Efficient, economical low-speed hull?

It has been a life long dream of mine to build a sternwheeler, something very much along the lines of the Mississippi riverboats of the 1800's only in the 30 to 50 foot class.

In my 20's I would have built authentic live steam but now, approaching retirement, diesel is more appealing.

I have been boating long enough now to know that I would like the space and comfort of a houseboat, would enjoy being able to beach nose-first, and I am quite content to put along a 4 to 6 Knots so the overall characteristics of a sternwheeler suit me just fine.

However, I am close to retirement and money IS an issue. The above-water structure and outfitting is no problem but the hull style and construction are a concern - how to build an efficient low speed hull very economically.

Most standard hull shapes seem to be designed for efficiency at high speed or carrying large loads at low speed. What is efficient at speeds of 5 to 7 Knots?

I have been thinking along the lines of a 'stitch & glue' catamaran hull - something a little better than a barge.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

Paul Riccelli in Eustis Florida has almost exactly drawn what you are looking for.

When I recall right, he had several sizes of that style.

He was one of our most respected members here before he left the board a few months ago.

Regards
Richard

 

Thanks. I have tried to contact him this summer but with no response.

 

I´ll try to mail him.

 

This is a different (more traditional) take on the subject, done a long time ago....




A square barge is fairly efficient at low speed. Also it allows accommodation inside the hull. A catamaran will have more draft and be far more complex to build.

 

This site might help you....
http://users.wirefire.com/gemort/contents.htm

 

I like that. There are very few actual plans for sternwheelers around. What is the hull made of? How is it powered?

 

Nice boat TAD,

I mailed Paul Riccelli.

 

This looks like a do-able design. (St)itch and Glue.

http://www.cmdboats.com/rb40.htm?cart_id=dcbcf95d8babdba8268a2287d8819cb6