Proposed Design for Sea Barn, a houseboat
Statistics:
L.O.A. - 23 ft. II in,
Draft - 12 in. (~ 11,000 Ibs. displacement)
Maximum height -132 in.
Ballast - Four cast-in-place concrete/rebar blocks
400 Ibs, ea. at bottom four corners of hull
Description:
Max. beam - 9 ft. 11 in.
Exposed hull depth @ 11,000 Ibs. disp, - 28 in.
Design displacement - 11,000 Ibs,
Thickness of bottom - 1 3/8 in. (ply/glass/epoxy)
Sea Barn is a houseboat designed as the comfortable abode for one or two
people. The salient features include:
- 9 ft. X 4 ft. after deck
- lavatory with portipotty, "fUro"" type Japanese bath, and wash
sink
- private 7 ft. X 5 ft. double berth (with space for additional
temporary berths in main salon)
Franklin wood/coal stove for heat
- galley with bowl sink, two propane burners, pantry and ice box
- 4 in. X 4 in. bollards with ringbolts at the four corners of the
hull for lowing
- Opening 'doghouse' windows and electric exhaust fan (optional)
for ventilation
The inspiration for this shape was obviously the efficient layout of
the typical railroad caboose or engine of the 1930's, although the battens
on the topsides are mostly for looks. The basic construction combines
ply/glass/epoxy construction (beltline and lower) with standard house
construction (house and roof). Foam ductboard is utilized for insulation,
for its high insulation value and non-adsorption of water vapor (with the
clear understanding of its flammability). A minimum of lightweight,
foldable chairs and one well-made table should suffice for furniture, as a
minimum of culinary equipment is sufficient. The area in the main salon
designated as storage, could be utilized as a home office or computer
station. The area under the main berth can be used for storage, especially
if drawers to the salon or head are used. Water stowage would be under the
aft deck.
Additional Notes for Proposed Design - Sea Barn
1. 2X3 in. studs of cabin sides 16 in. O.C topped by laminated coach roof
beam/knee on alternate studs (32 in, O.C) Bottom of studs rest on top of
deck beams.
2. 1X6 in. (actual measure) yellow pine deck beams (16 in. O.C.) attached
to sides/chines with stainless steel screws (#10) and angle brackets. Deck
beams screwed/glued (epoxy) to bottom ply. Chines on hull bottom exterior,
otherwise interior, all 3/4 in. poplar,
3. All exterior surfaces of hull below beltHne sheathed with 6 oz.
fiberglass set in epoxy (or equivalent),
4. Window shown in upper coach roof elevation is typical (4 ea. Total),
Aft window in center section of side elevation installed on port side,
deleted on starboard.
5. Battens shown on starboard elevation installed 32 in. 0, C. (I X 2
poplar).
6. Sheath all surfaces of aft deck area except cabin side above 10 in.
above aft deck.
7. Bottom of hull, fore and aft edges built up, 2 additional layers VA in.
ply, cut to angle, joined with epoxy/screws. 2X4 in. poplar glued/screwed
across angled portions of hull bottom as framing, joined to sides by
stainless steel screws/angle.
Drawings:
(click to enlarge)
Bio:
Biography - Bob Patterson
Bob has been a foundryman, machinist, career councilor, service engineer,
project engineer, construction manager, purchasing manager, sales manager,
contracts manager, current boat nut, and ex-car nut. He finds inspiration
from authors, such as Philip Bolger, George Buehler, and James Wharram,
and has three boats currently under construction in his basement. His
completed "Elegant Punt" did float. The limits of plywood boat
construction are always a challenge to his imagination. Bob currently
resides in Billerica, Massachusetts. |
