You might remember the picture of the narrow boats at Hungerford. Like any form of dwelling, some folk take great care, and the boats are something of great beauty. Some folk just use them as cheap accomodation, and as a workspace.
@Bettina: I think you are thinking of barges. As far as I know these boats aren't designed for the high seas. Their natural habitat is canals and rivers
Canon EOS 7D
1/400 second
F/11.0
ISO 800
16 mm