MiniD Houseboat Update

Roy Schreyer's happy little houseboat is taking shape...

Article by Roy Schreyer

My bride accuses me of being a “big kid”—maybe that’s why I keep building “forts”! Each has taught me lessons. Portable forts are a lot more fun, for example. My latest promises to be a lot of fun! MiniD” is a camper-boat for use on land and water. Styled after our DIANNE’S ROSE, an already tiny houseboat, MiniD is smaller still—hence the name. She packs comfortable living into as small a space as possible, and this is the trick. I think I’ve met with success, but feel free to share your thoughts.

The plan is to use MiniD for longer road trips and to explore the new waterways. I’m impressed with small camper trailers like the teardrops—they're easy to take on trips. Like a knapsack vs suitcase, MiniD is easy to use by land or sea and is another good reason to get out into nature. As the hardest parts of the build are now complete, it might be a good time to let you all know more about her. Most importantly, the best forts are cute, and MiniD looks “Dam (“hold back water”!) cute”! I can’t wait to hear if you all think so too.                                                                                               

A shoutout needs to a creative bunch from our Can-Am Dinghy Cruising Association. There seem to be a few “misfits” in this group who have embraced “box boats.” I think some were inspired by designs like our Dianne’s Rose. In turn, seeing their builds on our trips together, left ripples in my still brain. I’ve watched their tiny boats handle rough conditions admirably, demonstrating that a small version would perform well. And no tents are required, as these builders have made small pockets of enclosed comfort for themselves. I’ve taken note guys—challenge accepted!!!                                                                                                                                                   Such small boats offer savings —they don’t push large wakes, nor do they rock your wallet! After many years using our DIANNE’S ROSE, we’ve maximized fun times because of her manageable size and low operation costs. I’ve witnessed my friends doing the same. MiniD is an attempt to get even more from less. I’m hoping it helps us all rethink the “bigger is better” brainwashing, and with the extra capital left in our pockets, we can buy some peace of mind!

Plans are in the works so you all can join the fun! MiniD is only 13’ 6” long X 6’, 6” beam X 5’, 6” tall overall, 5’2.5” in interior with full standing headroom available with hatches open. She is small enough to save building materials, build time, maintenance, marina fees, and storage costs. A smaller tow vehicle will also work. Obviously a boat serving as your camper too means one less toy parked in the driveway! MiniD will also fit into a garage so the driveway can be left for cars.

MiniD had to be as comfortable at a campground as she is on the water. By the way, she might even make a decent ice hut. There’s my wife again, “You think too much.” But I reply to myself (I dare not talk back!), “It’s not like it will sink to the bottom if it break through the ice, right?” With the two large runners capped in 3/8” aluminium, MiniD is like a sled! So why not?                                                                                   

OK, back to camping! Set up on a low bed trailer, a small step stool is needed to enter through the rear motor well, into the cockpit. You all don’t need the 4hp (ish) motor hanging there, if not in the water, so put it into the car trunk. Now in the cockpit, open the cabin door, duck to enter and get to your seat! 5’2.5” ceiling height isn’t too bad when considering a teardrop trailer has no standing room, and there will be full headroom available when the center hatches are propped up. One hatch is in the galley/head aisle area, where most needed, the other up front. There it aides exiting and entering from the smaller front “door.”

There are two couches, seating four, two 7-foot bunks—or the back cushions can fill the aisle for a full queen bed! I see MiniD as perfect for two persons or even a young family with the smaller kiddies setup in a common bed or tucked into their sleeping bags down in the aisle. The ladies will like the enclosed head. We have success with a simple composting toilet aboard Dianne’s Rose and I’ve made another for MiniD. Originally a simple pull-out portable toilet under a bunk was planned, but I realized how important a hanging locker for wet jackets is. The head space doubles as our closet and a changing room.

Under the 32-inch galley counter and sink with hand pump is water storage and grey water collection. A medium-sized cooler can also fit, but we often use our cooler as a coffee table in the aisle—great to play cards on during rainy days. Most times cooking is done outside on a picnic table. At a campground these are common, but when on the water, we regularly nose to shore and spend time on land and can also set up a table there. Cooking inside on a small stove is doable though.

A note about the roof hatches: When open they double as trays. Over the galley, set your supplies on it. If fishing from the front deck, the forward hatch fits tackle and drinks securely vs sliding off the rounded roof

With lots of windows—most opening—a breeze will flow in with ease. Snap-on curtains add the needed privacy at night. Cruising MiniD will be like taking your living room for a ride out on the lake. The view will be better than staring at the TV! Add to this her vintage styling, and I hope the discerning eye will appreciate her. I warned Dianne to be patient at boat ramps and gas stations as I chat with folks who might admire her. I see MiniD creating a pride of ownership—if you see MiniD out and about, please come on over and ask all the questions you like!!! 

I will also offer plans once “sea trials” have been completed. Stay tuned to RoyDesignedThat.com but I’ll also add another chapter here at Small Craft Advisor. •SCA•