houseboat

A houseboat is a boat designed or adapted to be used as a dwelling. It can be a purpose-built floating home, a converted vessel, or a barge outfitted with living space. Houseboats may be permanently moored and serve as stationary homes or be mobile, able to travel under their own propulsion or towed to new locations.

Construction and layout vary widely, but most houseboats include rooms found in typical homes, such as a living area, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping quarters. Utilities are tailored to marine life and may include freshwater tanks or hookups, wastewater holding systems, electrical power from shore connections, onboard generators, or solar panels. Insulation, ventilation, heating or cooling, and secure mooring are important for comfort and safety in different climates.

Mobility and access are key distinctions. Some houseboats are designed for continuous movement and compliance with vessel regulations, while others are fixed on a platform or on a landing or canal-side mooring and treated as floating homes. Regulations, licenses, registration, and zoning or mooring permits vary by country and locality and can affect use, insurance, and long-term residency.

History and distribution vary by region. Floating dwellings have appeared on inland waterways and coastal waters for centuries, evolving from workboats and barges into permanent or semi-permanent residences. Modern houseboat communities are found in many urban and rural settings, reflecting a range of design styles, budgets, and lifestyles.