How about a houseboat that’s a steamboat?

How about a houseboat that's a steamboat?

Did you say “steamboat?” Yes, an actual steamboat! It’s Bruce Benton’s sternwheel paddleboat the “Taste of Being.” When was the last time you saw something like this (if ever)?

It’s a 40 foot long trailerable steamboat.

According to Benton:

“She’s plywood with 2-3 layers of fiberglass, a 40 hp Westerbeke diesel 12.7 KVD gen-set with hydraulic pump on front. Hyd. “motor on wheel,” 30 rpm., 8-1/2 in. draft at stern. Six bunks, head, galley, refrigerator/freezer and apartment-sized 4 burner 220v range with oven.”

He bought this unit originally from a Canadian Boat Buyer type ad after flying up to Edmonton, AB to make the purchase. Then he did a bunch of work to make it sea worthy (it was originally outfitted for freshwater).

Would you believe this is his first fully constructed boat?

Check out the gallery of photos below (all images on our site are expandable, even the featured images at the top of most articles).

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