Tomterrific wrote:Diane's Rose is a barge and doesn't take to power or open water well. Looking from a hull design standpoint, there is no reserve stability which makes a small barge dangerous in waves. That said, a flat bottom barge has low draft and should make an easy on, easy off shanty boat for small rivers and protected waters. I've always wanted a shanty boat for a summer home.
T
Tt, you are absodadgumlutely correct, and in the process you have identified several of the key elements of a shantyboat and a houseboat!
they are not intended for rough water and are typically underpowered, by most "size to HP" ratio
a houseboat is intended to FLOAT and be towed to different locations
a shantyboat is intended to be a livable space that floats and is usually able to move itself when the mood strikes
both are usually slab sided and seldom have reserve bouancy
both usualy have their human space centered longitudinally which negates the need for flair
both usually will require some amount of work to go from daytime activities to nighttime activities
day couches usually need letting down for sleep...
when you factor in trailering the interior space becomes defined by "legal load width" restrictions imposed by state DOT rules(102" max)
factor in the desire to tow w/ the family vehicle and your length gets limited due to the added weight per foot...
DIANE'S ROSE is a drop dead gorgeous example of fitting a lot of possibilities in a very limited space
her bow was given some shape and her sides are slabs
her interior appointments meet Roy's & Diane's plans/use patterns quite well
her construction is nothing less than AMAZING
folks who subscribe to tnttt.com have expressed an interest in minimalistic travel, otherwise they would be perusing the motorhome/rv websites & forums
MM, the St Johns already has a shantyboat livery w/ one going on two boats for rent if you are interested in finding out about the passion
for shantyboats. check 'em out
sw