Authentic sea-craft still in service?

[Eric Burke]

I'm interested in the possibilities of finding a period steamboat/flatboat/or any other type of river craft of the mid-Nineteenth century that is still floating/in servicable condition (Steamboat Arabia doesn't count). If not, how difficult would some of these be to reconstruct authentically?

Kind of a broad topic/question, I know ... but it interests me greatly, as I think a steamboat ride down the Mississippi on a boat full of campaigners would be one heck of an immersion experience!

[Vuhginyuh]

Re: Authentic sea-craft still in service?

I'm interested in the possibilities of finding a period steamboat/flatboat/or any other type of river craft of the mid-Nineteenth century that is still floating/in servicable condition (Steamboat Arabia doesn't count). If not, how difficult would some of these be to reconstruct authentically?

Kind of a broad topic/question, I know ... but it interests me greatly, as I think a steamboat ride down the Mississippi on a boat full of campaigners would be one heck of an immersion experience!

Eric, look at this page. There are pictures of a working replica of Cushing's motor launch he sank the Albemarle with.

http://www.livinghistoryweekend.com/Launch.htm

I have absolutely no knowlege of this event, the organizers or the partcipants. Im not even sure of the materials and processes used to complete it, but this is one damn fine boat on the surface..

[ANDY DANISH]

Re: Authentic sea-craft still in service?

Check with Tidewater.
They may be able to help.

http://tmlha.exis.net/