A Fresh Perspective on Boating

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Rick from Maine

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C Dory Year
2000
C Dory Model
22 Cruiser
Vessel Name
Hunky Dory
The Jan/Feb issue of Woodenboat magazine features a Shantyboat with supporting articles. Although the Shantyboat doesn’t meet the needs of most C-Dory boaters, it is thought provoking and offers a different perspective on boating. The Shantyboat is unpretentious, but attractive with a utilitarian look. Like the early C-Dorys, the cabin roof sheer matches the hull sheer.

What provokes thought is its intended use as a refuge. It has no propulsion, mechanical or electrical systems. It must be towed or poled to a mooring. The Shantyboat provides an escape to a simpler life style. A related article is a book review of “Shantyboat, A river way of life” by Hubbard, which is purported to be like a rafting Thoreau.

With the fresh perspective from these articles, I suspect that I’ll plan future cruises with more anchored downtime to embrace just being on the water away from it all.

Rick from Maine
 
Rick-

milliehill02.jpg


I was curious, so took a look at the Shantyboat Concept.

Click on any photo to enlarge it, then click on the original article to read about it.

Very Interesting, a real refuge!

Lots of different designs!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
A LOT of different interpretations based on that search from Joe. From floating versions of the "fort" you built when you were a kid to something more livable, like smaller versions of the floating homes in the PNW. I may have a lot of work ahead of me, trying to convince the Blonde to become a "Shanty Boat Girl." :wink: I think the idea of reasonably comfortable shelter, seaworthiness, and sight-seeing platform is what brings many of us to C-Dorys (and certainly not discounting you fishing guys)... shows the versatility of our boats.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
When you think about it, a "shantyboat" is a modest version of a concept that been around for decades. From what I've read, back in the Depression folks would put together a few bucks, build a floathome (a term still common in Southeast AK), proceed to "...live on the river for a few months/years. They were mobile, could catch fish, and often find work ashore here and there. Frankly, I think it's a concept that may re-establish itself if the economy continues on a downtrack.

I think we have a book on shantyboats, but the closest I can find at the moment is: "Homemade Houseboats" 1992, by Russell Conder (ISBN: 0-87742-307-5.

If you think about the variations of habitable boats, the selection is awesome. From European canal boats, to traditional shantyboats, to modest houseboats, it's a very interesting category. Years ago I saw something near Friday Harbor that I think was called a "Kennedy Houseboat." I think it was about 32' in length, and just made me take off on a houseboat fantasy of sorts. Years later I saw one at Myers Chuck, and a couple of Kennedy Houseboats in Juneau over the years. I can even imagine living on one long-term.

Good topic.

Casey
PS: If anyone can steer me toward more information on the Kennedy Houseboat - Thanks!
 
:shock: Interesting visiblity, or lackthereof, from that helm seat.....
 
Some of the boats shown would be perfect for the Erie Canal. With the low dockage rates and free electric you could spend 5 months in NY for a very little bit of money.

A C-dory would do the same thing and you could easly trailer it to Florida for the cooler months. and almost everybody would like a C-dory parked in front of their 5 Million house!

This concept is not new to C-Brats, El and Bill gave us lessons for years about living simply and fully in a small boat.

Merry Christmas to all.
 
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