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By strict definition, a house boat is just that, a boat that has been designed to serve as a primary dwelling. In many cases, it is not equipped with a motor since it is designed to be moored in one location. If it has to be moved to another docking area, it is usually towed by a boat moving company. However, today most house boats are equipped with powerful motors, usually outboards, and serve mostly recreational needs as well as serving a vacation homes.
Available in a variety of lengths, a smaller house boat is considered between 18 and 24 feet and is often transported on a trailer towed behind a vehicle large enough to pull the weight. A larger house boat will usually require a professional boat mover as well as have permits for most highways. In many cases once the boat is moored at a specific location, a company is contracted for winter storage to remove the boat from the water, store it and then get it ready to back into the water in the spring.
A house boat can offer a lot of fun for families and groups to spend leisure time on weekends or even for extended periods on vacation and many of the larger units are equipped with sleeping berths, cooking facilities along with running water and bathrooms, making them a home away from home.
Floating House Still Follows Safety Rules
When a house boat is moored the safety regulations are similar to a traditional house, however if it has a motor and is cruising the water, the safety regulations that apply to other boats also apply to the house boat. There has to be a floatation device available for everyone on the boat and, depending on the state in which the boat is being used, everyone under an established age, must be wearing the device.
Fire extinguishers must be available, along with running lights in the event the house boat ends up on the water after dark. Most of the safety rules established for maritime use are the result of previous accidents and are designed to keep the occupants of the boat, as well as those in other watercrafts, safe during their time on the water.
One of the biggest threats to house boat is the actions of the people on board the craft. Most state s patrol the waterways alert for boaters in violation of state laws as they pertain to speeding as well as intoxicated operators. When on a house boat, the same laws pertaining to driving under the influence in motor vehicles, also apply to operating a watercraft.
professional boat, winter storage, floatation device, water store, strict definition, watercrafts, running lights, safety regulations, outboards, safety rules, fire extinguishers, home away from home, moving company, running water, leisure time, occupants, highways, dwelling, accidents, boats
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