Tiny Homes on the Move...Wheels and Water - article in Lloyd Kahn's new book out in May 2014

DIANNE’S ROSE is a small “Tiny” if you will, House/Shanty/Camp boat that my wife, Dianne Roselee, inspired me to design. She never liked the “tippy” side of sailing and one day commented she’d come out more if we had a comfortable boat.                                                          This 17’ X 8’ beam, houseboat is the result. Needing only 6” to float, it is perfect for sneaking into shallow coves and pulling up to isolated beaches - a feature we enjoyed in our beach cruising sailboat. A refined barge hull was the solution needed to achieve this draft and the accommodations for Dianne’s comfort. This hull shape also does not limit us to protected waters and has proven quite sea worthy!                                                                                           The cabin, 8’ X 10’, has areas that preform dual function (or more). There are two couches, 62” long, facing each other, that serve as lounge, driver’s seat, dinning and sleeping areas.                             We have a queen-sized bed when filler boards are in place! These boards morph into the dining table and additional seats and then again into the steps and storage shelves under the decks.                     There is a small bathroom on the left rear side, 32” X 36”, with full standing headroom. The composting toilet (which does not smell) can slide under the rear deck to create a private changing room. This space is also our coat closet.                                                        A kitchenette is on the opposite side, with a propane camp stove (this way we can also cook outside). The space under the rear deck is utilized as a pantry and cooler for food storage. Hang a privacy curtain across the aisle, and the back of the boat becomes a full bathroom. Toilet, sink and bathing. Set up camp style of course, using a basin to stand in and a pitcher to wet and rinse. Hot water provided from a heated pot or solar bag!                                                         The front, 4’ X 8’, and back, 28” X8’ decks add livability to the small cabin. Storage is below these porches and the rear porch carries fuels, gas and propane (fuel boxes to come and they will double as benches to sit and fish). The front porch could be tented in to provide additional sleeping space similar to “pop-up” tent trailers. This could make a small family comfortable on extended outings!                                                                                                              The boat has had some unforeseen uses at home on its trailer (saving marina costs), as a “man cave,” guest house, and a second bathroom. DIANNE’S ROSE was launched June 15th, 2013, so we’ll get to know her better, but she is already making us very happy. The small size has been a large part of the fun!                                  Our motor is small as well, a 9.8 hp outboard. Fuel costs are not a worry and will not interfere with our enjoyment of the beautiful scenery as it passes by at a steady 6 mph (3/4 throttle).                                 Building DIANNE’S ROSE is straight forward as I designed her construction to be very basic but strong! Flat panels are first assembled on a bench. These panels slip together “egg carton” style or are just butt joined with epoxy and screws. Ply hull panels are then bent on to the frames, marked and cut with no complicated measurements to calculate! The hull combines “stich and glue” with “frame” construction using each where they are most advantageous!  The roof appears difficult but is not hard with templates provided. The curve is broken into three manageable sections and T&G planks follow the shape easily, creating a strong but light structure when fiberglass is added. The sound of hard rain lulls us to sleep with this wood/glass canopy!                                                 This boat takes about 600hrs to build so does require commitment. I personally know it has many rewards along the way, the mile stones come one by one, encouraging you to push on. Turning the hull is a big one. Friends visit to see our progress, some bring useful materials, others even help build! On occasion a boat party breaks out and no work gets done at all, but this is just part of the fun! As I see it, time passes regardless, this “Tiny” Houseboat will give you something to show for it!                                                                                                                                                                                                                Best/Roy