I'm new to the group, so pardon my ignorance, but there seems to be
lots of "data" about houseboat constuction, but very little useful
information.

I am interested in building a houseboat for recreational use, but not
for fulltime living on the water (rivers mostly). Are there any useful
websites for "newbies" that provide construction info, what to avoid,
material to use or not use, etc.?

Thanks,

Dick McCarthy

A different way to approach this may be to find a set of plans for a
houseboat design that fulfills your requirements, then purchase a set
of study plans (typically under $20) and see if the construction
materials / methods specified on the plans are within your ken.

For example, at:

http://www.boatdesigns.com/departments.asp?dept=7

You'll see a number of houseboat designs, some of which are plywood,
others fiberglass, others steel, and some that offer you a choice
between these methods.

My point is that the designer has taken the 'materials' into account
when the boat was designed; your only task is to reason whether or not
you're comfortable with the material specified. Once you alight on a
material (wood, glass, steel, etc) there are many useful books that
will help guide you.

MW

On Apr 29, 1:02 pm, wrote:

Once you alight on a
material (wood, glass, steel, etc) there are many useful books that
will help guide you.

There used to be a book suggested as a start for houseboat builders:
"Handmade Houseboats," as I recall. Is it still in print? If it is,
it's worth reading.

If you want something easy and inexpensive search the Internet for
"shantyboat".
There have been some articles and photos at www.duckworksmagazine.com
..