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There is a lot involved in transporting a houseboat. Leave this to the pros at Transportscanner. All you have to do is place a request and the companies will contact you. The affiliated companies are also happy to help you with other forms of boat transportation.
What is a houseboat?
Houseboats (floating homes) have been a characteristic part of the Dutch water landscape since the 19th century. With a steel or wooden hull, they combine the characteristics of a ship with the comfort of a regular home. They serve both as permanent homes or as vacation accommodation.
Licenses and Regulations
Transporting a houseboat is strictly regulated in the Netherlands to ensure safety on the water and on the road. Before you can begin the transport, you need to consider various permits and permissions. These ensure that the transport is carried out safely and according to the law.
The main permits you need are:
- A transportation permit from the Department of Public Works for waterborne transportation
- A permit from the municipality where the houseboat departs and arrives
- For road transport: an exemption for special transport from the RDW
- Possible additional permits for use of public wharves or moorings. This will vary by municipality and should be requested locally. Find your municipality here.
Tip: Start applying for permits at least 6-8 weeks before the scheduled transport.
Transportation methods
Several options exist for transporting a houseboat. The choice depends on factors such as the accessibility of the destination, the dimensions of the houseboat and, of course, the available budget. Here are the two main methods:
1. Water transport
A houseboat is usually transported by water, which is often the most practical and cost-effective solution.
- Carried out by specialized tugs and pushers
- Most common and often most economical method
- Requires a certified transportation company
- Depending on navigation route and clearance heights of bridges
2. Road transport
Sometimes the final destination is not accessible by water. In that case, road transport is necessary.
- Needed when waterways are not available
- Carried out by special low loaders
- Requires professional cranes for lifting from water
- Additional permits needed for road transport
What are the costs of houseboat and houseboat transport
Based on our analysis of over 500 houseboat and houseboat transports between 2020-2024, we see that the costs in the Netherlands average between €3,000 and €15,000, with water transport usually being cheaper than road transport. The exact price depends heavily on the dimensions: transporting a small 15x4 meter houseboat by water costs about €3,000-5,000, while a large 20x6 meter houseboat by road quickly costs €10,000-15,000.
The main cost factors are:
- Dimensions and weight of the houseboat
- Transport distance and route (number of bridges/locks).
- Chosen method of transportation (water/road)
- Required permits and preparations
- Hiring of cranes and specialist personnel
- Any temporary storage
Here is the simple HTML version of the table with horizontal scrolling:
| Type of Transport | Dimensions | Route | Basic price (€) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water transport | 10x3.8m | Utrecht-Breda | 4.500 | Including 2 push boats |
| Water transport | Standard ark | Asperen-Leeuwarden | 5.500 | Excl. VAT, incl. bridges/locks |
| Short transport | Standard boat | Ghent-Zelzate | 750 | Excl. VAT, short course |
| Per hour rate | Various sizes | Variable | 130 p/h | Per pusher, excluding VAT |
Case studies from recent transports:
Case Study 1: Longer Distance with Bridges
- Route: Asperen to Leeuwarden
- Price: €5,500 excluding VAT
- Special feature: Includes passage of bridges and locks
- Teaching point: Always ask about inclusive/exclusive bridge fees
Case Study 2: Transport with Two Push Boats
- Type: Square houseboat
- Price: €130 per hour per pusher
- Special Note: Two boats required for square ark
- Learning point: Check regulations for your type of ark
Case study 3: Preparation costs
- Basic transportation: €4,500
- Additional cost: €500 for protective devices
- Special feature: partitions for windows/doors needed
- Teaching point: Count on preparation costs
For water transport, the houseboat must be transport-ready with proper attachment points for push and tow boats. Windows and doors up to at least 80cm above the waterline must be protected. Always ask what is/is not included in the price (VAT, bridge fee, preparations). For square arks, legislation often requires an additional pusher.
Practical Tips for Successful Transportation
Transporting a houseboat requires careful preparation. Proper planning can prevent many problems and ensure smooth transportation.
Essential concerns are:
- Have a technical inspection performed before transport
- Check if insurance covers shipping damage
- Provide a detailed transportation plan
- Reserve a berth at the final destination in good time
- Consider seasonal influences (water levels, weather)
Transporting a houseboat is a complex operation that requires expertise. While possible, the costs and regulations are significant. Therefore, consider carefully whether transportation is more economical than purchasing a new houseboat at the desired location. For best results, it is advisable to work with an experienced transportation company that can coordinate all permits and logistics.
Request multiple quotes or view relevant companies in our business directory.
Outsource your Houseboat houseboat in 3 steps
Insurance of Houseboats
Insuring a houseboat is substantially different from insuring a house on land. Specific risks such as getting loose, drifting and sinking require specialized insurance that covers these water-related situations. Appropriate coverage is also essential when transporting, rebuilding or renovating. The premium is determined by factors such as the type of houseboat (ark, ship, water villa), state of repair, berth and coverage chosen.
In the Netherlands, there are several insurers that insure houseboats, but most owners choose a specialist.
With over 4,000 water homes insured, EOC is the specialist in houseboat insurance in the Netherlands - insuring as many as 1 in 3 houseboats. As a mutual insurer, they offer specific coverage for the unique risks of living on the water.
Major coverages at EOC:
- Own defect: both consequential damage and the own defect itself
- Contents usually included in insurance for free
- 24/7 accessibility in case of damage without call center
- Salvage and wreck removal
- Optional legal assistance at competitive rate
For houseboats with a concrete hull no more than 25 years old, EOC offers two insurance ratings:
| Type | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Reconstruction value | Amount for new construction equivalent houseboat | For newer arks |
| Replacement value | Amount to purchase equivalent existing ark | Standard coverage |
The insurance covers specific houseboat risks such as getting loose and drifting away, and is available to owners in the Netherlands, Belgium and parts of Germany. Note that for legal expenses coverage, the houseboat must have a permanent mooring in the Netherlands and there must be no rental or business use.
Tip: Have your houseboat inspected regularly to prevent water damage and sinking. Good insurance is important, but prevention all the more so.
Repair and Maintenance of Houseboats
Regular maintenance and timely repair of your houseboat is essential to the longevity and value of your investment. Transportation to a boatyard is often required for major maintenance such as replacing zinc anodes, repairing leaks, or renewing the coating. The cost of repairs varies widely: minor repairs start from €500, while major maintenance such as complete painting or replacement of the steel parts is easily between €5,000 and €25,000.
Common maintenance tasks include:
- Coating and painting of the hull
- Repair or replacement of zinc anodes
- Leaks in the concrete container
- Repair of rust spots
- Renovation of the floating section
To request quotes for repair, maintenance or transportation of your houseboat, visit Quotehaven. Through this platform you will get multiple quotes from specialized companies, making it easy to compare prices and services. Place your order on Offertehaven.nl for free to get in touch with experienced houseboat specialists.
Tip: For repairs, always request a detailed quote that lists both labor and material costs separately. Keep in mind that transportation costs to and from the job site are often not included in repair quotes.
Examples of transporting a houseboat
Frequently Asked Questions
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