A houseboat is a boat which has been designed or modified to be used primarily as a human dwelling. They are typically unpowered since they are usually moored in a fixed location.

It is common in Southeast Asia.

In Australia, especially on the Murray River, there are a significant number of motorised, pontoon-based houseboats with 2-4 bedroom houses, some with two levels.

In Europe some of the best and most expensive examples of houseboats can be seen along the canals of Amsterdam. Visitors to Amsterdam can even stay in houseboat hotels. Houseboats are very expensive nowadays in Amsterdam as new moorings are not available. Therefore the 2,400 or so families that live on the inner waters of Amsterdam do not have to worry about a new neighbour just pulling up next to them.

See Also

Houseboat Museum Amsterdam

Houseboat Trivia (English version)