DIANNE'S ROSE Exterior, Interior Tour

A walk around and through our DIANNE'S ROSE, Tiny Houseboat, I show the details and you can see how we live aboard for our trips around Georgian Bay and beyond....

[@monmixer]

What is really cool about building a small shanty boat is the fact that it can also double as your cabin. You can hit a campground and your all set. Even if there is no water around!!

[@roydesignedthat]

When trailering to Texas we spent most the nights in it only getting a hotel for a bit of luxury!

[@ianschroth6575]

Wow! That's beautiful! I LOVE wooden boats. Especially really nice homebuilt ones. You did a fantastic job on that. Looks like a fun camping machine!!

[@roydesignedthat]

Thanks so much Ian! We love her!!!

[@wannabetraveler6595]

I took an hour out of my day to watch this video and I feel better for it. Thanks.

[@roydesignedthat]

Thanks Wannabe, you made my day too! Lol!

[@matthewgilmore5307]

love your boat !!

[@roydesignedthat]

Thanks Matthew!

[@stephandevriesere3667]

As i was looking around on the internet for a houseboat to build, i came across Emma Builds Birbie. It's a young lady who is building this boat with (i believe) your plans. I love it !! At first i was a little sceptical about the space on the boat, but after seeing your video i am in for it. I love the way you implemented all the stuff you need for a trip. Now all i need are the plans and room (and the time) to build it lol. Great video.

[@roydesignedthat]

@stephandevriesere3667 Emma is amazing! I love her videos and "can do" spirit!!! We have about 30 boats completed, Stephan, 6 built in Austrailia, 2 in Danmark, and the most built in the US and Canada, with many more under construction! When you are ready to build, touch base and we can get you the plans. Info is available at RoyDesignedThat.com... note it is an older site and formats best on a lap or desktop. Also the " Add to Cart" is not activated. Payment options are listed in the descriptions. AllthebestRoy

[@stephandevriesere3667]

@@roydesignedthat I was wondering if it would be possible to extend the rear about 3 or 4 feet and then putt the gastanks in the hull. If the reardeck would be 3 or 4 feet longer you can make a hatch to reach the tanks (and have a deck to sit on). I think it would be a better balance. Now all that weight is above the waterline.

[@roydesignedthat]

@@stephandevriesere3667 MAny have alterred thier builds, lengthening the boat is easily done! With plans we have a Facebook build group you'd get an invitation to join, with over 120 members you can see how easy it is to do, Stephan! We have a couple that are 24ft long but most are more modest, 20ft being the next common length that folks build. And of course most are built to the regular length! AllthebestRoy

[@noisepuppet]

This design is brilliant. It's similar in spirit to a classic glass house steam or diesel launch, but shorter and beamier with the scow/barge/garvey type hull. The biggest littlest cruiser I ever saw, and watching you drive it through the chop really proves that hull shape. A totally flat bottomed shanty boat couldn't do that. I hope I get to see this legendary craft in person someday.

[@roydesignedthat]

Thanks Noisepuppet for the high praise! Yes DIANNE'S ROSE has proven very it's self as being very good in even rough conditions. Just a note that the hull is not just a flat bottom but is a bit more refined with only the mid section (4') as a flat run but rising to the bow with a curve. The side 24" on either side of the 4' actually "V"s up to the waterline on the hull's sides! It mimics an arched hull from side to side! This is one reason she handles the swells so well. The other is her short hull actually rises and falls with the waves, rather than hitting two wave sets at once! Best/Roy

[@matthewloeffler5846]

Beautiful

[@roydesignedthat]

Thabks Matthew!

[@WillaPowellGraceInTheWild]

From your commentary about a larger boat, I can now see that you’ve had a concept in search of an customer for a while now! We were destined to find each other!

[@roydesignedthat]

I thinks so too as many of your ideas are ones I've wanted to work on and am doing in the Mini Di! Insulated walls and toilet cupboard as examples. Other's are of course are incorporated in DR. Look forward to continue our chats Willa! BestRoy

[@jimflanagan6029]

Great job . Awesome little craft you have . Happy Boating.

[@roydesignedthat]

Thanks Jim!

[@uthermaceanruig5098]

I’ve been very seriously considering building a version of Roy’s design. After researching other designs I can find that are similar... I continually come back to Roy’s design as I believe it offers the strongest bottom strength of any plywood design I’ve seen. And I like the closed fore and aft decks. It assures that you have the buoyancy required to navigate rough water if you have the wherewithal to attempt it. Or, like me, you are more likely to be caught in changing weather conditions. I’m still doing my research but I have yet to find a stronger, more buoyant design that also offers the ability to prefab most of the build in my garage before final assembly. In my honest opinion, Roy really hit a home run with this design.

[@roydesignedthat]

Thanks so much Uther! We are very happy with her and are getting great reviews from other builders! Joanne and Tony are now cruising the Murray River with theirs and are very pleased with tracking and efficiency underway not to mention the comfort level! Thanks again a few kind words helps me stay motivated! All the best to you and your family as well!

[@brettfrancis8370]

Thanks for the tour

[@roydesignedthat]

Most welcome Brett!

[@tomcop668]

Really nice video and boat. The 22 foot design sounds intriguing.

[@roydesignedthat]

Thanks Tom!

[@roydesignedthat]

Yes I have a couple napkin sketches of the 22', nothing presentable but I have it all thought out in my head and wished I had the time and resources to build it! A Model may be the answer...Best/Roy

[@lynnkinsman2325]

Love you houseboat!

[@roydesignedthat]

Thanks Lynn!

[@roamer3727]

excellent video and very informative...….thankyou

[@roydesignedthat]

Most welcome Roamer!

[@clintonbeckway4171]

Thank you very nice tour!

[@roydesignedthat]

You're welcome Clinton!

[@cruisingjacksonrose7008]

Very cool!

[@RobMacKendrick]

Great tour, Roy! So many questions answered here.

[@roydesignedthat]

Thanks Rob!

[@kevinburgess6112]

i enjoyed the video, i got a chuckle out of the snoring clip lol,nice job on the boat as well

[@roydesignedthat]

Thanks Kevin! Ya, Di gets me snoring but if I ever got her!!! Lol!

[@captlarry-3525]

I think your "teak" wheel is maple ! I have become a great believer in the push-pull type steering cable.. seem to never fail, or need to be messed with. My motorsailer has one, and it is plenty sensitive enough for sailing . Crowding the cleats is quite unfortunate.. keeping a kedge anchor ready in the stern important cheap insurance.. as it will always allow you to hold your position, rather than getting deeper into a bad one.. and one can even heave a small anchor.. to work you back where you wanted to be . Love the boat.. tons of great details and craftsmanship !

[@roydesignedthat]

Thanks Capt Larry! We enjoy her and I'm glad you like! I was thinking early on of a push pull stick steering! My thinking was with an extension I could stand on deck and steer (kill line in hand!). The wheel is Teak, I'm an industrial woodworker by trade, if you saw it up close you'd see it for yourself. Take care/Best/Roy

[@stefantwotimes]

Thanks so much for the info,,one thing my friend how is a boat specialist says to get the moast out of the boatmototor is that the sheddan we say in Sweden should sit 2 cm down of the akterbottom,,hope you understand what i mean ,haha,:-)So if you raise the engine a little bit so it is 2 cm from the shed to the boat on your boat then it will be better effect and gasoline consumption and speed + that you can go in shallower places. ok, thanks Roy.:-)

[@roydesignedthat]

Thanks Inge for the info. I will consider your idea! Best/Roy

[@Mandurath]

Such a well done boat. Have you considered a porch that was hinged at the cabin? Prop it up, and you have a covered porch. Drop it down and it protects the front of the cabin when being trailered.

[@roydesignedthat]

Thanks Mandurath, you have a good idea! I do have a ply shield for going on the highway. Best/Roy

[@smausy]

Love it! I want the plans for the 22 foot RV/home on the water!

[@roydesignedthat]

We have a build group on Facebook with over 100 members, many building longer versions! 22' is a common upsizing, which is easy to do with the build plans Smausy! Info from RoyDesignedThat.com (an older website, formats best on a lap or desktop to view slide shows, etc.) BestRoy

[@WillaPowellGraceInTheWild]

RE: storage under the deck and difficult reaches: One tiny home video I saw had a reach problem with under-bed storage only accessible from the foot. Containers were linked together like railroad cars. As you pull one out the others follow. The first can be unlinked and set aside, etc., then linked together again before stowing again.

[@roydesignedthat]

In the center aisle a long drawer that the leading edge doubles as a step for the entry would work . The sides can have a similar idea or left open with bins as we have. Long items like beach umbrellas, camp chairs, etc. always need an easy place to toss! BestRoy

[@WillaPowellGraceInTheWild]

Accessing under couch storage... you commented that lid can feel heavy after a bit. If, instead of hinging it at the back, each half had half-lids that hinged fore and aft (left and right as you access it) the weight is cut in half...

[@roydesignedthat]

My thinking.was.that.there is. O.need.for.lids.at.all.if.the seat.cushions are backed.with 1/2 ply. Just lift the cushion saves weight and complication. Some add drawers.bud I'm not as keen on this as it added.weight, time to build and reduces true storage.volume. Di.and.I can stuff one.storage area full with blankets and quilts. It would not fit.in a drawer.

[@stefantwotimes]

Realy good info Roy , Thanks from Sweden :-) say hallo tho your wife!

[@roydesignedthat]

Just found your comment! Thanks so much and I will say hi to Di!!! Best/Roy

[@johngungortekin453]

👍👍

[@phishermonjon]

Hey Roy sorry I haven't been able to e-mail you back, been sidetracked with a new project. Found a 28 foot bertram for a crazy low price! Couldn't pass up this offer. A little to wide and heavy for long distance trailering. But I think it's the right size for me. Still want to go cross country with one of your boats but it's gonna have to be latter. Sorry Roy

[@roydesignedthat]

No worries John! Glad you found something! Now get to work! Lol! Take care and best of luck with your new boat!

[@shanebeaudrot777]

You have built your self a exceptionally, beautiful boat! However, if I were D, I would drown you the moment you start snoring. Lol!

[@roydesignedthat]

Thanks Shane!

[@captlarry-3525]

You were right not to build a well deck.. which is a hazard in any small boat likely to take water over the bow.. and difficult to make and keep water tight. I believe dynel cloth in epoxy is the preferred way to glass over wood.

[@roydesignedthat]

I hear good things about Dynel but never have used it. The fiberglass I did use seems to be holding up well.

[@Technocrat.]

wish these videos were in 1080p

[@roydesignedthat]

Fair V'ger, I did record in 1080P but when processing the vid, KZbin down grades it! Too bad as I don't have better 4k cameras. Sorry... BestRoy

[@user-heieodors]

Что нам стоит дом построить ! Нарисуем - будем жить ! 👍

[@roydesignedthat]

The cost can vary of course but our build cost about $4500 CAD. BestRoy

[@dngoodchild]

Your two-burner stove; is that an Origo? I have recently completed a 24 foot houseboat similar to Dianne's rose and plan to use an Origo 2-burner to back up the microwave.

[@roydesignedthat]

Yes an ORIGO 4000...I salvaged it from a boat build, a Bolger Martha Jane that the builder passed away and it had been left untarped for three years. The daughter was kind enough let me strip it after I gave my assessment that it could not be salved. The stove was still wrapped in decayed plastic still in a locker with boxes of hardware. She also gave me brand new sails for a future boat! Very kind of her!

[@JohnBraman413]

you gonna add that 22' blueprint to the website?

[@roydesignedthat]

I was all set up to build it, even bought a large trailer for it to go on and my hip surgery got bumped up the day after I bought it! I designed CROW as a recovery project and in that time found the folks who picked up plans had no trouble extending the boat. We have a few builds over 20', one 24". As the hull is the same profile from 4' back of the bow to the stern, it is as simple as adding a frame or two and then deciding where you want the added space! Cabin/ Decks/Etc. If I were to do it, I'd go with a lower "doghouse" on the rear as we have all we need in our Rose for comfort but a berth/dinette with just sitting headroom allows an outdoor deck to be arranged above! This patio would not add hieght to the boat like most houseboat roof top decks do! It's worked out in my head John but life threw a curve ball! All the BestRoy

[@matthewgilmore5307]

you could put 2 solar panels on the roof !?

[@roydesignedthat]

I had planned to but our 9.8hp outboard has a, alternator that has been enough to charge our simple system! I am looking to get a 12volt cooler, though and I'm planning on adding a panel or two then! AllthebestRoy

[@captlarry-3525]

Too cool Roy ! All and all,, I love it. I feel that not having a real working aft deck, from which you can moor, anchor, work on the motor, and etc is a mistake from a boat handling / safety perspective. This is entirely due to the propane boxes. Over time, you may come to feel the same way. Some kind of a windlass can allow you to extract yourself from the kind of bad grounding ( the stump) of course the structure has to be there to mount and take the load. A small bronze Plath or copy would work fine. The Cable Car Roof ( I;m from California) is unique.. and besides being pretty, works well !

[@roydesignedthat]

I might consider adding another foot to the the boat's length if building again, 6" to the aft deck, the other 6" to the head and kitchen counter but she works well as is so I'm not disappointed! Other's have added length in their builds, easy to do. With the handle on the roof I can move around on the back deck quite well but I didn't realize the size my gas boxes (doubles as seats for fishing) would need to be for the tanks. We carry no propane but for the small canisters to cook ashore, our stove is an alcohol stove, much safer! I also carry a long funnel to transfer fuel from the two spare 20 L cans to the main 23 L can, Not spilt to date but I know one should fill cans ashore but it is not really practical! After the stump incident I realized if I'd have taken a line from the bow, wrapping the stump, the boat we would have been able to be pulled off. We rarely anchor out, most times the boat is just pulled up to shore in a quiet cove so have not considered a winch. Not a bad idea though! Best/Roy

[@thomasritter3159]

If you don't want to go longer with the haul itself you could go with what they call fantails on the back. In fact it would not be a complicated matter to add fantails to your existing vessel.

[@roydesignedthat]

A good idea Thomas as they could double as boarding steps when swimming could add another step part way up.

[@jamescumbridge7772]

Can this boat be built in 24 or 26 foot

[@roydesignedthat]

Yes James, it can be built longer as the hull form is the same shape from 4' of the bow to the stern! It is as easy as adding extra frame sets asneeded and then deciding where you want the space, canin or deck or a bit of each. We have had one 24' build to date with most builders choosing to build in the 18 to 20' range or of course the original 17' like ours. There is a lot to be said for keeping it small as we can travel long distances trailering once to Texas! Also on the water we are very manuverable and this allows us to find shelter where others cannot! BestRoy

[@jeffdemme3656]

How does she handle chop? Georgian bay looks pretty big. I would like to build one or similar, but want to venture off shore in Gulf of Mexico. In fair weather, of course.

[@roydesignedthat]

You would be impressed how well she does. Built strong and with the bottom shape having "V" sections, the boat handles rough water surprisingly well. Many have been surprised! I have a few videos showing this... type "tough water" and search my channel. Best/Roy

[@jeffdemme3656]

@@roydesignedthat What speed to you make with the 9.9? It looks like you are moving along quite well, even in the rough water. This might work for us. I don't want a speed boat, but I was wondering how she would do with a 20-25 EFI four stroke. Nice and quiet and some reserve power. Maybe stretch her to 20'.

[@roydesignedthat]

@@jeffdemme3656 We move at about 6 mph at 3/4 throttle! A comfortable speed with great fuel economy! It is enough!!!

[@terrywarburton6119]

Every boat is a "foot too short"!

[@roydesignedthat]

So true Terry!

[@geraldus1rex]

Why the propane

[@roydesignedthat]

Hi JS, we carry small propane because we often cook ashore with a single burner stove. Inside the boat I prefer our alcohol stove. I think it is safer but that is coming from a guy with a woodstove in a wooden boat! Lol!

[@joelmccall5665]

would 4 hp power a big house boat in good conditions

[@roydesignedthat]

While a 4 hp would move the boat in most conditions Joel, I feel a 9.9 hp four stroke " high thrust" motor is the right choice. If wanting more push the boat can handle up to 50 hp but this is stepping away from the intent of the design. A 25 hp may be something I'd feel more comfortable with! Best/Roy

[@joelmccall5665]

yeh righto, cheers mate

[@GorillaCookies]

Surplus power above low rpm cruising speed is mandatory. Safety is the #1 priority and not having enough power for a " Comfortable " cruising speed that uses less than 2/3 of available WOT power is unsafe and absolutely irresponsible. Propulsion Power is directly responsible for a boats maneuverability as well as propulsion. A boat lacking enough power to immediately maneuver around or move out of the way of something or someone that is a threat to the safety of a vessel and its occupants is a boat that should never see water . And while I definitely like this boat and its design and style it's absolutely under powered and unsafe simply for that reason . A 9.9 hp outboard is the minimal power for safe propulsion needed with a 12 ft aluminum fishing boat with a maximum additional weight of 350 lbs max . Thats both passengers and gear. This boat neeads at least a 35 hp outboard with the correct propeller for the additional weight of 2 adults and all the added gear and other things shown in the videos ive seen . And 35 hp would be the minimum not the ideal . A 50 hp would be ideal. Having "Surplus. Propulsion Power " is mandatory ....Being able to propell it at 3 or 4 mph at WOT and turn either direction is not enough. Being able to reverse the boats direction from comfortable cruising speed using either a shift to reverse gear and throttle increase or by throttle increase and using the available surplus power above cruising speed rpm to complete a 180° change in direction in no more then 1.5 times total length of the boat before a 180° change in direction has been completed is safety minimum. Rough water , head winds , other vessels and suprise obstacles all require surplus propulsion power to safely deal with . Boats dont have brakes . Boats dont coast. Boats always travel uphill meaning they constantly require a push. So the requirement for quick maneuvering and fast momentum reversals are absolutely non negotiable and require significant surplus propulsion power ! This boat is unsafe and the opinion of its designer and builder that it doesn't require the Surplus Power offered by more then a 25 hp is what makes this boat unsafe. Safe Boat building and design require lots knowledge , Experience and paying attention to details . Being a carpenter or craftsman is one thing . Being a Boat designer and builder is a completely different thing. Ive been building custom boats since late 80's and custom hulled trailerable houseboats since the mid 90s. And this boat is grossly underpowered

[@ОлегКосоня]

Привет. Классная лодка ! Хочу себе такую построить . Поможешь советом ?

[@roydesignedthat]

Visit ... RoyDesignedThat.com .... for information...

[@GorillaCookies]

A 50 hp 4 stroke outboard engine would be perfect for this boat. More than enough power to operate this boat in any conditions its ever going to encounter. Being able to have surplus propulsion power above a comfortable cruising speed is mandatory for safety, economy and maneuverability.

[@roydesignedthat]

This thinking is ignoring the cost of added weight of big motor and fuel needed to feed the beast! And there is nothing mandatory for safety at all, the idea that less power is "unsafe" is simply wrong! That logic would have every sailboat needing to get up on plane and we both know it simply ain't so! Nothing economic either about over powering a boat meant to cruise at 6 mph in a displacement mode! We camp cruise for a couple of weeks at a time and see a 100 miles under our keel and don't fill $100 but closer to $60! Drawing just 6" (because our boat is light) has us in safe sheltered cove every night (few can get in where we can), while the storm rages out where the big boats get rocked with heavy motors as they must anchor in deeper more exposed water! If 6 mph is a good speed for a sailboat how is it unsafe for a tiny houseboat? DIANNE'S ROSE has a planing hull form and could run with a 50 hp if choosing to go fast when conditions allow but be careful not to dismiss low power! The design has proven to be more than capable in rough windy conditions! I don't object to more power but do strongly object with the thinking that less is somehow not workable, "unsafe" or would be the cause of a lack of maneuverability and that more is absolutely "mandatory"! It is NOT!!! A look closer at all our videos, so clearly proves this assessment as uninformed! Sorry if I seem harsh but I am very well informed and know DIANNE'S ROSE better than this! Best/Roy

[@gregmattox]

@@roydesignedthat the boat performed beautifully in the river recovery incident with a strong current.

[@roydesignedthat]

@@gregmattox Thanks Gregg, as you've seen, some can only imagine "go fast" boats, We are were we want to be and am in no hurry but find we arrive at our destination in good time having enjoyed the scenery along the way rather than it being a blur! Lol!

[@chrisowen2703]

This boat is designed for sheltered inland waters, putting a 50hp o/b on the back would be crazy and potentially very dangerous!

[@rexeverything4578]

$50 buck reverse camera would be better than that shitty mirror