Over the years every captain of a paddlewheel vessel has been asked numerous questions. Most have to do with how to build a boat. Some pertain to operating a paddlewheeler and others are about living aboard. Some don't fit in any particular category. The American Sternwheel Association, in their continuing effort to help those who wish to own or build, have attempted to answer the most 'Frequently Asked Questions'. These answers will, of course, be a brief synopsis. If you have a question not covered or require a more complete answer, please click on the QUESTION MARK and ask your question. This will be sent to the yeoman who will forward it to several Captain/Builders who will respond to you directly. Please keep in mind, 'there is no such thing as a stupid question' (it's just that some questions are smarter than others). So, if what you want to know is not covered here, feel free to ask.
1. Size is very important. To small and you may not be able to 'host enough friends' or do the 'long range travel' you may want to do at a later time. To large and you and your spouse will not be able to handle it by yourselves. It's strongly suggested that you evaluate, as completely as possible, how you intend to use the vessel; not just next year, but years down the road. Will it be used just for 'local cruising', 'long range travel', 'possibly for year around living some day' and 'how many will possibly be staying with you'? Try to refine your 'projected use' to the smallest vessel that will meet those needs. The smaller the vessel the less costly it will be to build, operate and maintain.
2. Some builders did use old hulls. These were usually old steel houseboat hulls. Others used old towboat hulls. However, the best way to achieve the boat that best suits your needs is to build the hull yourself. Remember, old hulls are just that, OLD HULLS; most don't have the 'life', 'durability' or 'safety' left that you'll probably want.
3. It's always best to have a good set of 'proven plans'. However, these can be almost impossible to find. Next best is to make your own plans. This can be done by looking at as many existing boats as you can and talking to their builders. Another way is to go the 'Vessels Under Construction' page on this site and see how these were done. A good set of drawings, or sketches, is a must especially for inexperienced or first time builders.
4. Yes, a model bow is better. This is true, only if efficiency of movement through the water is the only consideration. However, they are more difficult and more costly to build and, often, when a model bow vessel is beached or run aground, it's difficult, and sometimes impossible, to back off. Whereas, a scow bow vessel can 'crab craw' or 'fish tail' off a grounding. If speed is a major consideration, then a model bow needs to be incorporated with a high 'slenderness ratio', long stern rake, a large diameter paddlewheel and the power to turn it.
5. You really don't need bulkheads for the vessel to run. However, keep in mind, the hull is the most important part of any vessel; without floatation, nothing else is very important. Many boat have gone to the bottom due to lack of bulkheads. They're not that costly or hard to install so, with the extra safety they provide, it's foolish not to utilize them.
6. You can build a hull out wood, but it's not recommended. Wood hulls, for the most part, are to 'high maintenance'. Plus, since most paddlewheel boats turn out to be rather large and fairly heavy, they cannot be easily pulled out of the water for maintenance. Also, wooden hulls, for the most part, cannot handle the rigors of use on inland waters. These include frequent landings on beaches, being hit with floating debris or ice and running aground on sand bars. The best material for a paddlewheel boat hull is steel. When properly designed and painted, they will last many years.
7. Paddlewheel size is very important. Most builders will advise to use the 'largest wheel that looks proportional' to your boat. Remember, the larger the paddlewheel the more efficient it will be. There is a good article on paddlewheels on this site under Articles.
8. Paddlewheels with vee'd buckets are, sometimes, called 'wishbone' or 'herringbone' wheels. The thought is to improve efficiency; whether it works is still a matter of debate. There are two known facts about this type of paddlewheel: one, they are very smooth: two, they have reduced backing ability. Most captains, who have run both straight and vee'd, prefer a straight bucketed wheel.
9. Drive systems of all types have been used on paddlewheel boats. Some more successful than others. Some builders use full hydraulic, some a combination of mechanical and hydraulic and others all mechanical. There are all sorts of combinations of v-belts, chains, differentials and transmissions being used. Each builder will, probably, say his is great, but then, he's probably never ran anything other than what he has. Nevertheless, there is one, fairly simple, system that has become rather popular; it's not only simple but rugged, easy to maintain and operate but, also, cost effective. This system is comprised of an automatic transmission attached to the drive engine then coupled, via a driveshaft, to a reduction unit which incorporates a series of v-belts, an intermediate chain, usually in an oil bath, and a final drive chain. This system has proven itself on many boats with thousands of hours use. Of course, component size and ratios will depend on the paddlewheel characteristics.
10. An 'all steel' boat is very good. However, to build one, you need very good fabricating skills or pay to have it done. Either way, the cost will be, considerably, more that wood. A wooden superstructure, if done properly, is quite satisfactory and will last a long time. Also, most of the old steamboats, which many of us try to emulate, had all wood superstructures.
11. Several vessels have used gasoline engines successfully. However, primarily for safety reasons, a diesel engine is preferred. Also, a diesel engine will deliver better fuel economy.
12. Monkey rudders are those which are installed behind the paddlewheel and connected to the main/flanking rudders. As the mains are turned so do the monkeys (ergo the name...monkey see, monkey do). Those captains who have monkey rudders would not do without them. For a rudder to be effective, it must have water moving past it which is not a problem as long as the vessel is moving forward or backward. However, when working 'in close', such as around docks or lock walls, the vessel is hardly moving, therefore, very little water is moving past the mains. Nevertheless, the paddlewheel can push water against the monkey rudders giving good steerage.
13. A Texas Cabin is a room directly behind the Pilot House. It's sometimes used for the captains bedroom, a living room or, even, a bar. To improve visibility, the Pilot House is usually elevated enough to allow the captain to look aft over the roof of the Texas.
14. There is no 'best' steering system. Any steering system will, usually, be comprised of four rudders; two will be in front of the paddlewheel and two will be aft. Also, there has to be a means of turning these rudders. This can be powered hydraulic, manual hydraulic, all cable or a combination of shafts and cable. A good article on steering systems is on this site under Articles.
15. You can use 'house type wire' but it's not recommend. All boats will flex and most, if not all, will have some amount of vibration while running. Wire used for house construction is made of solid copper and can, eventually, break. Stranded copper wire with insulation designated THHN is recommended.
16. No licenses is required to operate a private vessel. Most states require any boat to be registered and they issue a registration number which should be applied somewhere toward the bow of the vessel. The only time a captain license is required is if the vessel will be taking 'passengers for hire'.
17. Yes a paddlewheel boat can be built on pontoons. However, due to the limited floatation, it's difficult to build a suitable, 'live aboard' type vessel on pontoons. The entire boat must be built very light weight plus there is no place to install tankage or have storage. Also, they are less stable, especially, in rough water. The most successful have been small 'pool boats' or, perhaps more appropriately, 'day paddlers'. A couple can be seen on this site in the Photo Gallery and Vessels Under Construction.