A vagrant boat dweller who is technically homeless. Usually they exploit maritime laws to avoid paying moorage fees while living on a shitty old boat. See a bunch of douchbags on the willamette river in Portland, OR
Those dirty hoboaters on the east bank esplanade really ruin the public docks in town. Of course I'm kind of jealous they've figured out a rent free existence in Portland without squatting.
by uathedestroya June 11, 2015
Noun. From "Homeless showboat", an overly eager, attention seeking street individual with no discernible place of residence. Often known to play instruments/sing, juggle poorly, and engage in intentionally shocking acts for money and/or attention. While very popular in urban areas by visiting midwestern tourists, often vilified by locals and less ambitious members of the homeless community.
by Kris Miller March 8, 2004
A combination of the words "hobo" and "boat." A hoboat is a (usually) derelict watercraft, appropriated by one or more homeless person(s) for use as a domicile. They are typically not operational, or are barely operational, but still float. Among other locations, they can be found illegally anchored along the Willamette river, in Oregon.
We can't fish there anymore. The hoboats are dumping their sewage in the river, and the fish are sick.
by AnimusQuaestio June 20, 2016