What is this?

[Matt Middleton]

It claims to be a "reproduction," but my question is, of what?

boat pics (http://www.yachtworld.com/broker/br_listing_detail_handler.jsp?company=projectboats&boat_id=869808&units=Feet&currency=&listing_id=&page=broker&mls_true=)

http://images.yachtworld.com/8/6/9/869808_1_thumb.jpg

[Jon R]

Looks like some weird cross between a Victoria horbor shuttle and something Jay Benford might produce after having a nightmare

Jon

[A. Mason]

The genre is "houseboat" but who designed it and when I haven't been able to locate. I do know many designers tried their hand at houseboats, including my father.

In the case of my father, none of his look anything like a typical boxy houseboat. One looks more like a 1920s cruiser, one has a somewhat bizarre futuristic look [ala 1950s], and one looks more like a trawler.

The same is true of a number of the other designer's houseboat ideas. I came across a picture of one that looks like a tiny stern wheeler, complete with pilot house and smoke stacks.

If the broker is calling it a "classic reproduction" then he ought to know who designed the original and when.

One thing is certain, houseboat designs over the decades have sometimes taken some strange innovations.

Anita

[ken mcclure]

Looks a bit like a Jay Benford design.

[WFK]

it has Benford written all over it

[Buddy Sharpton]

More like a Benford wannabe. Wouldn't think the clunky construction details should be attributed to him. He's a lot more flowing and traditional, yet using panel materials, not a stick built boat like this. Looks like a house carpenters "solution" more than a marine architect. Certainly not a reproduction of a authentic type.

[A. Mason]

Jay Benford and the Benford Design Group have a whole line of what they dall "Ferry Yachts" or "Friday Harbor Ferry" designs. According to the plan book I have, the Ferry Yachts are detailed in their book "Small Ships." The small study plans I've been looking at definitely have a similar appearance to the photo.

I haven't a clue where they get the idea that it is a "classic reproduction" when the original plans are still available. Strange.

Anita

[Ian McColgin]

Marketing department . . .

[Dave Fleming]

Salesman's ignorance and bull shite, Anita. :D