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There are many different types of boats that are commonly used for living on. Here we have a selection of pictures of the many types that are commonly used to give you an idea of what they look like and some information on each type.
There are many pictures on this page so it may take some time to load but it's worth the wait.
Lighter
 
 
These pictures are of a 80' Lighter that has been converted and fitted out to a very high standard. These vessels have very square hulls, like a box so offer a lot of room for accommodation. Lighters would not normally be fitted with engines so these would be static on moorings.
Narrowboats
 
Here we have a 59' Narrow boat moored on the canal bank side. These are long but very narrow due to the size of the Locks on the canals. Narrow boats have engines so can be moved easily and used for recreational boating. Most are constructed in steel, must insulate well or you will be cold in the Winter !!
Dutch Barges
  
I am sure you have heard of Dutch Barges, well this is a Wide Beam Dutch Barge of 74' in length. These vessels are very popular as a floating home and most can be used as most have engines fitted. Due to there wide beam (width) most are moored on Rivers rather than the narrow Canals. In reasonable weather you could cross the Channel in a vessel like this. Due to there width they offer a good degree of accommodation space.
Houseboats
   
The above pictures are of Houseboats. Houseboats are really floating homes that are permanently moored. Some are old flat barges that have had accommodation buildings built on top, some are floating pontoons with mobile homes attached or purpose built steel/wood platforms with floatation tanks built in and accommodation on top. None are designed to move and are permanently moored residences so you are tied to the one location. Very popular in parts of London and expensive if on a London mooring.
Broads Cruisers
   
This is a 33' Broads Cruiser. Many of these are found on the Norfolk Broads as many are ex-hire boats from holiday companies. Not all are small, some can be 50'+ and all have reasonable accommodation. Mainly used on non tidal Rivers and Canals. Most will have engines so can be moved and used by there owners.
Motor Cruisers
      
This is a 55' Motor Cruiser in very good order. Vessels like this can make comfortable homes for the person that also wants the advantage of using the vessel for pleasure and travel. You would find a vessel like this moored in a tidal river or coastal harbor giving access to good cruising ground when being used. Crossing the Channel or cruising the Mediterranean as a liveaboard owner would be no problem in this type of vessel.
Ex-Naval Vessels
This is a 52' ex-Naval Harbor Service Launch that has been converted to liveaboard. Many decommissioned service vessels can be converted to comfortable liveaboard vessels.
Motor Fishing Vessels (MFV)
 
These vessels are MFV's which stands for Motor Fishing Vessel. As the fishing industry declined many of these fishing boats were sold off and converted to liveaboard vessels. These are 65' and 68' in length but MFV's range from 40' to 75' in general and all have a wide beam so accommodation is of a good size. Prices of these vary a lot depending on condition and one that needs work can be had at a good price.
Yachts/Motor Sailors
This is a 38' Yacht / Motor sailor. Most sailing yachts have less accommodation due to the shape of the hull and general way they are designed for sea worthiness. This is not to say that they can not be lived on. If you have a interest in sailing then living on a sailing boat may be for you. Mostly moored on Rivers and Coastal Harbors anyone wishing to undertake a cruising life may opt for a sailing vessel. A vessel such as the one above would be able to take you anywhere in the World if you so wished.
As you can see there are many different types of boats that can make a comfortable alternative home for the liveaboard person. What you need to decide is what type would suit your needs. Do you want a static home on the water or do you want to be able to use the boat for recreation as well as a home. Maybe you aspire to cruising far and wide, trotting the globe and seeing new places. The thing is that different types of boats provide different things to there owners so be sure you choose the right one for you.
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