Living aboard on a private lake.

InTheTrees

Hi,

I have a thread on the Planning forum with questions I had about whether a houseboat requires planning permission.

The back story: This is really regarding holiday accommodation, we're not talking about permanent housing. We have some land in Connemara which we will probably never be allowed to put anything more than a tent on, however there are a couple of lakes.

One of three acres and another of two. They are wholly enclosed by the land, not even visible from off the property.

What are the regulations as regards living on board a vessel? Would a boat need to be licensed? taxed? Insured?

We've had various thoughts, from a floating platform with a hut on it to trailering in an old sailing boat (without mast).

Thanks in advance.

fergal.b

Hi Mike, I can't be of much help to you but I would insure it and register her with waterways Ireland "it's free to register" As far as I know WI policy on houseboats is there is no policy http://irishwaterwayshistory.com/rants/living-on-the-canals/wis-non-houseboat-policy-january-2012/

InTheTrees

fergal.b wrote: »

Hi Mike, I can't be of much help to you but I would insure it and register her with waterways Ireland "it's free to register" As far as I know WI policy on houseboats is there is no policy http://irishwaterwayshistory.com/rants/living-on-the-canals/wis-non-houseboat-policy-january-2012/

Thats really interesting, Thank you.

I was casually browsing Adverts.ie and came across a 28 foot Hunter for around six thousand euros. It would take some cleaning up though.

That would be a lot more fun than staying in a caravan.

I think.

InTheTrees

fergal.b wrote: »

As far as I know WI policy on houseboats is there is no policy

Now the next issue will be defining "boat".

It wouldnt be difficult to have an outboard attachment and a basic rudder on a floating platform but I wonder if some kind of "Hull" would be required to classify as a "boat"?

fergal.b

I don't think the hunter would be a great boat not a lot of room plus as it has a keel so you would have to moor out deeper and you may need a punt to get out to it where as if you get a shallow draft boat you might be able to put down a floating pontoon and just walk out to it handy if you are having a few beers

InTheTrees

fergal.b wrote: »

I don't think the hunter would be a great boat not a lot of room plus as it has a keel so you would have to moor out deeper and you may need a punt to get out to it where as if you get a shallow draft boat you might be able to put down a floating pontoon and just walk out to it handy if you are having a few beers

Interesting.

Its going to come down to the (cheapest!) maximum sized boat that can be trailered.

I like the idea of a walkway out to a dock. This could start to get elaborate.

I'm encouraged by the openness of Irish Waterways, its refreshing after the bureaucratic doldrums of the planning people.

http://irishwaterwayshistory.com/about/irish-inland-waterways-vessels/some-boats-that-are-different/

fergal.b

You could build a dock something like this cheep and cheerful http://www.instructables.com/id/Floating-Dock-with-Barrels/step3/Add-the-Barrels/ or keep building and put a chalet on it like this http://www.tiny-house-living.com/small-house-boat.html I like this one



Or here is another option

InTheTrees

Yes!

I like it.

A large floating platform with a cabin on it. ANd an outhouse for a generator/batteries.

I like the floating caravan pic!

http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/houses/

fergal.b

There was one like this for sale a while back but I can't find the link for it now so it must be gone.




But one of these for €3200 http://loghomes.ie/Log-Cabins-ireland/101/Raven-4m-x-4m---28mm.html and maybe another €1000 - €2000 for the pontoon and anchors would make a nice little pad, Now I think I wan't one, any room on on your lake, maybe we could start a little self sufficient commune away from the government house hold charges


.

Fingalian

http://shantyboatliving.com/2011/shantyboat-living-book-design-options-harry-bryan-shantyboat/

ain't she pretty? and with a wood stove you could stay there all winter.

Paul Thiels Joli Boat is another interesting boat and can be moved around the Lake by pedal power.

GFish

InTheTrees wrote: »

The back story: This is really regarding holiday accommodation, we're not talking about permanent housing. We have some land in Connemara which we will probably never be allowed to put anything more than a tent on, however there are a couple of lakes.

One of three acres and another of two. They are wholly enclosed by the land, not even visible from off the property.

What are the regulations as regards living on board a vessel? Would a boat need to be licensed? taxed? Insured?

We've had various thoughts, from a floating platform with a hut on it to trailering in an old sailing boat (without mast).

Thanks in advance.

Did you ever get an answer to this very interesting Q?

InTheTrees

GFish wrote: »

Did you ever get an answer to this very interesting Q?

It looks like it could well be a workable solution. I havent had anyone come up with any bureaucratic obstacles to stop it. You need various boating licences if you're on the public waterways but otherwise I think its pretty open. I'm pretty much off the idea of lugging an old sailing boat up there, I spent some time on a friends 26footer and omg its cramped!

Waste disposal is the only issue really. Obviously getting a septic tank built (onshore) is not possible so it means using Composting loos, which would require more space than a normal loo (wouldnt fit in a Sailing boat), but I havent done any research yet on disposal of "grey" water (washing water, detergent etc).

ANy other ideas anyone has please post!

PhoenixParker

Could you build a wetlands water treatment system instead of a septic tank?

I think the usual term used is "constructed wetland", basically you build a mini-swamp, and your wastewater flows through it getting purified by the plants and small animals as it goes.

Something like these guys:

http://www.wetlandsystems.ie/constructedwetland.html

InTheTrees

Thanks, thats a great idea and the only solution i've seen so far for "grey" water.

There is a good spot for it too, down a good slope in a hollow close by. If we keep the crap in the composting loo and only use it for grey water it shouldnt be too offensive either. Keep the detergents used at a minimum and make sure they're ecologically safe and it should work well.

Just wait though, the bureaucrats will redefine what a septic tank is and demand a planning application!

InTheTrees

fergal.b wrote: »

But one of these for €3200 http://loghomes.ie/Log-Cabins-ireland/101/Raven-4m-x-4m---28mm.html and maybe another €1000 - €2000 for the pontoon and anchors would make a nice little pad, Now I think I wan't one, any room on on your lake, maybe we could start a little self sufficient commune away from the government house hold charges

I know! Although I've been thinking more capitalistically... We'll need partners though.

I suppose the last thing Ireland needs right now is more housing, but it needs tourists and it would be attractive to them I would think and imagine how many lakes there are around the country?

fergal.b

This one will do me



Or if you want to go the homemade route with all mod cons

InTheTrees

fergal.b wrote: »

My crackerbox build,
http://s753.photobucket.com/albums/x...view=slideshow

Off topic... I went through the slideshow this morning. That's a beautiful piece of work.

fergal.b

InTheTrees wrote: »

Off topic... I went through the slideshow this morning. That's a beautiful piece of work.

Cheers InTheTrees, you got to love wood:D