We were thinking about the possibility of constructing/modifying a pontoon boat to hold our 13' U-Haul CT and creating a "houseboat" of sorts....The CT fully loaded with four people and supplies would probably be around 2200-2500 lbs. Is such a concept a possibility? Issues would include: Stability, weight capacity, and most likely some legal/safety issues....Is the egg too confining and a ready made death trap in the event of accident and capsizing?

These aren't serious endorsements, but it has been done...

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(And I know I've seen a Scamp trailer on a floating platform but can't find a photo.)

Coming from the boating world, I think a lot would depend on which waterways and what weather you used them in. There are plenty of "real" boats made that are not "seaworthy" but are still okay for their intended use. That is to say that even "real" boats are not necessarily all suitable for all waterways and conditions - far from it. So you need to either only cruise the waterways/conditions that are suitable for a given craft; or, conversely, build or buy a craft suitable for the waterways and conditions you want to go out on.

There are stability calculations that qualified people can make.

You might also like to find the book, "Handmade Houseboats," as that is really what you'd be doing (whether the "house" be a camper or not) and there is a lot about how to make the hull, stability, etc. in the book. Also lots of great photos and drawings.

Raya

I used to sail out of a marina in the California delta, (around 1985) and the marina rented out houseboats, and also something called a Camp Afloat. It was a houseboat base with no houseboat- you drove your trailer or motorhome on, and then could motor around just like you could in a houseboat. I googled for a photo but can't find one. It was similar to the second picture above, though.

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Al Ivy's Scamp Yacht a/k/a Coonass Yacht

That's the one I couldn't find - thanks

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Now admittedly, we are talking fiberglass here, but you'all aren't thinking of the big picture.....
Larry

We were thinking of something more like this........
http://boortz.com/nealz_nuze/2009/01/the-t...eck-houseb.html

Some additional references obtained via googling.....

http://www.all-about-houseboats.com/homema...ouse-boats.html

http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/boat-desi...yout-11741.html

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=38389

http://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/showthread.php?t=132228

http://www.smokymountainnews.com/issues/08...houseboats.html

From 1937 Modern Mechanix:

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I have a PDF of the whole article: if anyone wants it, PM me, as it's too large (2.8Mb) to post as an attachment.

Andrew

PS No fiberglass anywhere...

Andrew -

I would think the Captain of the boat would really have to trust the First Mate as he would not be able to see where he was going while under way.

"A little to the left Honey, and we will be just fine"...CRUNCH... what the #$% did I hit. "Well I specifically told you, "Just a little to the left, your just like your Mother and over do everything."

sweeeet!!!

here is a picture from an early eighties Scamp brochure......

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the text under the photo read...
"You can even convert your ScampTravel trailer into a houseboat. A customized 29'aluminum pontoon boat can easily handle a Scamp 13."

Here is a possibility:

http://www.landingcraft.com/?gclid=CJng4qW...CFSn6agodcQg-LA