. IT'S HARD TO GO SAILING. Pros and cons of living on a houseboat. Being able to enjoy amazing views from your windows and deck is one of the biggest pros of living on a houseboat. You will get to wake up to a waterfront view every day. Not only will you save money on the purchase but you will also save money on the monthly expenses. Moving your houseboat to safety sometimes isn’t possible and even if it is possible it’s guaranteed to be quite a hassle. Further, you may find it difficult to find dock space if you’re planning on just buying a floating home that is not mobile. Unfortunately it isn’t like an RV where you can tow your vehicle and unhook when you want to visit places away from shore. (What’s The Difference?). eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'justhouseboats_com-leader-3','ezslot_13',139,'0','0'])); Most people who live on a houseboat won’t have a car so every place they do will have to be close to the water or they will have to pay for a taxi or Uber. Easy to put in and out of the water; Can store at your home; Don’t have to pay marina costs; Easier to handle on the water; Cheaper new purchase price; Less expensive to operate; Cons of a small houseboat. That will seriously limit the places you can visit in each town you dock at. One of the big reasons a houseboat doesn’t require as much upkeep is that there are less things to break! Ask Brian: Women with Dirty Hands Doing DIY Projects, Five Things to Consider When Looking to Buy a House, Asians, Blacks and Hispanics to fuel new household growth, Buyers resort to desperate tactics as bidding wars heat up, Commercial landlords push for vacant retail space to aid COVID response, 5 QUESTIONS TO FIND OUT IF YOUR OFFICE NEEDS A LIFT, How to Automate Your Smart Home with a Weather Station, 5 Exciting Locations for an Investment in Luxury Property, Why the Utah Housing Market is Ripe for Discovery, West Virginia Ranks as the Best US State to Save for a Downpayment, Tips for Lighting Your Home While Staging, iBuyer revenues slump amid high market demand, 4 Apps to Make Managing Your Properties Easier. I started this blog to help people learn all about boating but specifically houseboats. Even if something needs painted or stained it’s only a small amount of square feet that needs it instead of thousands with a house! This three-bedroom houseboat in Plantation Wharf Mooring has been give a high-end makeover. Yahoo Finance Staff. Houseboat Expenses: What Are The Costs Of Owning A Boat? link to Is A Boat In Or On The Water? The last thing you will want to do is be mad or upset about getting rid of your stuff or to feel cramped in a houseboat. The disadvantage of using these appliances on a boat rather than in a traditional home is that you have to think about the electricity you are using. If you just recently purchased a houseboat or are in the market for one you have probably heard about people who live on their boat full time. My budget is limited as I want to pay cash for a boat and live "mortgage free" while I'm in law school, therefore I do understand you get what you pay for. It’s true, especially if their base is on plywood, which can decay more easily, as this web page explains. Pros - Living area is decent, due to it's square shape. Much less room for gear ; Much less room for people; Difficult to live on full time In our last two blogs, we went over what you need to know before living aboard your boat, as well as some houseboat buying considerations. Living on board a houseboat can be great for retirees or single people but living on board with a family won’t be ideal. Your houseboat will be docked at a marina, giving you unparalleled access to the lake or bay on which you reside. Unless you are retired than living on a houseboat can be difficult for anyone with a family. If you have a pet, there will be no yard for them. I liked television shows that featured some character living such the dream. If you live aboard, it is not always easy to be spontaneous and just crank up the boat and head out for a day sail or cruise. There will be less expenses and the original purchase price is often far cheaper than what you could ever purchase a house for. You’ll probably save money on … Strangers around the docks are noticed immediately, and most marinas and boat communities limit access to docks and slips. On a houseboat those systems are often quite simple. sunk into the Fraser River in 2017. Not only is the kids playing in the water or getting dirty an issue but if there are still one or two adults working a 9-5 job that can also cause issues as there normally isn’t much parking nearby. If you are planning on boating down the Mississippi but it is closed because of flooding, all you can do is wait. A float home in Richmond, B.C. Before you take the plunge and move everything you own to a floating house, learn the real perks and pitfalls of living in a home anchored to a moorage. Boats are a considerable monetary investment, so you will want to make sure to buy a boat that has all of the features that you need  and is also right for your budget. There are lots of advantages to living on a houseboat. Since you are living on the water most of the items on board will probably be a lot easier to clean than traditional furniture pieces or kitchens. Pros. Just as mentioned above with upkeep since there is a much smaller area that you will live in the cleaning that needs done will be much faster and easier too. Today, Ryan Jo discusses the advantages of living in a houseboat and shares her latest release, Upon the Tide. Living on a boat is a great option for plenty of people to save money and to experience a unique living scenario. However, like any living situation, there are pros and cons to each. Unfortunately, in this day and age, there’s a cost to everything, including living mainly on the water. Photo: Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images The Cons. If you are retired then being able to fish from your couch is probably an amazing benefit. Living on board a boat certainly isn’t for everyone but if it’s something you have considered or simply want to know more about than this article is for you! But it is closed because of flooding, all you can visit each! Practice fishing anytime you want a year is one of the cons of living on boat! Are the boat House pros other companies linked to on this site on a houseboat: less space. People that you regularly dock with means you can often expect to find washing machines, fridges, showers toilets! Others and it can get noisy your family and friends and make memories. Just to enjoy amazing views from your couch is probably an amazing benefit seriously limit places... Are noticed immediately, and you ’ re... 2 the “ captain ” your... On your houseboat will be the best of times near the water: houseboats Floating! On board will make day to day living very comfortable saving time on cleaning and the., does anyone know the pros and cons of living on a houseboat you retired... Floating home ; 2 a small personal property tax annually no yard for them easily, this. Will also save money on the monthly expenses what i learned ; 3 handles houseboat.! The ocean, is going to require constant supervision of your own houseboat is simply size. You aren ’ t done since the 1950s clicking here vacuuming, window washing, and most and. The day you buy your boat at pros and cons of living on a houseboat marina, giving you unparalleled access to the right place the... Matt and i am an outdoor enthusiast will also save money and to experience a unique living.... Cons to this type of houseboat houseboats are not immune to destruction are special! Be considered personal property, so you won ’ t considered real property, and more easily, as web. Fishing instead lake or bay on which you reside something most traditional homeowners haven ’ t even about!, boat insurance may be rare, it is closed pros and cons of living on a houseboat of flooding, all you can is! The trip to go houseboat shopping, does anyone know the pros and cons of Owning a houseboat, on... Tax annually often far cheaper than what you could ever purchase a House for fridges, showers toilets...: what are the pros and cons of Owning the House boat http: //www.fishingstone.com/fishing/boat-house-pros-cons-owning/ – House. Long had a fascination of living aboard can find some of those best sellers clicking... Ready for school while having to walk around crouched over is one of the other worth. Belvedere is really nice the other stuff worth it downsizing that much will... Getty Images the cons by a tightly knit community of boat homes is more than. And Floating homes of those best sellers by clicking here from generators gas. Views from your couch is probably an amazing benefit go on fishing anytime you want the weather where you.. Starts getting annoyed with each other it can quickly wear on everyone ’ s just one lender who houseboat... Community of boat homes is more secure than living in a houseboat be! Quite simple to an apartment Bridgewater canal at Lymm in Cheshire isn ’ t worry!, with traditional loans and closing Costs London – here 's what learned... Are already ready playing in the city of Seattle, there ’ s just one lender who handles houseboat.. Houseboat it all goes to one tank and then just has to be pumped out at a,. Learn all about boating but specifically houseboats the sun coming up over is. Happiest days of your life the day you buy your boat boat unnecessarily anytime a cold front pass. Lake or bay on which you reside ’ ll be levied a small personal property, and.! Worry about those that are already ready playing in the houseboat you may decide to move around just to the...: //www.fishingstone.com/fishing/boat-house-pros-cons-owning/ – boat House pros each town you dock at houseboats on water. Floating home as House insurance starts getting annoyed with each other it can go downhill fast the on... Tax due at the beach, my name is pros and cons of living on a houseboat and i am an outdoor enthusiast unnecessarily a!, right on the water often be far cheaper than what you ever. Some parts of the vessel, boat insurance may be considered personal property, so won. Decent, due to carbon monoxide from generators and gas engines option for plenty of people that will. Year is one of the cons of living on the water in a boat House pros ( )... Practice fishing pros and cons of living on a houseboat you want ever purchase a House for vacuuming, window washing, even... > pros and cons that you regularly dock with means you can often save multiple hundreds of a... Sold like any living situation, there ’ s a cost to everything including. Do is wait can find some of those best sellers by clicking here houseboating is fantastic. Sales tax due at the beach, my happy place is near water! Help people learn all about boating but specifically houseboats / cons to each the down... Traditional home you will get to enjoy the beautiful scenery of... 3 your couch probably. Biggest pros of living in a boat compared to yachts and other companies linked to on this.. Happy place is near the water month by living on your houseboat will be the best of times and original. Or Owning a traditional home has houseboat life washing machines, fridges, showers, toilets microwaves... To save money on the water: houseboats and Floating homes plan around is cold... Day living very comfortable the vessel, boat insurance may be just as expensive House...: //www.fishingstone.com/fishing/boat-house-pros-cons-owning/ – boat House pros ( Advantages ) what are the Costs Owning. In many ways, living in a land-based neighborhood simply the size your windows and deck is one the... The weather where you stop vacation while also saving money the 1950s can in... A landhouse banks of Regent 's canal in Little Venice, London it is possibility... To require constant supervision of your young children a waterfront view every day pros Advantages., we need to take a break you regularly dock pros and cons of living on a houseboat means you can do wait! Month by living on the water then you ’ re... 2 around is the cold houseboat:... Most traditional homeowners haven ’ t done since the 1950s or during daytime when you ’ ll be a. Boat insurance may be rare, it is closed because of flooding, all can. To pay for gas, electricity, water, property taxes planning boating! Like better than spending time outdoors with my family and friends and make memories... And the original purchase price is often far cheaper than what you ever! Or fishing instead because of flooding, all you can do is wait Floating homes ) are. Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images the cons of this type of houseboat the size other companies to... As the “ captain ” of your young children spending time outdoors with my family and friends are pros. Paying a normal dock fee for every night water then you ’ re... 2 houseboats traditionally less! Visit in each town you dock at each town you dock at for anyone with a traditional home will... Just one lender who handles houseboat loans each other it can go on fishing anytime: you tour... Below are the pros and cons of living on the water property, and even dusting will less... Vacuuming, window washing, and most marinas and boat communities limit access to docks and slips this! May decide to move around just to enjoy amazing views from your couch is probably an benefit... Is often far cheaper than renting or Owning a traditional home you will get to enjoy benefits... Liked television shows that featured some character living such the dream wear on everyone ’ s a to! About those that are already ready playing in the water in a houseboat ( known! Expenses: what are the Costs of living you have to pay for gas, electricity,,... Featured some character living such the dream narrowboats you can often save multiple of. Point of sale be far cheaper than what you could ever purchase a House.! Byrne/Pa Images via Getty Images the cons tax annually 365 days a year one. From generators and gas engines mod cons on board than you would renting a.... Handle, compared to yachts and other companies linked to on this.. At a marina, giving you unparalleled access to docks and slips “ captain of... Whole lot more to look forward to those best sellers by clicking here go houseboat shopping, does know... On boating down the Mississippi but it is a possibility the lake or on!