Buy a barge (luxemotor, tjalk, freycinet...) safely

H2O - PORT DE PLAISANCE 21170 SAINT JEAN DE LOSNE - FRANCE

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Tips and Traps When Buying a houseboat

For several years, some people have opted for a radically different lifestyle : living on the water, in a houseboat. Nature, freedom and originality are all qualities that are often associated with this type of living. Do you want to make the jump and become a liveaboard boater ? Here are some tips to keep in mind throughout your purchasing process :

The budget

The value of a houseboat is determined by its year of construction, its size and fit-out. The first thing to know is that there is a houseboat for every budget : from €50,000 to several million. To give you a general idea, the price of a houseboat is about 30% less than the same quality and size of house on land.

The right boat

Do not rush : visit barges that may interest you several times. Most barges on the market have already been converted into houseboats. They follow the same general plan : a lenghthy rectangle. Some boats are ready to live on board immediately, while others require more or less word. H2O can provide you the history of repairs for each vessel and the results of any recent survey.

Insurance

Even though there is no obligation for insurance on your boat, we strongly advise you to insure it. This insurance will allow you to be compensated for damages, particularly for damage to third parties. Depending on the conditions of the policy and the size and value of the boat, this insurance will cost between €500 and €2,500 per year. Do not hesitate to contact us to obtain an insurance quote, at h2o@h2ofrance.com.

Location

Some owners choose to cruise with their barges, others use them as a floating home. In this case, the barge needs a mooring in a harbour or on a quayside. A mooring place cannnot be bought, only rented.

Maintenance

Just like a house, a boat needs regular maintenance to keeps its value. For a boat bigger than 20 metres with a French registration, a hull survey must be carried out every ten years. For a boat with Englush registration (SSR) such a survey is necessary only for boats over 24 metres.

Looking to buy a houseboat or just have questions?
Our team is available on phone +33 3 80 39 23 00 or by email at h2o@h2ofrance.com.