I wouldn't say "asymmetrical" so much as "complimentary". I have apologized to Steve and his wife for screwing up his life twelve or so years back, when I lent him a copy of The Steam Launch , thinking that he would find it mildly interesting. Little did I know that he would come by a couple of week...

She ran and steamed well. Flank speed achieved was 6.5 mph.

Next stop, Mystic!

Hi all. Mr. Weaver is too busy dealing with last minute cosmetic details for the WoodenBoat Show to post, but gave me permission to do so in his stead. On May 26th, his launch Iona made her maiden voyage/test run on Blue Marsh Reservoir, just north of Reading, PA. I was privileged to go along as the...

I don't suppose that we can talk you into installing two engines so as to duplicate a Thames paddle tug... That turning in your own length deal is a pretty good trick!

Welcome aboard! Stuart engines have a lot to recommend them, but since you mentioned scratch building, you might buy this book The Steam Engines of Ray Hasbrouck . It is also available on Amazon. Ray was an excellent craftsman, and his engines are designed to be built completely from bar stock, with...

Welcome aboard Curt! I believe that you will find steamboating a most rewarding hobby. Unlike traction engines or live steam railroading which tend to only operate on club grounds, you are only restricted to where you can find water to float the keel, and are thus free to travel miles in the directi...

New valve assembly

Balancing piston

Valve installed and set

The original low-pressure slide valve in my launch engine needed to be replaced this spring due to heavy wear in the cast in T-slot that connects it to the valve stem, so I hogged the new one from G2 cast iron plate, and to assist with potential wear on the bottom faces of the T-slot, I made those p...

Coal burners as well. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall when the newly assigned black gang walked into the fire rooms for the first time. These would be a great way to win a bet. All you have to do is to make a statement about the US Navy's coalburning, side wheel aircraft carriers...