Small Houses: Canal boat in Amsterdam
The Charlotte Johanna first set sail in 1908, transporting freight along the inland waterways connecting Western Europe. A little over a century later, it was converted into a floating home and is now moored on the Prinsengracht canal in central Amsterdam.
A canalside gangplank leads to the main entry into the boat’s wheelhouse, which is used as a lounge. From there, a steep stair descends into what was once the cargo hold but is now a comfortable living space. The original cargo hold doors were replaced with skylights, making the below-deck space surprisingly sunny and helping to counteract the low ceiling.
What does it cost to live aboard a barge in Amsterdam? According to one source, moorage in Amsterdam runs about EUR 200 monthly. Annual maintenance can cost anywhere from EUR 1,000 to 3,000. That doesn’t include a haul out every few years to have the hull cleaned of rust and repainted, which will set you back about EUR 2,000–3,000. While the boat is in dry dock, a marine surveyor can inspect the hull for soundness, giving you peace of mind at a cost of up to EUR 700. So not including your electric bill and any mortgage payment, you’re probably looking at around EUR 350-550 monthly.