61 replies to this topic

[kidkodine]

Please dont flame - This is just an idea that is floating in my head.

So lets start with something like this-



Now, I know this is not going to be a thing of beauty but it still can be a functional object.

So you have this self propelled barge, you design a system where you can attach the AS without the wheels. Water systems can be tied to below decks tanks if needed.

You could have light steel siding (GB Europa style) fairing into the pilot house to hide the barge carrying an AS look.

I suppose the As would have to have a lot of wax or preventative applied. You could also use an argosy fiberglass trailer.

If the numbers would work on this it would seem to work. This would be used in So-Cal (not going to tell you where but it would have to be launched in Long Beach and travel on its own to the destination.

Wife and I have plans to have a place for 6 months a year. She does not like to go "Down" into boats. (dont be wise asses I know what your thinking) She likes big cats but I want to keep some principal in the bank.

Houseboats are possible but I really don't see anything that I like - Bluewater is possible but last one I was on I nearly overdosed on beige. I suppose depending on the design of the barge, I could coax Maestro to adapt his small house concept..

But seriously...

[Bob Perry]

Kid:
40 years ago I designed a barge that would take what at the time was a standard trunk camper. The door in the back of the camper would go forward onto the barge and open into the pilot house of the barge. It was a great idea, I thought.

I'd work with you. I love being challenged by small spaces.

[kidkodine]

Kid:
40 years ago I designed a barge that would take what at the time was a standard trunk camper. The door in the back of the camper would go forward onto the barge and open into the pilot house of the barge. It was a great idea, I thought.

I'd work with you. I love being challenged by small spaces.

Ohhh, this could be fun...

[Jose Carumba]

Sounds like a variation on the old power scows used in Alaska as general cargo/utility vessels. They were basically barges, sometimes with an attempt at a bow and had a house aft with a large cargo deck forward. Being barges they could float into some fairly shallow areas and were stable as hell. They were slow and pretty crappy in a seaway but worked well in S.E. AK. All in all I think your idea is pretty cool.


Of course with an Airstream on a barge you might end up looking like the Kalakala:

Before:
 KALAKALA-1.jpg   62.33K   55 downloads


After:
 kalakala_005.jpg   90.78K   54 downloads

[Salazar]

Of course with an Airstream on a barge you might end up looking like the Kalakala:

Of course I'd never heard of the Kalakala so I had to Google it. Here's one gem:

http://www.jefflinde...s/kalakala.html

and for your viewing pleasure...

[Kaptainkriz]

 airstream0353s-e1327253589149.jpg   25.79K   23 downloads  55Airstreamshack2.jpg   57.48K   47 downloads  DSCF2261.jpg   92.53K   66 downloads

Make it a campground while you are at it:
http://inhabitat.com/mysterious-floating-campground-pops-up-in-holland/

 floatingcamping2.jpg   59.09K   50 downloads

or go old-school:
 houseboat-hillbilly.jpg   134.75K   35 downloads

This one has a sail mast:
 DSCN0420.jpg   99.11K   26 downloads

[sculpin]

What's it rate???

[FOOKINWAVE]

you would be suprised at how many silverbullets are on the hard in peoples backyards,

[Soñadora]

GA 6294 CF looks just about right!

I think it's a great idea. Having been on the Mississippi for the past 10 years, I will say I have looked on with a bit of envy at the giant houseboats that slowly motored by on their way south for the winter.

[A_guy_in_the_Chesapeake]

http://forums.sailinganarchy.com/index.php?showtopic=133127#

That one actually looks practical for Kodine's purposes.

[bljones]

Airstreams are relatively light, and not that big. Since you are taking the wheels off anyway (the redneck equivalent of burning the mortgage- "we ain't movin' now, honey- them wheels is gone!") bolt it to a pontoon boat, add a vintage outboard or two, polish the living hell out of the skin and the 'toons, and paint some nose art on her, and call it the Sea Dymaxion.

[Figment]

Oh, I dig this!

Put the barge pilothouse at the bow, let it take the beating/spray instead of the airstream.

Why a self-propelled barge? You're going to want a RIB or some kind of skiff as a tender anyway, just rig a way to use it as a yawl boat.

[Tucky]

A boatyard in Maine rents something like this-

http://www.homeaway....-rental/p393639

 CharlesAndre.jpeg   50.66K   17 downloads

[Beau.Vrolyk]

Please dont flame - This is just an idea that is floating in my head.

So lets start with something like this-



Now, I know this is not going to be a thing of beauty but it still can be a functional object.

So you have this self propelled barge, you design a system where you can attach the AS without the wheels. Water systems can be tied to below decks tanks if needed.

You could have light steel siding (GB Europa style) fairing into the pilot house to hide the barge carrying an AS look.

I suppose the As would have to have a lot of wax or preventative applied. You could also use an argosy fiberglass trailer.

If the numbers would work on this it would seem to work. This would be used in So-Cal (not going to tell you where but it would have to be launched in Long Beach and travel on its own to the destination.

Wife and I have plans to have a place for 6 months a year. She does not like to go "Down" into boats. (dont be wise asses I know what your thinking) She likes big cats but I want to keep some principal in the bank.

Houseboats are possible but I really don't see anything that I like - Bluewater is possible but last one I was on I nearly overdosed on beige. I suppose depending on the design of the barge, I could coax Maestro to adapt his small house concept..

But seriously...

I think this is a GREAT idea.

Now, I'd suggest a few things to think about.

1) Why have the barge be motorized. Why not use this as the ULTIMATE excuse to own a tug boat (pusher or puller - your choice). The advantage of a barge with separate Tug Boat is that you could anchor the barge and go get beer in the Tug. Depending upon the size of the barge, you could have a really small Tug (see CA thread on Mini-Tugs [url="http://forums.sailinganarchy.com/index.php?showtopic=124543&st=0&p=3342185&hl="mini%20tug"&fromsearch=1&#entry3342185"]here[/url].)

2) The barge could be used for a lot of other stuff when the trailer wasn't aboard. Same for the Tug and the Trailer.

3) Make the barge big enough that it can have a "back yard" for BBQ, a little lawn, lawn chairs, etc.... Palm trees would be GREAT!!

4) Potentially make the barge big enough to have davits to hold whatever sort of sailing craft you like. (For this reason I'd propose a Puller Tug with a barge big enough for the trailer, lawn, BBQ and a Moore-24 in davits on the stern.

Just a few ideas to ponder. Again, I think this is a TREMENDOUSLY good idea!!

BV

[Bob Perry]

Putting green?

[narecet]

I think this is a GREAT idea.

Now, I'd suggest a few things to think about.

1) Why have the barge be motorized. Why not use this as the ULTIMATE excuse to own a tug boat (pusher or puller - your choice). The advantage of a barge with separate Tug Boat is that you could anchor the barge and go get beer in the Tug. Depending upon the size of the barge, you could have a really small Tug (see CA thread on Mini-Tugs [url="http://forums.sailinganarchy.com/index.php?showtopic=124543&st=0&p=3342185&hl="mini%20tug"&fromsearch=1&#entry3342185"]here[/url].)

2) The barge could be used for a lot of other stuff when the trailer wasn't aboard. Same for the Tug and the Trailer.

3) Make the barge big enough that it can have a "back yard" for BBQ, a little lawn, lawn chairs, etc.... Palm trees would be GREAT!!

4) Potentially make the barge big enough to have davits to hold whatever sort of sailing craft you like. (For this reason I'd propose a Puller Tug with a barge big enough for the trailer, lawn, BBQ and a Moore-24 in davits on the stern.

Just a few ideas to ponder. Again, I think this is a TREMENDOUSLY good idea!!

Well, for me no on the lawn and especially the palm trees. And no Airstream trailer.

As to the rest of it, I wonder if I am momentarily insane, because I'm at the moment finding a lot to be said for this barge / tugboat idea.

[kimbottles]

Please dont flame - This is just an idea that is floating in my head.

So lets start with something like this-



Now, I know this is not going to be a thing of beauty but it still can be a functional object.

So you have this self propelled barge, you design a system where you can attach the AS without the wheels. Water systems can be tied to below decks tanks if needed.

You could have light steel siding (GB Europa style) fairing into the pilot house to hide the barge carrying an AS look.

I suppose the As would have to have a lot of wax or preventative applied. You could also use an argosy fiberglass trailer.

If the numbers would work on this it would seem to work. This would be used in So-Cal (not going to tell you where but it would have to be launched in Long Beach and travel on its own to the destination.

Wife and I have plans to have a place for 6 months a year. She does not like to go "Down" into boats. (dont be wise asses I know what your thinking) She likes big cats but I want to keep some principal in the bank.

Houseboats are possible but I really don't see anything that I like - Bluewater is possible but last one I was on I nearly overdosed on beige. I suppose depending on the design of the barge, I could coax Maestro to adapt his small house concept..

But seriously...

Nothing to flame here, it is a great idea with multiple possibilities.

[narecet]

As to the rest of it, I wonder if I am momentarily insane, because I'm at the moment finding a lot to be said for this barge / tugboat idea.

One difficulty with it, unless money is no real issue, a mini-tug would be insufficient for the barge in any significant current or possibly even in much breeze.

I suppose that could be okay if intending to stay in pretty much the same place as a rule, or accepting being limited to moving it only during ideal conditions.

A miracle is not going to occur (and no one said it was): for whatever intended speed, the displacement, beam, and windage of the barge will require corresponding hp and prop size. I'm guessing, but don't know, that that might require more of a tugboat than I think of from mini-tug.

[Tucky]

Please dont flame - This is just an idea that is floating in my head.

But seriously...

No flames from here- Shelby Lynne wrote a great song about 'em.

[PNW Matt B]

Putting green?

Around an Airstream? Only if there's a windmill.

[kidkodine]

Shoot, I did not expect to see so many (non flaming) comments. Two things going on here and now in my head - the barge can be built with a reasonable budger (or buy a used one), The airstream is an attempt to reduce costs.(50') Now, Im not so sure. I was thinking originally that the cost to convert the barge to quarters of the same finish of the AS would be more. IM not so sure now. You could pick up a spud barge or a LST in the one and a quarter range. How much more would it cost to weld together the "house" to the hull, Install systems and so on? A 2007 30'AS is arounf 50k, then factor in the fabbing of the mounting systems and misc.

The pushboat is a great idea. I have thought about it. I really like the way Bludworth marine has a intergrated concept where the boat is part of the barge. They have some sort of pivot system. Most of what I have seen have been really big units. Could this be scaled down to 50'feet? ( after reading the above comment I think that might be the case - unless the weather was perfect) Another concern is how will a marina treat a system like this? Will it count as two vessles even it it clears the slip?
Ironic that if I did pull this off I probably could have bought a decent 45 Deferver or the Robinwood design...



Interesting integrated examples


This was a barge that was flipped during Ike - interesting aft sections - appears to have two skegs

[jimbojones]

This was a barge that was flipped during Ike - interesting aft sections - appears to have two skegs

Is there some sort of flap on those skegs for trim or is that just a line hanging down that I see?

[Jose Carumba]

Shoot, I did not expect to see so many (non flaming) comments. Two things going on here and now in my head - the barge can be built with a reasonable budger (or buy a used one), The airstream is an attempt to reduce costs.(50') Now, Im not so sure. I was thinking originally that the cost to convert the barge to quarters of the same finish of the AS would be more. IM not so sure now. You could pick up a spud barge or a LST in the one and a quarter range. How much more would it cost to weld together the "house" to the hull, Install systems and so on? A 2007 30'AS is arounf 50k, then factor in the fabbing of the mounting systems and misc.

The pushboat is a great idea. I have thought about it. I really like the way Bludworth marine has a intergrated concept where the boat is part of the barge. They have some sort of pivot system. Most of what I have seen have been really big units. Could this be scaled down to 50'feet? ( after reading the above comment I think that might be the case - unless the weather was perfect) Another concern is how will a marina treat a system like this? Will it count as two vessles even it it clears the slip?
Ironic that if I did pull this off I probably could have bought a decent 45 Deferver or the Robinwood design...



Interesting integrated examples


This was a barge that was flipped during Ike - interesting aft sections - appears to have two skegs

If you want a pusher arrangement you really wouldn't need to go the full ARTUBAR (ARticulated TUg & BArge) route as shown in the <Edit lower> photo's. They are designed for coastwise ocean transport. Just a small tug with pusher knees (nerf bars) welded on would do since you will be in protected waters most of the time (you will won't you?). Think river tugs.

Those skegs are fixed and just provide a spot for the tug to nest into. Large hydraulically operated <Edit fins> pins lock the tug to the barge so they move in unison.

[Foolish]

Air Streams are fairly expensive. Remember that they are built to take a beating on the road. This is far more than the beating it would take anchored on your barge. I think it would be a lot cheaper to buy a small mobile home and put it on your barge. Any Airstream in good shape is going to cost a bundle.

As for a motor, I agree that you would be better off to just use a tow boat. If you are staying in place most of the time, it seems like a lot of expense and maintenance to have the barge motorized when you'd only use it once a year. You could even hire a small tug if you ever need to move it.

[Soñadora]

Air Streams are fairly expensive. Remember that they are built to take a beating on the road. This is far more than the beating it would take anchored on your barge. I think it would be a lot cheaper to buy a small mobile home and put it on your barge. Any Airstream in good shape is going to cost a bundle.

As for a motor, I agree that you would be better off to just use a tow boat. If you are staying in place most of the time, it seems like a lot of expense and maintenance to have the barge motorized when you'd only use it once a year. You could even hire a small tug if you ever need to move it.

I was at lunch today and saw one of those mini construction site mobile home things go by. I was thinking the same thing.

But hold up a minute, we're not only about practicality here. I mean c'mon, this is CA. We're just as much about style. And I'm really digging that Airstream posted earlier on the tri-pontoon.

[Mung Breath]

A boatyard in Maine rents something like this-

http://www.homeaway....-rental/p393639

 CharlesAndre.jpeg   50.66K   17 downloads

I applauded this concept when I first heard of it. . Back in the 90's I lived on Smith Mountain Lake in central VA and gave thought to building something like this in post & beam as a floating office I could tow and re-locate every few days for a change of pace. The tug-style pusher concept would be better if the barge needs permanent power with a tender. Conventional houseboats are just too insipid.

[DAK]

Or on a smaller scale.
http://cdn.uberrevie...s/dockitjet.jpg

[Jose Carumba]

Some small pushers:

 Small pusher tugs.jpg   75.86K   14 downloads

[Soñadora]

Some small pushers:

 Small pusher tugs.jpg   75.86K   14 downloads

those are cool Jose

y'know, you could really take this towboat thing to a pretty awesome level. Think about the different types of camper trailers out there. Now just transfer that to the water. Get a small cruiser and tow the 'camper' behind it. How about a pop-up camper barge?

[zedboy]

[...] taking the wheels off anyway (the redneck equivalent of burning the mortgage- "we ain't movin' now, honey- them wheels is gone!")

ROFL

I think the Canuckian equivalent is the trailers I see people drag out to the channel islands between Georgina Island and the south shore of Lake Simcoe - they must park them there in the winter for a super-cheap private island cottage...

"We ain't movin' now honey - the ice is gone!"

[Windward]

Saw a camper on a barge in Richardson Bay SF tip off and sink in a storm.

Anchor that airstream down well... there are a lot of forces in action.

[Solen]

Great Idea! Walk around space is totally inadequate on commercially available boats.

Twin motors are pretty much necessary unless you are overpowered, but in this case you have room to go Diesel Electric with inexpensive parts - cool.

Keep in mind that river barges sail wet - that is the slab siding invites water on board. The commercial barges on the Mississippi have a 3'-4' lip above deck to keep the wet stuff out of the hold.

Can we come?

Attached Files

•  mississippi-river-barge.jpg   39.28K   10 downloads

[Paps]

If we are talking barges, Dutch is the way to go!


 thomas.html_PHOTO1.jpg   37.25K   11 downloads

And they come in kit form!

Barge kits

[narecet]

Paps, you're going to get me in a mess. Or a good thing, I don't know which.

My wife had already, in casual conversation, been agreeable to the idea of having to paddle or row ashore on a routine basis. Not that I have the money for this now -- I don't -- but realistically this could be less or no more money than a house.

[Paps]

Seriously though, I think the Airstream idea is a good one. Great shape and saves a shitload of work building an interior. The secret would be finding the right platform to make it look "right".

They are not expensive, especially if the under carriage is shot.

Airstream

[Great Red Shark]

And the idea has the potential to make Bolgers look GOOD !

[Beau.Vrolyk]

I was on a long run - thinking about this.

1) We could build the "quarters" out of used containers. They are astoundingly strong and inexpensive. Waterproof and easy to modify for anyone who is good with a torch.

2) We could build the "barge" out of poured concrete. Again, cheap and tough. Most importantly, it is actually a reasonable insulator if it's thick enough. We could easily "mold" the concrete "barge" hull by digging a hole and spraying what is effectively a swimming pool into the hole. With a tractor we could drag the "barge" out of the hole and down to the water. Same tractor we use to dig the hole. We can make the "sides" and "bottom" smooth with plywood sheets inside the hold. Steel re-bar in the hole for reinforcement and trowel the inside surface smooth. The "deck" could be built from steel beams and plate tied into the re-bar in the "hull", then just weld the containers to the deck so they don't go anywhere.

3) The interior of the "hull" could be used for
- holding tanks
- water tanks
- whatever tanks
Tankage could be 55 gal drums, because they are CHEAP!

4) Post above about a pusher tug with a big old branden bumper on it is great - no need for nesting etc... If the front of the tug is flat and ass of the barge is flat, then all we need are some cables to a good winch to insure the tug and barge are well mated.

5) Here's an example of this sort of construction, but used to build a restaurant - Forbes Island in SF Bay



I'm getting excited about this - it could be VERY COOL. BTW, we'll need a water slide and diving board.

BV

[narecet]

The return of ferrocement, this time as a force for good? Could it be?

[Beau.Vrolyk]

Figuring digging a hole and pouring cement might be a bit much, I had a look and found this in Chicago.... there are a lot of others around. Probably less expensive than building a ferro cement coffin. 15' X 34' for $20k USD.

[narecet]

That seems to be about the going rate for about that size, or even a good deal (on brief Internet shopping.)


A much bigger one, 90 x 30 feet with 8 foot draft (!), is going for $135K:




Or, narrower than what you found, 40 x 11 feet with 4 foot draft, $24.5K:




So used barges are not actually cheap.

[Soñadora]

If we are talking barges, Dutch is the way to go!


 thomas.html_PHOTO1.jpg   37.25K   11 downloads

And they come in kit form!

Barge kits

That boat was the inspiration for this:





http://www.amazonboatcompany.com/

[rattus32]

Re: Amazon Boat

OK - so they turned my grandmother's FL condo into a questionably seaworthy floating version (the amazon boat version, I mean) at 10x the cost.

In that case, wouldn't a Diesel Duck or Nordhavn type be a better idea?

Love the idea of the Airstream platform. Probably has better aerodynamics than most trawlers. 2 long, slim catamaran hulls optimized for the design speed could be mighty efficient, reduce shore-damaging wake and be close to an ultimate ICW cruiser. Time to put Leo Lazauskas' Godzilla hull optimization program to work!

Mike

[Soñadora]

1332559422[/url]' post='3641517']
Re: Amazon Boat

OK - so they turned my grandmother's FL condo into a questionably seaworthy floating version (the amazon boat version, I mean) at 10x the cost.

In that case, wouldn't a Diesel Duck or Nordhavn type be a better idea?

Love the idea of the Airstream platform. Probably has better aerodynamics than most trawlers. 2 long, slim catamaran hulls optimized for the design speed could be mighty efficient, reduce shore-damaging wake and be close to an ultimate ICW cruiser. Time to put Leo Lazauskas' Godzilla hull optimization program to work!

Mike

Dude was obsessed with the project. Who am I to criticize another man's passion?

[Paps]

Paps, you're going to get me in a mess. Or a good thing, I don't know which.

My wife had already, in casual conversation, been agreeable to the idea of having to paddle or row ashore on a routine basis. Not that I have the money for this now -- I don't -- but realistically this could be less or no more money than a house.

I do my best.

[Soñadora]

1332549100[/url]' post='3641342']
I was on a long run - thinking about this.

1) We could build the "quarters" out of used containers. They are astoundingly strong and inexpensive. Waterproof and easy to modify for anyone who is good with a torch.

2) We could build the "barge" out of poured concrete. Again, cheap and tough. Most importantly, it is actually a reasonable insulator if it's thick enough. We could easily "mold" the concrete "barge" hull by digging a hole and spraying what is effectively a swimming pool into the hole. With a tractor we could drag the "barge" out of the hole and down to the water. Same tractor we use to dig the hole. We can make the "sides" and "bottom" smooth with plywood sheets inside the hold. Steel re-bar in the hole for reinforcement and trowel the inside surface smooth. The "deck" could be built from steel beams and plate tied into the re-bar in the "hull", then just weld the containers to the deck so they don't go anywhere.

3) The interior of the "hull" could be used for
- holding tanks
- water tanks
- whatever tanks
Tankage could be 55 gal drums, because they are CHEAP!

4) Post above about a pusher tug with a big old branden bumper on it is great - no need for nesting etc... If the front of the tug is flat and ass of the barge is flat, then all we need are some cables to a good winch to insure the tug and barge are well mated.

5) Here's an example of this sort of construction, but used to build a restaurant - Forbes Island in SF Bay



I'm getting excited about this - it could be VERY COOL. BTW, we'll need a water slide and diving board.

BV

Damn BV. Must have been a long run without any hills.

[Beau.Vrolyk]

Sons,

Santa Cruz mtns in the nice weather prior to a big breeze/rain that blew in today just in time for sailing boat racing. I love running in the redwoods and love racing in the rain. Sadly, both seem to be viewed as self-abuse by my friends so I do 'em alone and think 'bout boats.

BV

[Ishmael]

There are lots of wonderful ideas in this thread over in SA...http://forums.sailin...opic=28121&st=0



Like a double-decker!



Imagine what you could do with a Margarita Deck.

[Ishmael]

Of course, you have to be aware of the weather...

 beached.jpg   460.04K   29 downloads

48 knots gusting 60 can really play havoc with your plans.

[Kenny Dumas]

Been living on this aluminum hull houseboat for 5 years now and can confirm you're thinking right. Tankage is key: 1000 gal fresh water, 600 gallon holding tank, 600 gal fuel, good for ~8 weeks on the hook. 40,000 lbs dry, twin IO 6 banger Merc Bravo drives cruise at 8 knots a little better than 1 knt/gal. Lots of big-ass anchors and ground tackle. Shore boats are key: The hydrobikes are great (no bailing rainwater) and the Sol Cat doubles as a shore-barge for large loads and large women, which the GF is not. She loves the lifestyle but start with the lifestyle and then add women, not the other way around.

Attached Files

•  Plum-Krazy-Beach.jpg   63.52K   39 downloads

[kidkodine]

" She loves the lifestyle but start with the lifestyle and then add women, not the other way around. " That is just fucking great!!

I am kind of in a funk now after reading about MSG turn of events - Lost my focus so to speak.

Im pretty serious about this - I really have been thinking about it for years. Although I have mentioned SOCAL as the location, there is a possibility that the PNW (Close to Bob) is a distinct possibility.

Navigability is one of the key issues. IM a little stressed about using a pusher tug. I have seen lots of disasters in the ICW. Although I not really going to have something that big. I dont think the end result would be able to get around Pt. Conception. South of SB, maybe so if you pick your weather window. The Delta cold work but you are only going to get there by truck first.

All this could change though. Yesterday we checked out a power cat, She actually liked it. (I was shocked as I really have no intentions of getting one - it was only to test the claustrophobia) I think I can pull the project off for the cost of a Power Lagoon.

IM now trying to visualize a superstructure on that barge that can be sweetened up where it resembles a GB Europa...right

Sons, the dutch style ship is insanely beautiful.

[Amati]

Please dont flame - This is just an idea that is floating in my head.

So lets start with something like this-



Now, I know this is not going to be a thing of beauty but it still can be a functional object.

So you have this self propelled barge, you design a system where you can attach the AS without the wheels. Water systems can be tied to below decks tanks if needed.

You could have light steel siding (GB Europa style) fairing into the pilot house to hide the barge carrying an AS look.

I suppose the As would have to have a lot of wax or preventative applied. You could also use an argosy fiberglass trailer.

If the numbers would work on this it would seem to work. This would be used in So-Cal (not going to tell you where but it would have to be launched in Long Beach and travel on its own to the destination.

Wife and I have plans to have a place for 6 months a year. She does not like to go "Down" into boats. (dont be wise asses I know what your thinking) She likes big cats but I want to keep some principal in the bank.

Houseboats are possible but I really don't see anything that I like - Bluewater is possible but last one I was on I nearly overdosed on beige. I suppose depending on the design of the barge, I could coax Maestro to adapt his small house concept..

But seriously...

Make the pilothouse way higher, with exposed tubing! There is one running around Puget Sound on (with) a medium sized barge, with the house about 15-20 (?) feet above the water. I don't even know what to call it, but that would be fun to tool around on. Imagine the view!

Cannot find a pic. Don't even know what to call it.

Kind of like motoring around on top of a mast.

Paul

[Soñadora]

Paul,

anything like this?:


The pilot house is actually on a telescope and can raise up high to help the pilot see better.

Also, there was an issue of ProBoat that covered a designer/builder from the 50s (Raymond C. Hunt... 'invented' deep vee hulls, I think) and he had built a runabout with a tuna tower sort of helm.

[Solen]

You are not alone: http://1426.blogspot...n-seastead.html

[us7070]

I kind of like the Amazon Boat.

[Timo42]

 barge.jpg   48.64K   8 downloads

How about something like this?

[Beau.Vrolyk]

Timo,

I'm likin' that one!!

BV

[Amati]

Paul,

anything like this?:


The pilot house is actually on a telescope and can raise up high to help the pilot see better.

Also, there was an issue of ProBoat that covered a designer/builder from the 50s (Raymond C. Hunt... 'invented' deep vee hulls, I think) and he had built a runabout with a tuna tower sort of helm.

It was kind of like that, but nothing but a framework holding up the pod and then the hull underneath it. I think it was black (the hull and framework), red, with a white stripe.

Never have seen it again.

Paul

[kidkodine]

The idea still persists. Now, I find something like this. Taken on the St. Johns river. 170 feet



They even have a web site - Some sort of communal thing it sounds like...

clicky

[sailman]

You could go this route:

[Soñadora]

You could go this route:

call me kooky, but I love that thing!

[PNW Matt B]

call me kooky, but I love that thing!

You're kooky!

More photos... And someone please, find me the web designer who created this site, and then provide an alibi.

[Amati]

It's elegant, in a quirky way. They managed to capture what I imagine was the idea of flying boat luxury. The way light is used with the chairs is just right.

Genius.