I’ve been diving deep into the world of shanty boats lately, and I just had to share what I’ve discovered with you.
So what exactly is a shanty boat? Picture this: it’s a small, humble houseboat that someone built with their own two hands. These aren’t your fancy marina houseboats – we’re talking about simple, no-frills floating homes that regular folks crafted using whatever materials they could get their hands on. Think reclaimed wood, salvaged windows, maybe some plywood from the local hardware store. The whole idea is about making something livable without breaking the bank.
The beauty is in their simplicity.
Most shanty boats sit on flat-bottomed hulls – kind of like a barge or scow. This flat bottom is genius because it keeps the boat stable and lets you float in really shallow water. You’re not dealing with complicated curves or fancy fiberglass here. Just honest wood construction that gets the job done. The hull might be made from whatever lumber was available, often pieced together by someone who learned carpentry from necessity rather than trade school.
The cabin looks exactly like what you’d expect – a basic rectangular box.
No fancy curves, no decorative trim, just straight lines and practical design. It’s literally like someone took a small shack and plopped it on a boat. But here’s the thing – that simplicity works. You’ve got windows for light and fresh air, a door to get in and out, and enough space inside for the essentials. Some have tiny porches or decks, but mostly it’s just about having a dry place to sleep and maybe cook a simple meal.
These boats tell such a human story.
During tough times like the Great Depression, families would build shanty boats because they couldn’t afford rent on land. River workers used them to follow jobs up and down the waterways. Some people choose them just because they want to live free and independently, away from landlords and mortgage payments. Each boat was unique because each builder had different skills, different materials, and different needs. You might see one with a clever fold-down bunk, another with a tiny wood stove, or maybe one with fishing nets hanging from the sides.
What I love most is how they represent pure DIY spirit.
These weren’t built by naval architects or professional boatbuilders. They were created by regular people who figured things out as they went along. A fisherman might build one to follow the seasonal catches. A displaced family might construct one when they lost their home. Someone seeking adventure might craft one just to see what life was like on the water. The resourcefulness is incredible – using tin cans for stovepipes, old doors for cabin walls, rope, and creativity to solve problems that would stump most of us today.
They’re still inspiring builders today.
Even though we have more housing options now, there’s something about shanty boats that captures the imagination. Maybe it’s the freedom they represent, or the way they prove you don’t need much to live well. Modern tiny house enthusiasts often look back at these simple floating homes as examples of what’s possible when you focus on needs rather than wants.
The whole shanty boat movement reminds me that sometimes the best solutions are the simplest ones – and that home is really just wherever you make it.
Photos from The Shallow Drafters Shanty Boat Club
AI Art by Kent Griswold
