[Claim for Reimbursement for Cost of Transporting Houseboat]

An Air Force member claimed reimbursement for the cost of transporting the houseboat he had used as his dwelling and intended to continue to use as his dwelling after his transfer. The member disputed the Air Force's ruling that a houseboat did not qualify as a mobile dwelling thus precluding his entitlement to transportation expenses. GAO noted that, although previous classifications of mobile dwellings did not include houseboats, a mileage regulation which does not recognize the fact that a houseboat can be moved overland is restrictive. Therefore, based on recent changes in transportation regulations, no useful purpose would be served by preventing the houseboat's being transported overland and the claim for such expenses may be allowed if otherwise proper. Further, GAO suggested that the definition of "mobile home" be clarified to more specifically reflect this interpretation.