Water is “home” for water residents. In the Netherlands, some 12,000 houseboats float in landscapes and in and around port cities. There is the houseboat with concrete, steel or plastic pontoon, in which by far most people live; there is the “schark”, a hull of a sailing ship with a superstructure in which people live, and there are sailing houseboats. Traditionally, most houseboats have a timber-frame construction.
Creative use of space is a requirement because of the small living area, and many vessels have their own power and water supply. Some water residents live in and maintain sailing historical ships. To do so, they need knowledge of crafts such as riveting, splitting steel wire, heat-forming strakes and splitting lines. For them, being able to sail their home adds an extra dimension to waterliving.
Besides being a way of housing, waterliving is a way of life. Basic amenities require more commitment. It is important to stay afloat, cables and mooring lines must be kept in check when it storms, and energy supplies must be kept frost-free in winter. Life on water requires self-reliance, creativity and improvisation skills. Water dwellers must be able to cope with the elements, different seasons and changing water levels, but above all they enjoy the water so close by. Water is “a basic necessity of life” for many of them. The view of the water is soothing and the special reflecting light is a beautiful sight.
Bonding with watersports and commercial shipping also plays a role. Anyone who grows up in a skipper or fisherman's family has knowledge of water, weather and wind from an early age. The cry "don't throw anything into the water!" is a familiar exclamation, and environmental awareness is high. Sharing the water with other water dwellers like ducks, waterfowl, etc. creates a connection with nature and a desire to care for it.