"DIANNE'S ROSE"

My wife has made it clear she does not care for my "beach cruising" sailboat, "Whisper". To her credit she and our son have joined me on many outings and as long as I keep the "tippy" boat under control all ends well. I've had dreams of expanding my sailing horizons and designed several sailboats (started building one) but not including my wife was not an option for me, so little came of these designs. One day she commented that "if we had a more comfortable boat I'd go out more often". It got me thinking. The result is a "Mini" houseboat that is fairly easy to build from materials largely available at local lumberyards, which doesn't look too much like a box.

The philosophy of this boat comes by keeping my wife's wish to be comfortable in balance with my need for a boat that can explore the wilds in the simple way that Whisper has done. I very much enjoyed beach cruising and would miss it! The new boat is affordable to build, operate, and own! My wife, if you haven't guessed is named Dianne. For her I decided to build a stable hull, not "tippy". A private head was a must and a way to shower after a hot day would ensure more overnight outings. This is accomplished by placing a bin in the isle between the head and kitchenette, add a warm jug of water on a shelf above with a shower head, and a shower curtain, and Dianne now has a full sized bathroom, camp style of course. She pointed out that while sailing, one's movements were dictated and options to sit were limited.

With an "isle, 28" wide, running the length and exiting to front and rear decks Dianne can now travel the length of the boat.

With an "isle, 28" wide, running the length and exiting to front and rear decks she can now travel the length of the boat. Two, 62" wide, couches facing each other, are great for sitting. With stadium chairs set on the ends we even have Captain's chairs (two, as I am not fully in charge!). Beds are arranged in several ways; 1) two can sleep on the couches as you would at home, 2) place fillers between the couches and the cushions will drop to create a queen sized bed, 62" X 82", 3) two more can place sleeping bags in the 14' isle, 4) I also plan to tent in the front deck creating sleeping for two like a pop out camper does, and 5) I've seen bunks made from army stretchers that could be hung inside if someone wants a hunt camp on the water. We will sleep no more than four and add a tent on shore if we have more.

In a small space, areas need to do double duty. Here's a messy picture of what will be the kitchenette.

In a small space, areas need to do double duty. Here's a messy picture of what will be the kitchenette. As I mentioned before it will also serve as part of the bathroom. Featuring a small sink (not yet in place) and a camp stove on the 36" X 38" counter. A cooler will sit on the floor under the rear deck (12 volt with solar panel?). This arrangement is simple but flexible as one can also cook on deck or on shore. Removable water jugs under the counter with air pressure from a foot pump is our simple plumbing, the water then draining into another jug and later emptied where appropriate. I mentioned "filler boards to make up a bed", these are actually a folding dinning/card table and two folding benches. They expand the seating area when friends come by and let Dianne and I move on deck or shore to dine. The benches are the steps into the boat, while the table folds away and is a storage shelf under the front deck. This is how I plan to be comfortable and do all that's needed in a small House/Camp/Shanty Boat.

Construction is kept simple by using "frame" and "stitch and glue" where they are most advantageous.

Construction is kept simple by using "frame" and "stitch and glue" where they are most advantageous. Most of the boat is built on two benches in long flat panels. These panels either lock together "egg carton" style or are glued and screwed with epoxy and deck screws. The curved ply for the bow is easily bent into place.

The curved roof framing gives the boat it's look, reduces the effect of wind and put the interior height where it's needed, the middle.

The curved roof framing gives the boat it's look, reduces the effect of wind and put the interior height where it's needed, the middle. Templates make cutting the curves simple! Reclaimed wood can make this build affordable! This Tongue and Groove was recycled.

"WHISPER" our beach cruising sailboat and her influence.

"WHISPER"

For my sons entire life (he's now 16) we've been exploring Georgian Bay, Ont., Can., and the many lakes in the region. My pleasure has come in part from sneaking over a shallow bar to access areas like this, secluded and wild! We are also able to pull up to a beach and step off without getting our feet wet. I wanted the new "camp" boat to do the same. Shallow draft, 6", ensures this. Also we've enjoyed cruising long distances using very little fuel. The "house" boat can handle a large motor but a 9.8 hp will encourage our exploring without the worry of a prohibitive fuel bill. I was able to trailer the sailboat to new exciting areas and the "shanty" boat will do the same. At 17' X 8' it is legal on all roads and a loaded weight around 1600 lbs will be comfortably managed. I wanted a cabin in the woods but the expense of land and the time needed for maintenance discouraged me. This "cabin" on the water makes a cozy cove home for as long as we choose, our land is a step off the bow and then left to others to enjoy when we depart. While travelling the road it can double as a "camper" at a camp ground or shopping centre.

"WHISPER"

I am a Cabinet Maker by trade designing furniture and kitchens from my back yard shop. Many have been published in magazines, one made it into ACHITECTURAL DIGEST! It's a great career but I'm easily bored and have dabbled in wooden boats as a hobby to ease this boredom. This is not my first design, Whisper was a redesign of a 1955 Olympic Star Class racer. I picked it up from a farmers field for $500. I also designed and built a 4' X 8' dingy as I had read it is wise to build small first and see if it suits you. It did.

I have taken many photos of the construction and been keeping a journal and will be drafting plans of "DIANNE'S ROSE". She should be finished this summer and I hope to offer full plans then as well as a construction manual. If reviews are good, other designs I've sketched (mostly small sailboats with small cabins) might come to be.

She should be finished this summer and I hope to offer full plans then as well as a construction manual.

"Study Plans" are now available at [email protected] They include;

• an 8 X 10 color cover photo;
• large draft of front, rear, side, and plan views;
• 12 pages and 36 photos giving an over view of construction;
• a 6 page article submitted to one of my favourite magazines (cant tell, don't want to jinks it) who have given positive feedback so I'm hopping they print it.

To date several have sold from as far as Australia, Missouri, Canada, etc. So I am pleased and most important Dianne really likes it!!! I also have four YouTube videos see "Houseboat by Roy Schreyer" and check out the others listed under my name. Don't laugh too loud if you view the one with me on my electric bike with an umbrella. I told you all I get bored!