We have now been living in a houseboat for just over a month. When we tell new people, we usually get some questions of a practical nature. So we thought we'd answer them here too!
Table of contents
Do you live permanently in the houseboat?
Yes, we live permanently in the houseboat. The houseboats in Pampas Marina are part of Solna's urban planning and we are registered here. This means, among other things, that we get our mail here. There are letterboxes in the marina with everyone's name on them. We have no other accommodation, apart from the camper van.
How does it work with water and sewage? Do you have a regular toilet?
All houseboats in Pampas Marina in Solna have municipal water and sewage. The pipes are connected to the boat and run along the jetty. When the wastewater is to be discharged, it is first collected in a tank that is emptied into the pipes by pulling a lever. Yes, we have a regular toilet.
How do you wash?
Most people living here have their own washing machine. We don't, but use the laundry room in the marina. It works much like if you live in an apartment and have a laundry room in the basement.
Do you have a car park? Storage facilities?
Yes, we have parking. You are entitled to a car park inside the gates and one outside, which you pay for. We have chosen to have the motorhome inside the gates and the car outside. There is one storage room per houseboat for rent. We rent one, and it looks like a normal apartment storage room.
How do you get things out on the bridge? Won't it be difficult to walk in winter?
There are several trolleys in the marina that you can borrow. They are perfect for carrying heavy things back and forth. We use them all the time. From what we have heard, Pampas Marina takes care of snow removal. But we haven't lived here in the winter yet, so we don't know exactly how it will be...
How do you heat the houseboat?
We have waterborne floor heating, radiators, dehumidifiers and towel dryers. The electricity is distributed via the marina and you have to read the meter every month and pay for what you use. Since our boat is partly poorly insulated, we are planning to rebuild and insulate it better. Since we need a building permit, it will not be until spring. This winter we may have to temporarily seal the worst insulated room. We will also install an air source heat pump.
How do you cook?
We have a four-burner gas hob, oven (gas), fridge, freezer and dishwasher. I like cooking on a gas hob, it's quick and gets both hot and cold quickly. However, the oven is a bit smaller than we are used to, so we have to think about what we can fit in it. Sometimes it also tilts, so that everything you fry goes in one direction...
Mrs Eriksson says:
I think this with you living in a houseboat is so cool 🙂 .
Thanks for the info, it was fun to read/Annmi
Pst...Guess there won't be any ice formation in the Winter 😉.
04 September 2013 - 16:26
BP says:
Yes, it is just like living in an apartment, but in a holiday paradise at the same time. Pampas has really superb service, including trolleys. Will tip HSB;-)
Great info by the way:-)
04 September 2013 - 16:34
Deciree says:
Funny that you write and tell:-) fun to see how it works with you. But it seems like living in an apartment as you said. Fun info:)
04 September 2013 - 17:00
Anna Granström says:
FANTASTIC! Pampas Marina is really nice. Have looked at boats there on hemnet. Seems so cool. Another question: can you go away with them or are they permanently anchored? Does it swing?
04 September 2013 - 17:52
Anna Granström says:
FANTASTIC = Fantastic, then 😉.
04 September 2013 - 17:52
year says:
Yes, I think it's cool too 😀 You are living a dream that many have. Good luck with it and good autumn and winter 😀.
You just scored a follower 😉
hug
04 September 2013 - 18:03
admin says:
Mrs Eriksson, they call this an ice-free marina. There's some mechanism under the surface that moves the water around so it doesn't freeze.
BP, yes wagons can be good here and there!
😉
Deciree, a lot of things work like in an apartment! Then there are other things that are a bit different
😉
Anna Granström, it's different! We can't leave with our boat because the engine is out. But there are some that can go away with. And yes, it does rock a bit!
Ann, thank you and glad you want to follow us!
🙂
04 September 2013 - 18:42
Veiken says:
Very interesting reading! I have caught up and realise that you have some work ahead of you, before the boat is as you want it!
GOOD LUCK!
04 September 2013 - 20:23
Ditte says:
Living on the water has its advantages....But then again, so does all accommodation, and most of it is far more square and predictable than life on a houseboat.
It's humid, but it's probably good for your skin....and a lot can be fixed, of course. Other homes are too dry and have to deal with it...
It's nice that you tell us because I still think that many people do not know that in the Stockholm area it is well cared for those who live on their boats. but often the boats must be inspected and they must be able to be moved ... Here, Pampas and Solna are probably an exception. A good one, I think.
I am still completely fascinated by the house, yes it looks like a house, which is located in Årstaviken and has been so for at least a year. And it seems to be allowed to remain.... Not against me, but maybe a bunch of housing seekers would get together and build something similar... The plot seems free, ie Årstaviken.
04 September 2013 - 22:53
admin says:
Veiken, yes, we've been on a lot of jobs...
😉
Ditte, interesting that houseboats in other places must be able to be moved, but perhaps not so strange if you think about it. I have not seen the one in Årstaviken ...
05 September 2013 - 6:35
Inga M says:
Funny that you described everyday life on the boat because I have wondered how you fix things like laundry and sewage. It seems well organised on the Pampas. It will be exciting to follow your first year on the houseboat, how it works in different seasons.
05 September 2013 - 7:00
Cat's Considerations says:
I can understand that there are many concerns about this with houseboats. Funny to read about the questions you get. I myself have not had time to think about all this, such as where you wash your clothes, etc. Have a good time!
05 September 2013 - 7:12
Anki says:
Thank you... this is an answer to all my questions. Looks very well planned and organised.
A bit of an extra fix of course to add a personal touch to your home - it's going to be great!
Have fun!
05 September 2013 - 7:58
Frankie & Co says:
Oh, then I look forward to learning about ice-free marina and subsurface mechanism, meaning what mechanically, technically and economically?
05 September 2013 - 8:01
admin says:
Inga M, yes, it is quite well organised here! And just this all around was probably a bit of a prerequisite for us to dare to invest!
😉
Anki, yes there is a lot that we want to fix in the boat - both things that are really needed and things that are more aesthetic / personal wishes.
Frankie & Co, will get back to you on that!
😉
05 September 2013 - 9:02
the underfloor heating king says:
Can you post some pictures of the underfloor heating you use? Brand and how is it installed?
17 October 2013 - 0:03