Airstream houseboat

[NorCal Bambi]

What happens when you cross a Volkswagon Beetle with an Airstream?

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by yukionna

Now that is one scary photo! I've seen that photo before...I think it is from the Capetown to Cairo caravan.

Actually, this particular photo is from the Around the World Caravan form 1963-64. It was taken crossing a narrow bay near Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia. And this is a 26' trailer. According to the book Thank You Marco Polo the 30' trailers hung over even more.

The actual trailer and truck from this photo were for sale on eBay a few months ago (or so the claim was). I never heard if this claim was substantiated by anyone other than the seller. It would have been a neat rig to buy and research further, but it was too far away from me to seriously consider.

However, there were similar river crossings on the 1959-60 Capetown to Cairo Caravan, too.

[yukionna]

Originally Posted by 66Overlander

Actually, this particular photo is from the Around the World Caravan form 1963-64. It was taken crossing a narrow bay near Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia. And this is a 26' trailer...

Thanks for the clarification. I can't tell from the photo, but are those two boats lashed together? If so, I'm assuming there is a platform stretched across them for the tv & rig. Either way...I still say it's scary!

[peegreen]

Why a house boat? Just add a snorkel and periscope; ballast tanks are already built in. Go under, run silent, run deep. I will tell Brian, and suggest adding additional padding to the walls of the '54.

[rebfa]

Originally Posted by RedSHED

There is a tour company that loads RV's onto barges and goes on a long trip down the Mississippi (and other waterways). My mother and her husband did that trip a few years ago with their fifth wheel. They absolutely LOVED it. They often used Creative World Tours (RV tours) though I'm not 100% positive that was the company who did the barge trip. If this is new info to you and you'd like to know the name of the company, I'll ask.

A cruise down the Mississippi would be fun as would an Amazon boat cruise!

[Minnie's Mate]

Originally Posted by NorCal Bambi

What happens when you cross a Volkswagon Beetle with an Airstream?

I'm afraid to ask.

[rebfa]

Originally Posted by NorCal Bambi

What happens when you cross a Volkswagon Beetle with an Airstream?

You get a convertible Airstream? (assuming the "cross" is with a convertible VW)

[A-Merry-Can]

ok, i've come to my senses...

... when will the rest of you????



jp

[NorCal Bambi]

What you get is an Airstream that floats, Volkswagon use to have an ad where a VW Bug drives off in a lake and it floats.
Don

[Minnie's Mate]

Originally Posted by NorCal Bambi

What you get is an Airstream that floats, Volkswagon use to have an ad where a VW Bug drives off in a lake and it floats.
Don

Yes, I remember those ads.

If the father is named Herbie, you will get an Argosy that will help you out of life's rough spots and tow itself!

[malconium]

I must admit that I have given some thought to the idea of mounting an Airstream to a set of aluminum pontoons. Then again no one has ever accused me of being conventional.

I did a little research and found that there are companies that make aluminum pontoons in a wide variety of sizes up to something in the range of 60' long if I remember correctly. If anyone happens to be interested take a look at the following wib sites for inspiration:

http://www.pithpontoons.com/
http://www.tackle-by-dy.com/pontoon%20boat%20kits.htm

All you have to do is decide how big you want the overall platform to be and how much weight you want to handle to select the correct pontoons. Of course using aluminum pontoons makes all kinds of sense in light of the fact that our Airstreams are mostly aluminum too. It seems like it should be possible to design a version that would let the Airstream be removable if you wanted to. As I recall, though, I did a calculation and found that I could buy a set of pontoons that would carry the gross vehicle weight of my AS for not a whole lot more than what I had to pay for my new axles plus the price of the new wheels and tires that I am going to have to buy when it is finally road worthy.

Malcolm

[CanoeStream]

Originally Posted by Gen Disarray

Oh the humanity

Okay Rodney, I'm not quick on the draw, but ... That's why they call this the Off Topic forum!

[HHP]

If brand X can do it, so could we!

[markdoane]

I hope that red thing on top is a loveseat, and not a homemade blackwater tank.

[A-Merry-Can]

awesome! ok, somebody just MAKE one, already!!

jp

[Babeebloos]

It's only a matter of time...whoever designs and builds the perfect little raft/pontoon/wheelski water adapter will be a millionaire!
Every great idea was first met with skepticism...progress will prevail.

You can put my name on the list of very interested buyers!

Debs

"Seriously"

[NorCal Bambi]

After reading this thread this is what poped into my mind. So I spent a good part of today puting it together.

[safari57]

Originally Posted by NorCal Bambi

After reading this thread this is what poped into my mind. So I spent a good part of today puting it together.

Ahoy, there, Cap'n Highliner, or is that shineliner? Permission to come aboard and take a more detailed look. The old creative juices were obviously at work today. One has to wonder what the regatta crowd would think if this sailed past.

Barry

[GreatPumpkin]

Originally Posted by NorCal Bambi

After reading this thread this is what poped into my mind. So I spent a good part of today puting it together.

Don, The picture, or the actual prototype?

[A-Merry-Can]

ah yes... the S.S. Floating Cloud sets sail.....



jp