STERNWHEEL
BOATS
ONE OF THE
BEST KEPT SECRETS IN AMERICA
WHAT ARE THEY?
- They are vessels that
are propelled by means of a paddlewheel located at the
back (STERN) of the boat.
- Most modern 'personal
size' sternwheelers have a hull length between 30 and 100
feet.
- They are fully equipped
for living aboard and include state rooms, bath rooms,
living rooms, kitchens and sun decks.
WHAT ARE THEY USED FOR?
- Day cruising with many
friends.
- Short trips of a week
or two with one or more couples.
- Living aboard during
the summer months.
- Year around living
aboard.
- Long economical cruising of the inland waterways.
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL?
- THEY ARE
VERY UNIQUE:
Some are
styled after turn of the century 'Packet boats' while
others emulate 30'S and 40'S vintage 'Tow boats'.
- THEY ARE SPACIOUS: Full size beds, standard
baths and house size furniture and appliances are common.
- THEY ARE COMFORTABLE
AND RELAXING: The
ride is smooth and quiet and with all of their
facilities, they feel like home.
- THEY ARE DURABLE: When properly designed and
constructed, they easily handle the rigors of running in
rivers where navigational hazards such as rocks, logs,
sandbars, banks, drift and debris are abundant.
- THEY ARE ECONOMICAL TO
OPERATE: Forty
ton vessels can cruise at eight miles per hour on less
than two gallons of diesel fuel per hour.
- THEY ARE PRACTICAL: Now other type of vessel is
better suited for rivers and lakes since they do not
require dock side parking and can be moored almost
anywhere yet offer easy boarding.
- THEY 'FEEL' LIKE A REAL
BOAT:
Control of the vessel and all of its equipment is
accomplished from a real pilothouse
rather than the Living room or a seat on the deck.
- THEY ARE VERY RARE: There are only just over 100
in existence in the United States. You will be
noticed and have the opportunity
to meet a lot of great people.
WHERE CAN I GET ONE OF THESE
GREAT BOATS?
- You can't. At least not
very easily. Most are one of a kind and usually are built
by their owners. Once in a great while, one will become
available and this is usually due to the owners age or
poor health. An organization called the 'AMERICAN
STERNWHEEL ASSOCIATION' is probably the best place
to start looking. You'll find a link to them when you 'Exit the Harbor'. Building your own is
the best way to obtain a vessel that both fits your needs
and style requirements plus, you'll be better equipped to operate and
maintain a boat that you built yourself. You'll also have great personal
satisfaction in having done something that very few people in the world have
done.
HOW CAN I FIND INFORMATION
ABOUT BUILDING A STERNWHEEL RIVER BOAT?
PADDLE BACK TO
CONTENTS DOCK 
