Is it possible to own a riverboat (as house) and live on the Mississippi river?

Question

Would I have to pay taxes? And could I dock at any ports along the river that I choose?

Answer 1

We are in the Baton Rouge LA.area and the Mississippi river is still a very active river with loads of commercial traffic.(Tugs and Barges)  so you need to check with the authorities on living on the river. It would be way so cool to live their.

GOFORIT

Answer 2

Yes, it is possible to live on a boat on the Mississippi.  Taxes and fees would depend on which state you have your boat registered in.  There are lots of marinas and boating communities all along the river where you could visit and stay for a short time for free, or for just the price of buying fuel,  but if you wanted a permanent mooring, you'd probably have to pay rent.

Answer 3

Yes, you can own a houseboat.

Yes, you can live on the Mississippi.

Federal Waterway regulations apply and expect compliance

inspections by USCG.  State officialdom have own rules but

so do Marina's that provide essential services.  Sheriff boats patrol county water and do inspections in-transit.  

For example, USCG will want to see catchment aboard for sewage and the documentation that shows disposal.  Port marina may decline service if vessel has no proof of insurance.  Marine insurance prefers to apply to factory production hulls and may be refused if non-production hull fails to meet certain codes.  Non-compliance is not an option.

My point being, Ports will choose who docks, not the reader.

It is helpful, regarding officialdom generally, if riverboat and

mooring property is owned by same taxpayer.  Mississippi

River is polluted enough without new liveaboards pouring in

new poo.

Answer 4

I think it is still legal. The ports I am sure vary as to rules and regulations. But what a super cool idea.

Answer 5

Of course you can. Around the Port of New Orleans you can see several houseboats. I think you would still pays taxes while living on the Mississippi River...you are still in the United States. As for the ports they would charge you for the dock space, water and power used. And you would have to follow all the US Coast Guard rules for safety, so I don't think it would be worth it.

Answer 6

Private boats travel the Mississippi River all the time.  Go to a marine store such as West Marine and ask for the Skipper Bob book about "The Great Circle Route".  It will give you lots of information of the sort you are looking for.  It gives anchorages, where to dinghy ashore, places with free docks, all kinds of information for people who live on their boats, and this book is specific to that area.