A static houseboat tends to be either purpose built, converted from a dumb barge, or a former commercial boat where the engine has been removed or is no longer in working order.

A purpose built static houseboat is normally built on a steel pontoon or platform, and are invariably box style in shape, and on one or two floors. Rooms are set out like a new build home, normally with uniform head height throughout. These static houseboats are also wired and plumbed as a normal house.

A dumb barge, or lighter, can be and indeed is usually converted as a purpose built static houseboat. The difference is the hull which is high and boat shaped, the norm being the inner hull converted to bedrooms and bathrooms, with a structure built on deck as a second floor housing lounge, kitchen and dining area. Some people like to build another half level on top of this as a master suite or second lounge, with open doors to a terrace. This would give your static houseboat character, space, and take advantage of some outside space.

The other option as a static houseboat is a commercial boat such as a trawler, tug or coaster, where the engine is no longer serviceable, or indeed removed completely. The benefit of this is a character home with all the outside appearances of a working boat, with the inside and all the spaces available converted to a beautiful home, the best of both worlds for your static houseboat!