Plans for building houseboat-steamboats

by Dean
(Spearman, Texas)

I have ideas and plan on building a steamboat-houseboat, and am looking for some information. How can I find out more about the specifations such as draft, center of gravity, weight, etc... of a 1977, 47 foot Botel houseboat.

I am planning on installing a steam engine on this Botel hull. I don't know much about these house boats and I need to marry the boat, motor, and propeller.

I have an engine builder (in England) and the hull located. Any help would be useful. Thanks, Dean.


Reply - Answer
Well Dean, congratulations on your steamboat houseboat idea. I always admire people who are willing to think "outside the box".

As to some specifications on the Boatel, that a good question, but I would put a guess/estimate that the draft would be @ 1.5 - 2.0 feet, and the weight to be @ 15,000 pounds.

As I have never owned a Boatel houseboat, I can't be exact, but possibly one of our readers will know and be able to tell you exactly the figures.

Be sure to take some pictures, and do post your progress here as I am sure there will be many others who are interested in the Steamboat Houseboat project.



Lastly, hopefully some of our readers will share and post comments about their steam boat - houseboat building experiences. Feel free to use the "Click here to post comments." link found near the bottom of this page.


Thanks again for sharing, IAN - from www.all-about-houseboats.com

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