Shanty/Pontoon Boat

Hi I am considering building a modern version of a Shanty boat from plywood.
I want to live on the canal but find the cost of steel narrowboats very high.
I like the look of the old Shantys and wondered if this kind of thing would be possible.
I am thinking of using timber frame but not sure what to go for.
Should I use nails or screws?
Should I epoxy the bottom?

Any ideas would be appriciated.
Thanks.

 

Purchase a set of plans and stick to the materials list and construction details.

I take it that you aren't going to use a GRP hull, strip it out, then make it suit your needs. From a maintenance point of view it would probably be better if you use the GRP hull, particularly with a shanty, which typically wouldn't have the routine maintenance preformed as a yacht would. In short, wood maybe easy to work with, but it can tolerate neglect the least, so wouldn't be the wisest choice for a shanty hull in my opinion.

Again find plans. I don't have plans for a shanty type craft, but there are many places that do. Naturally, most of these will be plywood over frames, which I think is a poor long term choice for this type of craft, but conversions could be made, as well as heavy external 'gless sheathing.