Pax is a tiny floating cottage restored by Jason (a carpenter) and Cayley (a shipwright) from one of twenty-five boats originally built for Expo ’86 in Victoria, Canada. They acquired the aging vessel for under $6,000 and rebuilt it into a beautiful 30-foot floating home with 14-foot ceilings, a handmade curved cedar dinette, a rooftop deck, and a tiled livestock trough bathtub.
Images via Exploring Alternatives/YouTube
Open Concept Kitchen and Dining
The main level features an open concept kitchen with a gas stove/oven, fridge/freezer, ample counter space, and a handmade curved cedar dinette—a showcase of the carpenter’s craft. The 14-foot ceilings on this level create a surprisingly spacious feel for a floating home.
Images via Exploring Alternatives/YouTube
Multi-Level Living with Rooftop Deck
The second-level sleeping area connects to an adjoining sitting space via a catwalk. From there, a ladder leads up to the rooftop deck—perfect for enjoying marina views and extending the living space outdoors.
Images via Exploring Alternatives/YouTube
Video Tour
Watch the full tour of Pax with Exploring Alternatives to see all the custom details and hear Jason and Cayley’s story:
Design Details
- Name: Pax
- Type: Restored float home / tiny houseboat
- Origin: One of 25 boats built for Expo ’86 in Victoria, Canada
- Length: 30 feet
- Width: 12.5 feet
- Main Level Ceiling Height: 14 feet
- Builders: Jason (carpenter) and Cayley (shipwright)
- Acquisition Cost: Under $6,000 (before rebuild)
- Location: British Columbia, Canada
Notable Custom Features
- Handmade curved cedar dinette — Custom-built seating showcasing the carpenter’s skill
- Custom Fir and purpleheart door — With portlight, blending nautical tradition with fine woodworking
- Tiled livestock trough bathtub — A creative repurposing that adds character to the bathroom
- Nature’s Head composting toilet — A popular marine/off-grid toilet solution
- Storage staircase — Maximizing space with dual-purpose steps
- Interconnecting loft spaces — Connected via catwalk for an open, airy feel
- Rooftop deck — Accessible by ladder, extending outdoor living space
Lessons from This Float Home Restoration
Pax offers valuable insights for anyone considering a floating home or boat restoration:
- Skills matter enormously — Having a carpenter and shipwright on the project made the difference between a simple rehab and a stunning transformation
- Old boats can be affordable — Vessels needing work can be acquired for surprisingly little, though restoration costs add up
- Vertical space is key — The 14-foot ceilings allow for loft spaces that dramatically increase livable area
- Custom woodwork adds character — Details like the curved cedar dinette and purpleheart door elevate the space
- Rooftop decks expand living space — On a boat, outdoor space is precious; a rooftop deck effectively doubles your usable area
- Repurposed materials work beautifully — The livestock trough bathtub shows how creative sourcing can add unique character
- Marine toilet solutions exist — Composting toilets like Nature’s Head are popular for float homes without sewage hookups
The Float Home Lifestyle
Float homes like Pax offer a unique alternative to traditional housing or land-based tiny homes. Living at a marina provides community, waterfront access, and often lower costs than comparable waterfront real estate—though slip fees and maintenance are ongoing considerations.
Learn More
- Watch the full video tour on Exploring Alternatives
- Follow Jason’s woodworking on Instagram (@wood_and_wind)
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Alex
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This work of art is truly one-of-a-kind, and built by a pair of VERY talented people! Thank you for sharing her, and best wishes in your new endeavors!
Just beautiful — everything from the porthole door, to all the gorgeous wood & furniture, to the excellent storage, to the good size kitchen & counter space to the rooftop garden possibilities — and the view! THE VIEWS!!! Very special!!
It’s beautiful! Thank you for sharing all the photos and the video.
Yeah, it’s nice. People will fall in love with it. And most people will fall out of love with it due to the maintenance costs… each year. And that is not inconsiderable.
Nice, but not for me.
What a dream boat, literally! In a parallel life I would live there in a heartbeat. I’ve never seen such a beautiful tiny home, never mind that it is a floating tiny home. The woodwork, all the windows and lightness and brightness, and attention to detail are amazing. But the best part (for me) is the soaking bathtub. This is something you never see in tiny homes. And then the rooftop patio and garden….wow. I’ll be dreaming of this one for a long time.
Jason you and your partner have done such an amazing job restoring your houseboat that one can only marvel at the level of knowledge between both of you to create such a functional masterpiece. Thank you for giving us a sneak peek even though you know we can’t afford to purchase it you still gave us the tour just as you would other potential buyers.
I agree with others this is a very fine floating house as a boatbuilder myself.
But it isn’t a great boat with that much windage, high weight so keep it beautiful at the dock as you neither want to be caught in wind or waves in it.
It’s a houseboat. I’ve never seen an ocean worthy houseboat, and I doubt anyone interested in this beautiful work of art would want to go for a journey in it. JMO. Gorgeous job. I lived in a house boat in City Island, NY and wish it was a fraction of the boat – or floating home – this is. Congratulations!
Way overpriced!
Unfortunately, that’s more wishful thinking in this economy…