A Fresh Perspective on Boating

R

Rick from Maine

New member
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-

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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!
 
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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