Your Basic Scow

[Kermit]

I didn't know George had it in him. Tempting...

http://www.georgebuehler.com/Rufus.html

[Steve Paskey]

If you haven't seen this, Jeff, have a look at the Atkin Huskie:

http://www.boat-links.com/Atkinco/Utilities/images/Huskie-3.gif

http://www.boat-links.com/Atkinco/Utilities/Huskie.html

She's much smaller than Rufus (17'-6' long), but the basic shape is exactly the sort of thing you suggest.

[PeterSibley]

Or of course you could add a stern wheel and cabin and end up with..................
http://www.boat-links.com/Atkinco/Misc/LadyOfTheLake.html

"The Lady of the Lake"...:):) She really is lovely ! Wouldn't be hard to build either.