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| The 21st Century Houseboat: New use for an old idea The houseboat has existed for thousands of years in cultures all over the world. While today we associate living on the water as a perogative of the wealthy, for much of human history it was home to the working people. In this new incarnation I do NOT suggest that houseboats be used as a waterfront ghetto to inexpensively house the poor. In fact, what I suggest is the philosophical opposite. The 21st Century Houseboat can provide both environmentally friendly housing and economic empowerment. The basic design is made from industrial forms, such as EMT and laminated PVC materials. Flotation is from recycled 55 gallon PVC barrels. The entire structure can be built by competent do-it-yourselfers. Each houseboat is 40x40 initially, but they can be expanded over time. The wind driven rotor works in light winds and can provide light and heat. Winds are usually much more available along bodies of water. Modern materials possess what would have been considered miraculous properties a generation ago. Materials such as Reflectix are unaffected by moisture and reflect 98% of the thermal energy striking them. In spite of the location, the houseboat would be warm and dry even during harsh winter weather. The water itself is Nature?s air conditioner. There are plastic films such as TEFZEL, that are stronger than steel. Cell phones and computers assure the residents are as accessible as anyone. Today, our imagination is more of a limit than our technology. Once launched into a sheltered body of water like a bay, lake or river, the houseboat can provide comfortable quarters for a family. Additionally, they can provide income in two different ways. First, an additional unit is constructed. This however, is not a residence, but a hydroponic farm. The family can grow fish, clams, fruits, vegetables and herbs twelve months a year. A portion can be used for their own table, while the rest can be sold as certified organic produce. For the slightly more adventurous, the second module is used to produce synfuels. Water is electrolocized into hydrogen and oxygen. These are recombined with carbon, in a 19th Century process, to produce alcohol, a very clean fuel. Groups of houseboaters can market the fuel to local users for home heating, or as a motor fuel. In our modern world, it is not out of line to say there are virtually no jobs left capable of supporting a family, providing food, health care, schooling and recreation that does not require some advanced training. Yet we still have unskilled workers. These are hard working, industrious people being left behind because they lack technical skills. They have dreams, too. It would be the reaffirmation of the American Dream if anyone who put in a good week?s work could expect to provide a secure home and future for their children. I believe the 21st Century houseboat concept would allow these people to make their own way in the world, in a manner they can be proud of. The fuel or foods they produce would be a benefit to the both the local environment and economy. Their way of life would serve as model for others. Rudolph Behrens December 1, 2001 [email protected] |