Benefits of classifying for residential living

[gonzo]

If you plan on zoning your vessel as "residential", state and local laws will apply. It will not be a boat but a floating home. You will have to comply with all building codes instead.

 

[scphantm]

Up here, floating homes don't have engines. If it has an engine it's a recreational water craft. As it's been explained to me. Home port is Pittsburgh if anyone knows different

 

[gonzo]

A non-powered barge is a vessel and subject to USCG, etc. regulations. A floating house is different and subject to local ordinances. Many cities/counties will not allow floating houses.

 

[Tad]

Just as an aside, there is another reason to design and build to class. Long term value. Besides lowering your insurance premium or being a requirement for commercial use, having a vessel "in class" (built under survey and up to date inspected) means it's a considerably more secure investment.

While it's rare to build in class in the US (yes, production builders talk about ABYC and today ISO for export reasons), it's quite common to build to class in Europe, especially among higher-end semi-production builders. This is just a further assurance to the buyer that his investment is good. A third party has checked all calculations, materials, and practices, and added their expertise to the final outcome. Boats routinely fetch higher prices in Europe.

 

[gonzo]

A floating house may pay less insurance, and in some cases have a better resale value. Waterfront property usually is expensive, so being able to live on the shore is at a premium. The Florida Keys have some communities of floating homes. They are surrounded by protected areas where it is not possible to build.