Steaming in the 21st Century

[fredrosse]

Boating has a special appeal to those of us who want to get away from the well traveled paths of more common endeavors. The appeal of being on the water, getting away from the more common recreational pursuits found in today's society has much to attract our attention. Boating has great appeal based on these merits.
Within the realm of boating, three general categories of boating may be found. Motorboats probably have the larger fraction of the activity, and allow rapid travel to various pursuits, especially sport fishing. However motorboats have noise and vibration, which can detract from the experience of relaxation. I have had several internal combustion motor propelled boats, quite a bit of fun, but in my view less relaxing. Sailing follows as an excellent way to spend leisure time away from the crowded environment of today’s world, with general silence in running, and little environmental impact. Of course, sailing has the requirement of special skills, and travel is entirely at the mercy of the wind, which can range from downright boring, all the way to terrifying. Another category is the relatively relaxed travel at displacement speeds, with virtually silent propulsion, and full travel control, found with electric launches, and, of course, steamboats. This category of leisurely cruising on the water has the greater appeal for many who wish to have a reliable path that gets one away from the crowd.
Electric launches have experienced a recent rise in popularity, and are generally expensive, with very limited range on battery power, and long recharge times. They do however meet the appeal of getting away from the crowd without the issues associated with motorboats and sailboats.
As to steamboats, we often have the best of all possibilities with those of us who have at least a moderate understanding of mechanics, and want to enjoy the waterways in a more relaxed manner than available with alternate propulsion. The realm of modern steamboats cover a very wide range of options, including elegant replicas (or restored originals) of late 19th century masterpieces, to simple converted sailboat hulls powered by simple IC engine conversions to steamers at minimum cost. The wide range of options for steamers allows a relative novice to get onto the water, without the noise and difficulties of other options, with minimum difficulty. On this forum you can find answers to all your questions about getting on a steamer, and new people here are always welcome.

MARGARET S FLANK.jpg (106.55 KiB) Viewed 11516 times

[TahoeSteam]

That is a good argument in favour of steam and a good introduction Fred.

[William Tell]

Le problème est que l'âge des propriétaires de vapeur semble grandir, et que les jeunes générations ne semblent pas s'intéresser à la navigation à la vapeur. De plus (en Suisse en tout cas) les autorités ne favorisent pas ce genre de locomotion et durcissent chaque année les réglementations.
Chez nous il aimeraient interdire les chaudières en auto-construction même si elles sont en dessous des 20lt.

The problem is that the age of steamboat owners seems to be increasing, and the younger generations don't seem interested in steamboating. Moreover (in Switzerland at least) the authorities don't encourage this type of transportation and are tightening regulations every year.
In our country, they would like to ban self-build boilers, even if they are under 20 liters.

[TahoeSteam]

Age demographic is certainly a big issue. Having more presence on social media, making it interesting and attractive for younger folks is important. Access to the machinery to make, and knowledge for building one(other than just books) is important. It is necessary to progress in some fields for the advancement, or at least sustainment, of the hobby. Toot the whistle, wave at families, invite them out for a ride. Have a handout (or QR code!) with resources and links already listed.

It's necessary to keep up with legislation coming down the line, and organize with our respective groups to lobby and prevent unnecessary tightening of laws and regulations. Have there been incidents in Switzerland where someone was hurt due to home made boilers, or do you think it is a push by commercial boiler makers to corner the market?

[William Tell]

Tout ceci est vrais, c'est à nous de nous faire connaitre et de passer le flambeau.

Pour la législation en Suisse nous avons un problème, notre état ne supporte pas "le flou artistique" en matière de lois, il faut tout légiférer! Et surtout plus durement que nos voisins. Pour répondre à ta question : non il n'y a pas eu d'accident avec des bateaux vapeur amateurs et nous n'en avons pas non plus des centaines, mais apparemment nous leur posons des problèmes. Nous n'avons pas non plus de lobby de constructeurs de chaudières qui feraient pression, ce serait plutôt bien, cela signifierai que nous ayons des constructeurs!

All this is true; it's up to us to make ourselves known and pass the torch.

We have a problem with legislation in Switzerland. Our state doesn't tolerate vagueness when it comes to laws. Everything must be legislated! And especially more strictly than our neighbors. To answer your question: no, there haven't been any accidents involving amateur steamboats, and we don't have hundreds of them either, but apparently we're causing them problems. We also don't have a lobby of boiler manufacturers exerting pressure; that would be quite good; it would mean we have manufacturers!