40 foot Shantyboat / Houseboat

by Harry
(Adelaide)


Update May 2014

June 2014

August 2014

September 2014

October 2014

December 2014

Comments

Progress in 2015

Progress in 2016


My Boat; building a 40 foot shanty boat / houseboat. 6 ton + to cruise the Murray River in South Australia.

I have the floats (plywood pontoons) built, and currently working on setting them up level and plumb, to fit deck beams and floor.

We are located about six miles from Mannum, in South Australia.

mannum

The town is regarded as a center for holiday houseboats.

There are approx.300 holiday hire boats based here, and a small support base for the design, building and maintenance of these craft.

The vast majority of these boats are outboard powered steel (or more recently alloy) pontoon boats.

My build is plywood on frame, so it`s not all that common, but there are a few smaller private boats built similarly.

The design of this boat is a result of some consultation with some local builders and owners of similar craft that have given good service in the past.

Now normally would always seek out a good suitable stock plan before starting a build , particularly of this size but after looking a long time , even on the internet , there appeared to be preciously little on offer.

The closest I found was an aging design by Glen L (US) called the “Mark Twain”.



This design came close to requirements, but the layout and payload (displacement) was a little less than I was looking for.

The other boat of interest was the Botel 40



This design is by someone calling themselves Key West Boat Works, but after several emails and attempts to contact them to order plans I have yet to even get a reply.

I have since moved on.

So, it seems a long winded answer but I thought I would explain how this design came about.



Much more construction detail below.




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Progress update posted on May 24, 2014




Progress update posted June 2014



Update August 2014




Update September 2014






Update October 2014




Update December 2014

Cabin lining and insulation is almost completed.

I am also making the ceiling panels , lining board bonded to 3 inch ( 75 mm ) foam.



Comments for 40 foot Shantyboat / Houseboat

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Jan 03, 2018
 Pontoon framing
by: Harry

Hi again , I thought I had better correct a mistake in my last post re : pontoon framing :

Bulkheads are at 1200 mm ( 4 ft ) centres , not 900 mm as stated.
Deck beams are therefore spaced at 2ft centres .

Sorry for the mistake , memory is fading ...:)
Jan 03, 2018
 Pontoons
by: Harry

Hi everyone.

Mike , I could no longer log in , the site does not recognize my email address.

Life on the river is good.
I`m not online much anymore these days .

As for people wanting to know about the pontoons :

All framing is seasoned Australian hardwood.The frames are (2) laminations of 90 x 19 mm ( 4 x 3/4 inch ) epoxy glued together to finish at 4 x 1 1/2 inches.
All stringers are (2) laminations 45 x 19 mm ( 2 x 3/4 inch ). to finish at 2 x 1 1/2 inches.
Keel strip is 90 x 45 .. ( approx 4 x 2 inch ) old seasoned Australian Jarrah hardwood.

The bulkheads are 900 mm ( just under 36 inches ) wide , and 1000 mm ( 39 + inches ) high.

They are spaced at 900 ( 36 inch ) centres.
Plywood is 9 mm premium marine grade Meranti. Hulls are Epoxy / glass sheathed outside.

Deck beams are 150 x 50 mm ( 6x2 inches ) at 450 mm ( 18 inch ) centres.)

The pontoons are not built to any plans as I could not find any suitable at the time.They are plenty strong.

Hope this is helpful .Good luck
Jan 03, 2018
 Frame sizes of ponttond
by: Dave

Hi, I’ve had the same delemma.

A plan to suit our needs is not available.

What size framing in the hull do you have.

Would love to know as I’m starting to build in the next few weeks.

Your looks a nice, well thought out design.

Cheers davo
Oct 09, 2017
 pontoons
by: Anonymous

How wide---how high, are the pontoons?

I AM TRYING TO BUILD THESE.

A specification sheet would be so helpful..

There are 3 of us building separate boats here in Florida.
Thanks, Bill...
Mar 28, 2017
 Hi Which plan use to built it your pantoons ?
by: Anonymous

Hi Which plan use to built it your pantoons ?
Nov 03, 2016
 cost
by: michael


What did it cost in materials and furnishings?

mjmaher3@g.com
Feb 28, 2016
 Constructing the engine mount.
by: Harry

The engine mount for the outboard motor has been completed.
Sep 18, 2015
 Bolting up the steel channel and more shantyboat plumbing.
by: Harry

Work on the holding tanks for the shantyboat continues....
Sep 04, 2015
 Working on the Tank Straps.
by: Harry

The straps to suspend the waste water tanks for the Shantyboat are now complete.

As this is a fresh water boat , and I could not get galv. flat bar without a lengthy wait,
I used 2x 1/8 Inch ( 50 x 3.5 mm ) mild steel.

The 1/8 inch thick flat bar was easy to cold form around a simple wooden former , and any minor kinks were lightly tapped out using a ball - pein hammer.

Three coats of Kill Rust primer and two top coats of oil based gloss paint complete the finish.
Aug 30, 2015
 Waste Water tanks
by: Anonymous

Work continues on the waste water tanks.

Capacity is 1100 litres ( 290 US Gallons )
Aug 29, 2015
 Two month break is over , now it`s onto Waste water tanks.
by: Harry

I had a two month break, lots of frost and ice this year, too cold to work outside.

things are warming up (slowly), so its onto waste water tanks ..........
Jun 12, 2015
 Last of the interior shelving
by: Harry

This is the last of the interior shelving to be fitted to the cabin space.

It's supposed to somewhat resemble the look of the old style luggage racks that was often seen on trains and tram cars in years gone by.
Jun 02, 2015
 Some progress
by: Harry

Its cold here, painting out the rear cabin of the shantyboat is slow work.

See
update May 2015
May 25, 2015
 Shantyboat progress , rear cabin.
by: Harry

Hello Mike , and all following.

Progress is slow , but I have managed to do some work fitting out the rear cabin space.

Another bed base is assembled and painted , and has been fitted in place.

Shelving to house some audio visual equipment has been made , and some wall cladding fitted ...

Two small glazed cabinets are being assembled ready to fit in place.

See
update May 2015
Apr 30, 2015
 Small shantyboat items.
by: Harry

The bedside drawer is completed , ready to install.

Update April 2015
Apr 27, 2015
 Small items for the Shantyboat
by: Harry

Making the numerous small items for the Shantyboat takes up quite some time.
Apr 22, 2015
 Colder weather is coming....
by: Harry

Hi Mike ,

Those little drawers are more work than the bigger items , and as the weather is getting colder here and we head into winter , things are slowing down again.

Glue and paint is taking longer to dry ....still , what can you do ...just keep going the best you can I guess .

Thank you for stopping by , I appreciate the comments.
Apr 22, 2015
 Lockers
by: Mike

Wow, love those lockers Harry.
Mar 31, 2015
 Looking Great
by: Propeller Depot

Checking in to see how you are doing on the project. Looking good!

http://www.propellerdepot.com/
Mar 31, 2015
 The Shantyboat is getting beds ....
by: Harry

I have started framing in the built in beds.

These are pictures of the bed base / mattress support for the forward cabin.
Mar 22, 2015
 Bathroom door is hung on its hinges.
by: Harry

The Shantyboat bathroom door is hung on its hinges.
Mar 16, 2015
 Bored?
by: Mike

Not in the least bored Harry, you are doing such a superb job
Mar 16, 2015
 Hi Mike.
by: Harry

Hi Mike.

Thank you for the comment.

Thought you would be bored with this build by n0w LOL.
Mar 16, 2015
 John Guest plumbing : So simple it`s ridiculous.
by: Harry

The Shantyboat is getting plumbing.

These John Guest push on fittings make connecting the plumbing a snap.Lighter, faster, and cheaper than copper.
Mar 09, 2015
 Cleanliness is next to Godliness
by: Mike

If "cleanliness is next to godliness" then washing in your bathroom must be next to being in heaven.
Feb 18, 2015
 Stern construction
by: Hans Karbe

Hello,

very good project! I learned a lot for my next project.

My houseboat "Brixholm" has a similar stern.

My experience is, that a flat stern at a boat that is no glider reduces speed and take a lot of fuel.

It is better to have a conical stern.

I construct 2 pieces and will put it on my stern in spring.

You can see my houseboat in "youtube" and my name.

Photos of the conical stern I have, but I can´t send it on this place.
Feb 07, 2015
 Thank you
by: Harry

Thank you for the kind words wilddingo.

Happy to see you enjoying the posts of my humble build.

While I have tried to take some care ,I can assure you that I am certainly not professional boat builder.
Feb 07, 2015
 Fantastic!
by: wilddingo45

You are clearly no amateur.

The care and skill of this build shows in every detail.

Thanks for sharing it all.
Feb 06, 2015
 Foam flotation.
by: Harry

Hi again Darryl,

Regarding foam flotation :

On hulls this large I would not do it.

Here are my reasons :

To fill these size hulls would add a considerable amount of weight. Foam weighs more than one would think.I robs you of payload. Pontoons are already somewhat weight sensitive.

Cost would be considerable.(large volume to be filled.)

Lastly, and I think most importantly :

Any water entering the hulls for whatever reason, be it damage / leakage or condensation, would be trapped under the foam , and the water would remain there, potentially causing rot.

Inspection would be near impossible, and repairs would be much more difficult.

So, in short I sincerely believe water tight bulkheads are recommended, but no foam.

Clean , empty plastic canisters / bottles are a possibility, but I don`t believe necessary.

Best of luck should you go ahead Darryl, and be warned , it`s a lot of work :-)
Feb 06, 2015
 Water tight bulkheads.
by: Harry

Hi Darryl.

I think it would be wise to incorporate water tight bulkheads into your design.

Most of my bulkheads have circular cut - outs.
Some of these will be sealed watertight by fixing
in place over sized circular blank off plates cut from marine ply.
There will be eight separate sealed compartments in the two hulls.

I also have eight access hatches placed in the floor inside the cabin, and a further four on deck outside.
The hatches will allow the hulls to be vented enough to provide a dry interior if any condensation forms inside.

I hope this all makes sense Darryl, thank you for the questions, and your interest.
Feb 06, 2015
 HOUSEBOAT
by: DARRYL

HI I HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT BUILDING A PLY PONTOON HOUSEBOAT SIMILAR IN SIZE TO YOURS.

BUT WAS GOING TO MAKE EACH BULKHEAD WATERTIGHT AND FILL WITH FOAM AS I SAW ONE ON UTUBE SINK.

DO U THINK THIS IS NEEDED

THANKS DAZ
Feb 01, 2015
 Hi Paddy
by: Anonymous

Hi Paddy

I accounted for the weight of the pine framing
(2x2) and then added some 20 % extra displacement in the floats by making them 150 mm ( six inches ) wider.

It`s difficult to come out on weight , and almost impossible to end up " light."

Going " really light " using exotic materials was beyond my budget.

Thanks for your interest, it`s appreciated.
Feb 01, 2015
 this is terrific!,
by: Paddy

Just ran across this.

This is really a great thing your doing by sharing the build with those of us who dream to do this.

I have only one question, did you consider using metal studs on non weight bearing areas?

So much lighter than pine or spuce.. just wondering.... all the best!!
Jan 10, 2015
 Thank you Andy
by: Harry

Thank you for the kind comments Andy.

Re the hull shape : Precisely my thoughts Andy.

I always thought it was a waste of money dragging a stern wake behind a boat that will travel at a rather sedate pace.That`s what speed boats are for................ :)

The inspiration for the cabin came from the San Francisco cable cars , even Melbourne trams.

I have always liked the look of those and this is an attempt to get a somewhat similar look.

I think there is a resemblance , even if rather loosely.

We wanted lots of light too and dislike that
" floating Esky " look often seen.

Thanks again Andy , your comments are appreciated.
Jan 10, 2015
 Lovely craft!
by: Andy Wilson

G'day Harry!
Congratulations on a fine addition to the waterfront scenery!

Two things make your craft stand out from the awful floating boxes seen elsewhere....the first is the lovely sweep of the bottom curve down from the bow and back up to the stern.

This will pay off endlessly in fuel economy and reduced wake.

The other is the vintage feel of the upperworks and the attention to period detail.

I guess this is a nod to the existing historic vessels around Echuca....or maybe just because it looks so damn good and will never tire of giving pleasure to the occupants.

Cheers!
Andy
and46y@yahoo.com.au
Dec 29, 2014
 Cabin lining and insulation is almost completed.
by: Harry

Cabin lining and insulation is almost completed.

I am also making the ceiling panels , lining board bonded to 3 inch ( 75 mm ) foam.
Dec 28, 2014
 Message for Clive Webb
by: Mike

Hello Clive,

This is Mike (DIY Wood Boat) I have a private message for you from Trish and Harry.

If you would contact me using the private contact form here I will pass it on to you.

Cheers,

Mike


Dec 23, 2014
 Hello Clive
by: Harry

Apologies for the delay in replying Clive, sometimes " life " can get in the way of best intentions..........


It sounds like you have plans ....I`m no expert at boat building Clive , but can only say this :

DO IT NOW ,

as it all takes three times longer than planned.
Dec 15, 2014
 First contact...
by: Clive Webb

I love what you are doing, the design and your craftsmanship.

Although, I'm a boating person at heart, I lack boating experience and have only ever made a couple of rented houseboat trips on the Murray.

I would like to continue to follow your progress as I'm retiring next year and have always planned to build my own boat in retirement.

Although, I have a lack of boating knowledge, I have worked with timber all my life and can't imagine not building out of it.

I am currently working/living in NSW, but have bought a property at Borrika, not far from Mannnum.

Perhaps when I relocate I would be able to see your craft and meet you in person.

Kind regards,
Clive Webb...
Sep 25, 2014
 Awesome project
by: mike@BuildaHouseboat.com

When last we talked on the net you said you were going to build a site about your boat project.

Well, It's great.

And so is the boat. I love the pictures.
Congratulations.
Mike
Sep 07, 2014
 Roof
by: Michael

That should keep the rain off Harry.

You'll have to call in the interior decorators in soon.
Aug 31, 2014
 Thank you
by: Harry

Thank you for the encouragement Mike.

I feel like I`m getting closer ( to finishing that is ) .....guttering is being fitted at the moment , then roofing.

Rain expected this week, but spring is in the air for us down under.

Hope to have some real progress photos soon.
Aug 31, 2014
 Great Work
by: Mike

She's looking good Harry!!

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