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Buying a houseboat: from dream to reality

The steps to take towards owning a CRUISING HOME

Are the waves calling to you? We will give you the following wind you need to realise your dream of having a houseboat of your own. Put our experience to use when you make plans and look forward to having a vessel that fulfils your individual expectations – your own Cruising Home. You can see what steps to take to reach your destination here.

What model is the right one for me?

This depends on how you would like to use your houseboat. You can find initial information in our comparative overview. We will be happy to go into the details with you at a personal consultation. Set a date right now!

Can I get an idea of life on board beforehand?

There are many options for you to test out what life is like on board. You can view various Cruising Homes cost-free at a viewing in Düsseldorf's MedienHafen or the Zollhafen in Mainz. You can also rent a Traveller L at the Düsseldorf MedienHafen for a test trip before buying a houseboat.

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How can I get an individual offer?

Before we give you an individual offer, we will take time
to understand your wishes more fully:

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  • We will offer you a free consultation – here at Cruising Home in Düsseldorf or by telephone
     

  • We will analyse your needs on the basis of your needs, ideas and wishes
     

  • We will choose a suitable berth for you (nationally or internationally)
     

  • We will make you the offer you want
     

  • We will visit the Yacht architect Olivier van Meer and SRF shipyard in the Netherlands together

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Are you interested in buying a houseboat?
Do use our contact form – we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Or speak directly with Rolf Gast at +49 163 74 34 827.

What happens after I have commissioned you to build my CRUISING HOME?

  • Once you have bought your houseboat and completed the purchase contract, we will build it for your over the course of 12-15 months.
     

  • During this time you will make advance payments in accordance with the build state and make repeat visits to the SRF shipyard in Harlingen
     

  • The test drive and delivery of your Cruising Home will take place in the Dutch city of Harlingen
     

  • If agreed, we will transport your Cruising Home to the berth of your choice

What VAT
do I pay?

Because we deliver your Cruising Home from the shipyard in Harlingen, Netherlands, private users are liable to 21% VAT. Commercial purchasers are exempt from VAT.

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Do I need a boat license and marine approval?

If you buy a houseboat and want to use it only to live on, you do not need a boat license. The inland pleasure craft license is valid on the Rhine and Elbe for Cruising Homes under 15 metres long, and on all other inland waterways in Europe for those under 20 metres. If you intend to travel by sea, you will need the sea-going pleasure craft license. To receive a vessel identification code for your Cruising Home, register the houseboat with the responsible waterways and shipping agency.

How can I get electricity, water etc. and what are the costs?

Thanks to the technical solutions on board, you can enjoy the same comforts in a CRUISING HOME as you would in a modern house. For a 15-metre houseboat in stationary usage at the Düsseldorf MedienHafen, the followingcosts arise per month:

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  • Berthing fee: €700
     

  • Electricity: €10 basic fee, electricity price €0.45/kWh
     

  • Water: usage-based (meter)
     

  • Waste disposal fee

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How can I finance the purchase of a houseboat?

To buy your houseboat, you can take out a standard ship mortgage to be paid in monthly instalments. This will require your entry in the Register of Inland Shipping. We will be happy to put you in touch with a notable ship financing institution. For commercial clients, we recommend leasing the vessel, as the leasing rates can be classified as operational expenses.

What is the difference between
a yacht and a houseboat?

Nearly 90% of sport yachts are serially produced using FRP (fibreglass-reinforced plastic). The interiors are completely built in – you have little opportunity to design them individually. These boats are luxury leisure craft with high upkeep costs and sometimes immense depreciation. Unfortunately, such boats are not suitable for permanent habitation. Houseboats by Cruising Home are designed for full-time living and easy-going travel, so you can take your home with you when you travel the world. Many of our customers sell or markedly reduce their property portfolio on land.

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