Boathouse

A boathouse is a building designed for the storage, protection, and maintenance of boats. They are typically located on the shore of a lake, river, or sea, but may also be constructed as floating structures or as part of a marina. Boathouses may serve private owners, clubs, or commercial fleets and can include space for equipment, workbenches, and offices.

Construction varies with climate and use. Common materials include timber, brick, and concrete, with pitched or flat roofs and wide doors to allow boat access. Fixed boathouses stand on land or pilings, while floating boathouses ride on a caisson or pontoon system and tie to moorings. Some designs incorporate slipways, cranes, or hoists to launch and retrieve boats, and may offer lockers, repair benches, and storage for lines and sails.

Boathouses are closely associated with rowing and sailing communities and can function as clubhouses as well as storage facilities. They are often regarded as local landmarks, with notable examples such as Boathouse Row along the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, which comprises several historic boathouses built for rowing clubs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.