riverboat type

The Best River Boats In 6 Separate Categories

Whether it’s for sports or for recreation, navigating shallow rivers requires a specific type of boat. Riverboats are specifically designed to navigate both the deep and shallow areas of rivers, creeks, lakes and artificial waterways like canals. If you are a lover of river boating but unsure which particular boat you need then this guide will help you decide on the best river boat for you. We help you find the best river boats to buy that are actually a good fit for you.

How To Find The Best River Boat For Your Specific Needs

A word about how we picked the best boat for river fishing, 1. best small river boat for fishing, 2. best large river boat for fishing – we have 2 great picks for you, 3. best shallow water river boat for hunting, 4. best river boat for utility work, 5. best river boat for leisure, 6. best shallow water river boat for rocky bottoms, closing thoughts: the best river boats from fishing & hunting to leisure.

The best shallow river boat for you will depend on the activities you plan to engage in on the water.

Although all river boats will have a shallow draft there are different boat designs that suit different activities. For example, the best shallow river boat for fishing may not be the best boat for leisure or hunting.

The best shallow water river boats are Jon boats and skiffs.

In my opinion (and the opinion of many others) the best shallow water river boat is a Jon boat, hands down. A Jon boat is also the best boat for a creek.

Below I have picked the best shallow river boats for 6 specific activities.

These river boats fit into the following 6 categories:

Best small river boat for fishing.
Best large river boat for fishing.
Best river boat for hunting.
Best river boat for utility work.
Best river boat for leisure.
Best river boat for rocky bottoms.

The 6 Best River Boats Based On Use. From Fishing & Hunting To Leisure

Something you should consider before you ever look at a river boat purchase is, the best boats for rivers always have a shallow draft.

As rivers almost always have areas with very shallow water you need a boat with a flat bottom that is capable of being used in skinny water.

Flat bottom river boats also offer superior stability on calm inland waters. They thus make excellent fishing and hunting vessels because you can freely walk on the deck without any lose of stability.

Below I cover the best river boats in the 6 categories listed above.

We have divided the best boat for river fishing into 2 categories – large and small

When it comes to fishing in the shallows, some boats are better than others by design.

Some take the capability of shallow water navigation to extremes and professional anglers can tell you that there are boats that can float on water surfaces which are only a few inches deep, like a Jon boat .

The best river fishing boat that can be used for a multitude of other water based activities is of course the Jon boat.

Jon boats are by far the best shallow water personal watercraft that you can buy because they are versatile, easily customized and they are cheap. For a full rundown of what a Jon boat can be used for read this article .

Jon boats are very easy to set-up for fishing and work well for shallow water bass fishing. In fact you can even convert a Jon boat into a bass boat for a fraction of the cost of buying a bass boat.

Although a Jon boat is a great choice for fishing many anglers who prefer a bigger boat, or navigate larger deeper waters that are more turbulent, will opt for a flat-bottomed skiff.

As I have covered Jon boats extensively on this website (see the articles linked to above for it’s uses as a fishing boat) I thought it best to delve into different boat types that are just as good, or almost as good, as the Jon.

One of the best river boats for deep and shallow water fishing is a flat bottomed skiff.

A technical poling skiff is a shallow water boat that is used in large water bodies when you are fishing for super sensitive fish, like bonefish or bass fish or when you are crab hunting in the shallows.

Every angler knows that there are some great fish to be found in very shallow waters but to get to them without scaring them away requires a boat with stealth.

A technical poling skiff or a Jon boat (which can be paddled, poled or even rowed ) will be a great boat for solo fishing or even for two anglers working in tandem. One angler will be poling through the shallows while the other is casting the rod towards the fish from a distance.

Using a pole to move the boat keeps noise to a minimum and also allows the boat access to much shallower waters – as the propeller from an outboard motor increases the draft of the boat.

Poling skiffs and Jon boats have good wind resistance and a low profile that also makes them less visible to the fish.

Technical poling skiffs are all about human power when fishing and your poling skills should be developed enough that you can quickly move the boat about without scaring the fish in the process.

Poling does take a little getting used to but most technical skiffs owners acquire the skill pretty quickly.

Both skiffs and Jon boats can be fitted with a fish finder .

Below are our choices for the top 3 poling skiffs for shallow water rivers based on size.

Hell’s Bay makes some of the very best small stealth skiffs for fishing in the shallows.

The Whipray

Their Whipray is a 16 foot 4″ long stealth poling skiff with a 70″ beam that performs excellently in shallow waters.

The Whipray is very easy to pole against both the wind and the tide. It handles exceptionally well even in the shallowest of waters.

It has an exceptionally shallow draft of just 3.5″ when fully fitted.

Sandy Moret described the Hell’s Bay Whipray as “the finest bonefish skiff ever made.”

This boat also offers an exceptionally smooth and fast ride at speed via its 70 HP outboard engine.

It’s pretty much a toss-up between the Beavertail Strike and the East Cape Fury.

Both of these boats are awesome and we couldn’t decide which one was better, so we included both with a quick comparison bullet list at the end to show you their strengths and weaknesses.

Beavertail Strike

For our choice of big water poling skiff we first looked to Beavertail skiffs and were not disappointed. Their 17 foot 6″ long Strike is a fantastic medium sized poling skiff with a beam of 73″.

It has a respectably shallow draft of 6″.

We love the fact that this skiff has large storage compartments. All hatches have deep gutters, are lipped and fitted with gaskets.

Its aluminum fuel tank can hold up to 20 gallons of fuel.

It has rod racks with fly rod tubes up to 10’ allowing for 4 rods per side. The anodized poling platform is sturdy.

It has flush-mounted stainless steel hardware, an 8-gallon crab well and hydraulic steering comes as standard.

The trim tabs and 4″ set back jack plate are also standard and the 15” gunnels create a very stable platform.

This skiff handles just as well in choppy waters as it does in shallow waters.

Pros of the Beavertail Strike

Much smoother ride.
Beavertail have much better customer service.
Recorded data available on the motor.
Much cheaper than the Fury even when fitted out the same.

Cons of the Beavertail Strike

Not as much storage as the Fury.

East Cape Fury Scooter

When it comes to big water fishing poling skiffs they don’t come much better than the 18 foot East Cape Fury .

The Fury has a 72″ beam and offers a real quality build.

Although the suggested outboard motor is 30 – 90 HP most Fury’s will come equipped with a 60.

It has a draft of 4”to 8” when fully rigged.

Pros of the East Cape Fury

Great deck layout.
Superior quality.
Better trailer than the Strike.
Quieter when poling.

Cons of the East Cape Fury

More expensive than the Strike.
Although East Cape state the Fury can hang a 90 it isn’t really practical to go above 70 especially if you want to keep your draft at a respectable level.

Hopefully this quick comparison between the two bigger skiffs will give you an idea of which one is the best fit for you or at least help you identify the attributes you need to look for in an alternative boat.

As a water boat hunter, exploring more and bigger hunting areas gives you an advantage and thus obviously improves your chances of success. So, for hunting you will probably need a boat that is a good water traveler. However the boat must be equally as good in shallows and in marsh areas as well as being able to offer stealth.

A good duck hunting shallow water riverboat is one that can go over any obstacle, including logs and marsh grass, while also having both speed and is easy maneuverability as well. For this type of performance you need either a standard flat-bottomed Jon boat or one with a modified v-hull .

The Excel F4 Pro Hull shallow water aluminum boat is specifically built for duck hunting though is a great shallow water all-rounder.

The F4 comes in 2 different sizes either 17 foot or 18 foot. There are currently only 2 models available but Excel Marine are in the process of rolling out 3 additional models to add to the range.

The F4 Pro Hull 17 foot has a max HP of 50 while the 18 foot is capable of hanging a 60. This is all you need to power this lightweight flat-bottomed boat.

The 18 foot has a weight capacity of 700lbs while the 17 foot has a capacity of 560 lbs.

When it comes to basic hull design both the 17 foot and 18 foot models have similar specs as follows:

Bottom: 54″.
Persons: 4.
Transom height: 20″.
Gunwale Height: 25″.
Material: Aluminum.

This boat has a variety of floor plans to choose from with the option of having a single or dual gun storage unit.

For stealth and camouflage (you can camouflage any Jon boat yourself though), you can pick different colors to match your environment.

And, when duck hunting gets monotonous, you can rely on the F4 shallow for backwater fishing as well.

A utility river boat should be able to do just about everything. It should be one that can be used in every shallow water environment be it rivers, creeks, lakes, canals or water reservoirs. As such the design should be one that highly focuses on storage, weight capacity , stability and easy maneuverability.

Utility boats have a variety of uses that go beyond water-based maintenance and which include; fishing, hunting, camping, cargo and passenger transport, as well as first responder rescue.

Although a Jon boat works exceptionally well as a utility boat, see our Jon boat buyer’s guide , a great example of a superior shallow water river utility boat is the Inlander Workboat & Barge by Elastec.

The Inlander is a hybrid boat that takes its designs from a blend of different hull types mainly from the skiff, sled , and Jon. This hybrid design makes it a great multi-purpose boat with a wide variety of unique capabilities.

This excellent river boat has a modified v-hull, and a wide stance for increased payload, along with a blunt bow and high sides.

Working off the side of the boat is easy because of the 36″ tall sides and the boat’s exceptional stability.

You get both superior comfort and high speed with this utility vessel even when compared to a flat bottom skiff or Jon boat.

The Elastec Inlander has speeds of up to 46 mph and can be paired with a mini-barge if you want more capacity. The barge is an essential cargo area that can be used to haul even the heaviest of materials.

The boat is capable of carrying an impressive 4,000 lbs.

The idea of how to have fun on the water varies from person to person. There are wave riders, anglers, and cruisers, whitewater lovers and those we prefer calm water. There are canoers , Jon boat lovers and kayak enthusiasts. So which type of boat is best for shallow river leisure use?

Well, apart from your budget, it is your passion which will determine the kind of watercraft that would suit you best.

Water sports lovers are thrilled by the speed and high-performance motorboats offer while cruising down a river for occasional fishing may require a Jon boat or flat-bottomed skiff. For leisurely cruises down a calm river, lake or even in the ocean a canoe or kayak could also be a good choice.

Although we have included a great skiff below I urge you to read the articles that look at the differences between a jon boat vs canoe and a kayak vs jon boat so you can see which one of these style of vessels is a better fit for you.

If you prefer a skiff then you’ll love our choice for best leisure shallow water river boat.

We choose the Carolina Skiff 18 JVX CC because it is built with luxury in mind, and because its 70 HP motor offers speed and just because it is a very fun boat.

Although it was designed for the angler with an economy budget it has become very popular with recreational boaters because its economy price doesn’t come at the expense of comfort.

It is 17 foot 9″ in length with a 78″ beam. It has a 4″ shallow draft so it’s perfect for shallow waters. It also has lots of storage space and a very respectable weight capacity of 1652 lbs.

The boat is very light, weighing in at only 1073 lbs, and is super easy to handle with cushioned seats that can be removed to create more space for gear.

Although Carolina Skiff claim the 18 JVX can accommodate up to 7 persons with that amount of people onboard it would be a tight squeeze even with the seats removed.

Rivers can often be quite treacherous to navigate especially if they are rocky. Not just recreational and utility boats encounter this problem but rescue boats also need to go over rocks and very shallow surfaces.

The best shallow water boat designs, therefore, are built to avoid obstacles as much as possible (by having a shallow draft ) while also being able to withstand heavy knocks on rocky surfaces. This is one reason for fitting canoes with keels .

If you like to run rivers in style then a drift boat is an excellent shallow water river boat choice.

Military grade water tech

There are very many boats that can handle sliding over rocky riverbeds and some of the best are built by ReconCraft . ReconCraft build boats for the military so you know their craft are among the best in the world.

Ok, so we’ve added this for a bit of fun as these boats are military grade and unlikely to be see any civilian use but they are just too cool not to mention. I’ve included a much more affordable option below.

However, if you have the budget and can get one of these shallow water river boats then it’d be like buying a Humvee for the water!

These extreme shallow water boats are built to be tough but lightweight enough to be able to maneuver shallow river waters and lakes with speed and ease. They can go over any shoal or rocks easily and without taking damage. Nothing can stand in the way of the reinforced aluminum on these watercraft vessels.

Cheaper alternative

If military style craft are not your bat (seriously?) or your budget is a little more realistic (more likely) then a good aluminum modified v-hull boat is what you need for shallow rocky river beds.

The River Rocket by RockProof Boats does exactly what the name of the manufacturer implies. This boat is rock proof!

This boat is a serious bit of kit as you can see from its specs below.

The River Rocket specs:

18 ft mod v-hull.
Available with 60″, 66″, or 72″ bottom.
.190 one-piece tempered aluminum hull.
.190 custom one-piece transom with a diamond plated 2 ft rear deck extension.
All welds inside and outside.
Custom center console design for weight distribution and better visibility.
¼ inch interior continuous channels running bow to stern.
5.0 ft front casting deck and 5.5 ft rear deck.
Custom designed hinged engine shroud and rear deck, bow and stern.
Stern navigational lights.
Bilge pumps.
Bow mounted trolling motor brackets.
.125” complete floor.
Six built-in pedestal seat mounts.
Helm and steering wheel.
Mercury cables and control box.
Complete with wiring and breakers.
25 gallon rear fuel tank.
RPM, Fuel and Volt gauges.
Console controlled panel switch.
Fully rigged with a 200 hp Mercury Optimax inboard sport jet.
River Rocket decals.
Built-in trolling motor and starter battery trays.
All stainless steel hardware.

Hopefully the above information will better equip you to make the best choice from the many different shallow water river boats available,

Remember that getting a good shallow water river boat will ultimately depend on how you plan to use it.

There are many different models that you can pick from with the separating factor often being your budget.

Mick McGrath

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What is a river boat?

A riverboat is a type of boat specifically designed for navigation on rivers and other inland waterways. These boats typically have a shallow draft, allowing them to navigate in rivers with varying water depths. Many riverboats feature a flat or gently sloping bottom, contributing to stability and maneuverability in river currents. They often include a wheelhouse or pilothouse, providing an enclosed space for the boat's operator to control navigation. Riverboats serve various purposes, including transporting passengers, cargo, or both, and come in different sizes and designs adapted to the specific conditions of river travel.

We started Captain Experiences to make it easy to book fishing and hunting guides around the world. With over 1,600 Damn Good Guides, our platform makes finding and booking a trip seamless. Head here to check out our trips or hit the button below.

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A History of Riverboats in Mississippi

The mighty Mississippi river stretches from Northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The second-longest river in the United States, the Mississippi is integral to the history of America — particularly in the state of Mississippi. Riverboats facilitated travel, commerce, and cultural exchange within Mississippi and beyond. Learn more about the impact of Mississippi riverboats in this post from Visit Mississippi .

Riverboats: The Early Days

While people have navigated the waters of the Mississippi River for centuries, steamboat technology was not viable until the early 1800s. The first steamboat to travel the Mississippi was the New Orleans, whose October 1811 maiden voyage began in Pittsburgh, PA, and ended in New Orleans after traveling along the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.

The New Orleans stopped in Natchez in December 1811 before continuing to its final port in New Orleans. First established by French colonists and later ruled by the Spanish, Natchez was an important center of trade and cultural exchange.

The Golden Age of the Steamboat

By the 1830s, steamboats existed all along the Mississippi River and its major tributaries. The growth of Mississippi’s riverfront communities, such as Bolivar, Commerce, and Greenville, can largely be attributed to the riverboat trade. Riverboats also brought new settlers to the state, helping to speed up agricultural development in the fertile Mississippi Delta.

Propelled by steam-driven paddle wheels, steamboats could navigate the river more quickly and effectively than barges or flatboats. They carried goods such as cotton, timber, and livestock up and down the river, expanding trade throughout the growing U.S. However, steamboats could be dangerous — the boilers used to create steam could build up too much pressure and explode. Steamboats were also susceptible to hitting obstacles such as rocks or logs, which could cause them to sink. This created a growing industry for a smaller type of riverboat called a “snagboat.” Snagboats patrolled the Mississippi River looking for tree stumps, debris, or other hazards and removing them before they damaged larger steamboats.

Wealthy Mississippians could enjoy leisure travel on a showboat — a riverboat used for theater and musical performances. Showboats were ornately decorated and would announce their arrival at a port by playing music that could be heard for miles.

Riverboats During the Civil War

During the years after Mississippi’s secession from the Union, many steamboats were used to support the Confederate Army. Riverboats carried troops, provisions, and supplies along the Mississippi during the Civil War. Demand for ships was so high that both the Union and Confederate governments chartered steamboats. Riverboats also played a role in the defense of Vicksburg, an important Confederate stronghold that connected the South to the Western states.

Gaming on the River

Riverboat gambling became popular in the early 1900s due to legislation surrounding gaming. By keeping poker, roulette, and other games of chance restricted to a riverboat, business owners could evade the anti-gambling laws that were in effect on land in states along the Mississippi River. Riverboat gaming in Mississippi was legalized in 1993, but unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina destroyed many riverboat casinos. In response, Mississippi lawmakers allowed casinos to move 800 feet inland.

However, you can still find a few riverboat casinos throughout the U.S. In Mississippi, visitors can try their luck at the Ameristar Casino Hotel in Vicksburg , a riverboat-style casino and hotel located right on the water.

Mississippi Riverboats in the Present Day

According to National Geographic, by 1900, the growth of railroads across the U.S. significantly reduced the demand for transporting goods and people via steamboat. Many riverboats were retired, but a few showboats remained as a testament to this period in history.

The popularity of riverboats continues to thrive in the Magnolia State. Today, tourists can enjoy the relaxing and immersive experience of river cruising. These luxury expeditions offer a unique way to travel the Mississippi, where guests can admire the breathtaking scenery along the waterway. First-class accommodations, fine dining, and a variety of things to do can be expected on a luxury tour on the Mississippi. Companies such as American Cruise Line and Viking River Cruises offer a variety of cruises that vary in duration and cities visited, like Vicksburg and Natchez.

Plan Your Trip With Help From Visit Mississippi

If you’re planning a trip to one of our historic riverfront cities like Natchez, Vicksburg, or Greenville — or anywhere else in the Hospitality State — Visit Mississippi is here for assistance.

Plan your next trip to Mississippi using our complimentary trip planner tool that helps you map out all your must-see attractions, restaurants, and lodging options. Whether you’re here for a week or just passing through, you’ll find a wealth of information about Mississippi history and culture on the Visit Mississippi website. For more information, contact us today.

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BikeTours.com
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Riverboat, barge or yacht: Which boat type is right for your bike and boat tour?

With nearly 50 amazing bike and boat tours on our site to choose from, we know it can sometimes be a daunting choice. One way to narrow it down is to choose which kind of boat would be best for you.

There are three broad categories of boats used on bike and boat tours:

Good for Travelers who prefer a larger boat with more passengers and often a greater variety of amenities and facilities than typically offered on barges

Waterways Restricted to rivers, canals, and sheltered coastline

Size and capacity 250-340 feet in length 80-150 passengers Multiple decks

Construction Built as passenger boats

Cabins Can include twin, queen or bunk beds and windows that open or are fixed. Most have air conditioning throughout, including cabins.

Amenities Can include a restaurant, bar, spa, sauna, pool, library

Crew Often includes cruise director/concierge in addition to guides, waiters, deckhands and captain

Good for Travelers who prefer a more intimate experience—fewer fellow travelers and crew and generally less public space. Some consider them the most traditional and authentic style of boats for touring.

Waterways Restricted to rivers, canals, and sheltered coastline

Size and capacity 1-2 decks 130-230 feet in length (most under 150 feet) 14-40 passengers (most 18-30)

Construction Built as freighters or barges and upgraded into passenger vessels

Cabins Can include twin, queen or bunk beds and windows that open or are fixed. Some have air conditioning in cabins (most have it in public areas and sometimes in cabins).

Amenities Can include multi-purpose that acts as dining area, bar, game room library.

Crew Small crew typically includes captain, deckhand, chef, and guide—though roles can overlap.

Motor yachts

Good for Travelers who don’t wish to be restricted to inland waterways and prefer to explore coastal regions. Since most are quite modern, have extensive amenities, and can be quite luxurious, these are perfect for those wanting a little extra pampering.

Waterways Typically travel along sheltered coastline

Size and capacity 2-3 decks 100-130 feet in length 24-32 passengers

Construction Some built originally as fishing boats or freighters and upgraded into passenger vessels, but most new boats were built for passengers and some specifically for bike and boat tours.

Cabins Can include twin, queen or bunk beds and windows that open or are fixed. Most have air conditioning in cabins (most have it in public areas and sometimes in cabins).

Crew Often includes captain, cook, waiters/deckhands, and guide(s)

Boat preferences and considerations

As you look through tour descriptions, be sure to read through the information on the boats, included under the “Program” tab on tour pages. Here are some factors you may wish to take into consideration:

Cabins Size Amenities (television, Wifi, air conditioning) Bed configuration (single, twin, queen, bunk) Windows (can they be opened?) Cabin deck (upper decks typically are brighter, get more air and have better views) Proximity to engine room (rarely an issue but primarily on Danube river boats that travel at night) Note: all cabins have private restrooms

Public spaces Facilities Amenities

7 Reasons Why Your Group Should Go On A Bike And Boat Tour

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What is a riverboat?

- and what is the difference between the different types?

In our terminology, riverboats and canal boats are just two different words for the same thing; a motorized boat that you can drive and live in. You don’t need any boat experience or papers to rent and use these boats.

Some compare a riverboat to a caravan on water. Here you’ll find equipment to meet all your basic needs. All our riverboats have electricity, running water, a small kitchenette (often running on gas), at least one bathroom, and bedding. In that way, you’ll be self-sufficient, and it is entirely up to you where you want to go as long as you comply with the local boat legislation and is at the designated starting and end base before the agreed-upon time.

At the starting base, you’ll receive a thorough introduction to the boat and its features. The base personnel will also show you how to navigate the boat through a canal lock and how to moor the boat.

In general, there are two types of riverboats; cruisers and narrowboats. Here you can read our tips for choosing the right one for you.

Useful links:

General advice for going on a riverboat holiday
Check out all our riverboat destinations

Which boat should I choose?

How many does the boat have room for?

What is the difference between a cruiser and a narrowboat ?

A cruiser is a classic and modern motor-powered riverboat that exists in many different versions. Some have a sundeck, others don’t. Some have both indoor and outdoor steering, others only one of the tawo.

You’ll find cruisers at most of our destinations and they are offered by multiple boat operators such as Le Boat, Nicols and Locaboat.

See examples of cruisers here:

Horizon 1 (Le Boat), recommended for 2 people
Primo (Nicols), recommended for 2 people
Clipper (Le Boat), recommended for 4 people
Confort 900 DP (Nicols), recommended for 5 people
Grand Classique (Le Boat), recommended for 10 people

A narrowboat looks old fashioned on the outside but is modernly equipped on the inside. As the name suggests is rather narrow, but what it lacks in width it makes up for in length. This unique look was once necessary for boats sailing on the English canals.

Thus, you’ll only find narrowboats at our destinations in Great Britain. Narrowboats are offered by the operators Black Prince and ABC Boat Hire.

Narrowboats are incredibly popular amongst both locals and tourists. They are a fun and different way to experience the English canals. Unlike modern cruisers, narrowboats don’t have a sundeck. But you’ll often have room for sitting outside both at the front and back of the boat. If you want spacious sundecks you need to look for a modern cruiser.

See examples of narrowboats here:

Alvechurch Wren, recommended for 4 people
Alvechurch Lark, recommended for 6 people
Alvechurch Warbler, recommended for 8 people
Alvechurch Owl, recommended for 10 people
Alvechurch Swan, recommended for 12 people

Choose the boat that best fits your wants and needs for interior design and comfort. However, you need to be aware of the different classes of cruisers. Budget-boats are the cheapest but also the oldest, and will thus appear more worn than newer boats of the Comfort- or Premier-class. Narrowboats are not divided into classes since they are more standardized.

How many are allowed on the boats?

If you use our search engine, you can choose how many people are going on the trip before pressing the “search” button. It’s quite simple because we have already categorized the boats for you. We recommend that you have real bedding for everybody on the trip. It is possible to use the common area for sleeping, but since it is neither comfortable nor practical, we wouldn’t recommend this. Boats with one cabin are fine for two people, but for example, if you are three people on the trip, we recommend you choose a boat with two cabins.

Rent your riverboat

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The 9 top river cruise lines for 2025.

Sail through Europe, Asia, the U.S. and more on one of these exquisite river cruise lines.

The Top River Cruise Lines

Aerial of Viking River Cruise at sunset.

Courtesy of Viking River Cruises

If you'd like to take a cruise but aren't interested in the hustle and bustle of a massive ocean liner, consider a river cruise. River cruises offer the chance to visit lesser-known ports around the world, thanks to the small size and maneuverability of the vessels. These sailings are known to provide exceptional, personalized service, as most welcome fewer than 200 guests at a time. On top of that, you'll spend the majority of your trip exploring a different port each day, as most destinations along the waterways are fairly close together.

Read on to discover the best river cruise lines around the world, with details about where they sail, the number of passengers you can expect onboard, a snapshot of amenities and experiences, and sentiment from recent travelers.

Find your perfect cruise

Viking River Cruises

Uniworld boutique river cruises, american cruise lines, amawaterways, avalon waterways, emerald cruises.

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

CroisiEurope Cruises

Viking Longship Idun on the Main River in front of Johannisburg Palace, Aschaffenburg, Germany.

Number of passengers: 52 to 386 Sails to: Europe, Asia, Africa, U.S.

Viking's roughly 60 ships – known as longships – traverse major rivers across Europe, including the Danube , the Rhine, the Douro and more. Other popular routes sail Egypt's Nile River as well as the Mississippi River , and newer expeditions include a series of Great Lakes itineraries.

What to expect: Travelers may be familiar with Viking Ocean Cruises , which operates larger ocean voyages with an emphasis on opulent accommodations and diverse enrichment activities. Viking's river cruises follow a similar road map, with meals, one shore excursion per port and Wi-Fi access (where applicable) included in the base fare. Other amenities and activities span guest lectures, cooking demonstrations, musical performances, libraries, outdoor decks and more. Select Viking riverboats are also equipped with swimming pools, while cabins feature minibars, premium toiletries, heated bathroom floors, purified water and TVs.

On board, you can expect to find mostly English-speaking passengers. Viking's price point generally attracts older crowds in the 55-plus age group, and travelers must be at least 18 years old to cruise on the line.

What travelers say: Recent cruisers thoroughly enjoyed their experience with Viking, praising the well-organized shore excursions, top-notch service and comfortable rooms. Some, however, expressed disappointment with the food on board, and a handful of others encountered issues with the air travel Viking arranged.

Pool and pool chairs on a Uniworld Boutique River Cruises ship.

Courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Number of passengers: 32 to 158 Sails to: Europe, Asia, Africa, South America

Uniworld offers luxurious sailings in historic cities across central Europe, France , Italy , Portugal , India, Egypt, South America, Vietnam and Cambodia.

What to expect: Its 17 ships (with another on the way for 2025) aim to create the feel of a boutique hotel with stylish decor, antique artwork and specialty restaurants. The ships hold an average capacity of 120 cruisers, and the company boasts one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the industry: about one crew member for every two travelers.

Stateroom amenities vary by vessel but may include marble bathrooms, Egyptian cotton linens, French balconies, iPod docking stations, Nespresso coffee machines, rainfall showers and more. The line's all-inclusive rates cover meals, alcoholic beverages, select excursions, gratuities, onboard fitness classes and Wi-Fi access, on top of entertainment and enrichment classes. Uniworld prides itself on its top-notch cuisine, which is made with local ingredients sourced from the ports on your itinerary and also includes vegetarian and vegan options.

Uniworld's typical clientele tends to be active travelers in their 50s or 60s who reside in North America, the U.K. and Australia . The river cruise line has select itineraries aimed at families, LGBTQ cruisers and solo travelers.

What travelers say: Recent cruisers offered plenty of praise for Uniworld's voyages, complimenting the stylish accommodations, attentive staff and fascinating excursions. Still, some past cruisers felt the guest rooms were small and the overall experience was not worth the high price point.

American Cruise Lines ship on river during sunset.

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines

Number of passengers: 90 to 180 Sails to: U.S.

As the name suggests, American Cruise Lines sails exclusively on the rivers and coastlines of the United States. Popular cruises visit destinations along the Mississippi River, on the Hudson River, throughout New England , and lining the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The line also tours Alaska , the Southeast coast including Florida , and the Puget Sound between Washington state and the Canadian border.

What to expect: American Cruise Lines operates more than 20 relatively new small ships and river vessels (the average ship is about 4 years old), ranging from modern riverboats to small coastal ships to authentic paddlewheelers. Comfortable cabins can accommodate up to three people per room, and all ships offer single staterooms designed exclusively for solo travelers . Each room boasts picture windows, a spacious bathroom and – in some cases – a private balcony. In the ships' public spaces, cruisers can enjoy daily onboard entertainment like jazz and blues performances, as well as presentations by historians and area experts.

The line promises an all-American experience. As such, you can expect to find American staff aboard the American-built ships as well as food that pays homage to the destinations you will visit, from New Orleans -style andouille sausage gumbo to New England-inspired seafood boils. Complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres are served every night prior to dinner; all meals, snacks, and wine and beer are included in the base fare. Shore excursions are not typically included in the rate, though some itineraries offer one complimentary outing per port.

Passengers on American Cruise Lines tend to lean North American and are typically mature retired travelers.

What travelers say: Most recent cruisers enjoyed their experience, highlighting the great shore excursions and friendly staff. However, some flagged issues with cabin cleanliness and noted the ships could use an interior refresh.

AmaWaterways cruise ship on river near town.

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

Number of passengers: 28 to 196 Sails to: Europe, Asia, Africa, South America

Consider a river cruise with AmaWaterways, whether you're looking to sail through the heart of Europe or seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure touring destinations like Vietnam, Egypt, South Africa or Colombia. A family-owned business founded in 2002, AmaWaterways operates 29 river cruise boats that welcome 150 passengers on average.

The cruise line aims to provide excursion-rich experiences and offers unique themed sailings for passengers with certain interests. Wine-themed voyages are perfect for oenophiles wishing to explore some of Europe's most popular wine regions, while a concierge golf program will transport passengers from one famous golf course to the next. Or, opt for a holiday river cruise to visit magical Christmas markets around Europe. In 2025, AmaWaterways will offer four Soulful Experiences Black history-themed itineraries.

What to expect: On board, guests can expect cabins suitable for couples or single travelers, as well as a set amount of connectible rooms designed for multigenerational families. Staterooms are spacious, with perks like bathrobes, slippers and plush bedding. Cabins can feature up to two balconies with AmaWaterways' twin balcony design, which allows for a full, step-out balcony alongside a French balcony with sliding glass doors. In-room Wi-Fi is complimentary, and guests will have access to movies and music on demand.

Outside of their cabins, passengers can enjoy amenities spanning small pools, sun decks, fitness equipment, a hair salon, massage services and more.

AmaWaterways primarily attracts North American travelers in their 50s who enjoy taking part in active shore excursions that involve walking or cycling. Passengers from the U.K. and Australia sail on this river cruise line as well. You can expect to find a mix of couples, families and solo cruisers – including a growing number of millennial travelers – on your vessel, thanks to AmaWaterways' diverse cabin offerings. Adventures by Disney charters AmaWaterways ships for select sailings each year as well.

What travelers say: Most recent travelers enjoyed their overall experience, praising the scenic destinations and nicely appointed cabins. However, some were disappointed in the food and felt the journey was overpriced.

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Interior of guest cabin on an Avalon Waterways river cruise ship.

Courtesy of Avalon Waterways

Number of passengers: 16 to 166 Sails to: Europe, Asia, Africa, South America

Avalon Waterways sails 18 riverboats along popular thoroughfares like the Danube, the Rhone, the Seine, the Nile, the Rhine, the Moselle, the Mekong and more.

What to expect: Launched in 2004, Avalon stands out for its spacious vessels – known as Suite Ships – which feature some of the largest rooms in the river cruise industry and beds that face wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows, providing panoramic views. Additional stateroom perks include complimentary breakfast in bed, L'Occitane toiletries, sitting areas, ample storage space and mattress toppers.

Across the ship, passengers can enjoy amenities like a sun deck with lounge chairs, whirlpools and a game area, in addition to numerous restaurants and bars and a 24-hour self-serve coffee station. You will also have your pick of Classic, Active or Discovery shore excursions – ranging from standard tours with a local guide to hiking outings along a hilltop castle – depending on your interests and physical abilities.

Avalon Waterways attracts English-speaking cruisers from a variety of countries, typically in their 50s and 60s. However, children ages 8 and older are welcome on board (though there are no designated kids clubs), and some voyages draw younger or older passengers.

What travelers say: Most recent reviews are positive, with travelers highlighting the friendly, knowledgeable staff and tasty food.

Courtesy of Tauck

Number of passengers: 84 to 130 Sails to: Europe

Travel company Tauck wears multiple hats: It operates small-ship voyages around the world, land tours across seven continents, small group journeys for an average of 24 travelers at a time, family tours and – finally – European river cruises. Take your pick from nine river vessels to explore popular waterways like the Douro, the Moselle, the Rhine, the Danube and the Rhone.

What to expect: All-inclusive fares cover shore excursions, onboard activities and entertainment, gratuities, beverages and more. Plus, Tauck offers exclusive access to unforgettable experiences like wine tastings at private vineyards and gala dinners in historic castles.

More than 80% of Tauck's staterooms feature French balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing for excellent views. Other in-room amenities may include adjustable climate controls, satin linens, pillow-top mattresses, terry cloth robes and more. Outside of your cabin, you'll find perks such as a sun deck, a putting green, enrichment programs like cooking demonstrations, a fitness center and complimentary bikes for onshore exploring.

Tauck caters to affluent, English-speaking cruisers – primarily Americans in their 50s and older – though you may also find families with adult children on board. The line appeals most to travelers who prefer all the details of their trip to be taken care of for them, versus those who like to plan activities independent of the cruise line.

What travelers say: Recent passengers generally speak highly of their Tauck river cruise experiences, pointing to the exceptional level of organization and spacious, luxurious accommodations. Others said they were underwhelmed for the price.

Aerial of Emerald Cruises river cruise ship on river in Urbar, Germany.

Getty Images

Number of passengers: 84 to 180 Sails to: Europe, Asia

Previously known as Emerald Waterways, Emerald Cruises transports travelers across some of the most popular rivers in Europe and Asia, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Douro and the Mekong.

What to expect: The cruise fare covers all meals, beverages with lunch and dinner, daily shore excursions – which may include more physically rigorous options called EmeraldACTIVE – Wi-Fi access and gratuities.

Emerald operates nine river vessels, all of which boast luxurious public spaces and accommodations with en suite bathrooms and flat-screen TVs. Common-area amenities span heated indoor pools, sun decks, spa and wellness facilities, and a variety of eateries. Onboard fitness classes are available, as are other forms of entertainment. On shore, cruisers can borrow bicycles to explore historic city centers.

Typical clientele aboard Emerald Cruises' voyages includes American and British passengers around retirement age, though some younger travelers may make an appearance as well. Children 12 and older are permitted on board and on tours, but there are no kids clubs or designated activities for younger cruisers. Special rooms and dinner reservations are available for solo travelers.

What travelers say: Cruisers on recent sailings – especially first-time sailors – enjoyed their experiences on Emerald Cruises. High points included the attentive crew members and the stress-free booking and planning process. However, some felt that customer service and communication were subpar.

Interior of the Royal One Bedroom Suite on the Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours Gem river cruise ship.

Gillies Zaiser | Courtesy of Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

Number of passengers: 68 to 163 Sails to: Europe, Asia

From the Danube to the Mekong, Australian travel company Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours offers lavish, all-inclusive river sailings with an emphasis on customization. The more upscale sister brand of Emerald Cruises, Scenic affords travelers the opportunity to do as much or as little as they want while on board and ashore.

What to expect: Enrichment activities are hand-picked by the line's "Journey Designers," and vessels provide a top-notch level of service thanks to their high crew-to-passenger ratios. In fact, each passenger receives a designated butler who can complete nightly turndowns and make laundry arrangements, among other tasks.

Spacious suites on board are larger than those on most other riverboats (ranging from 161 to 517 square feet). High-tech balcony controls allow lodgers to let in as much air as they'd like with the touch of a button. Cruisers will also enjoy special in-room touches like pillow menus, slippers and robes.

When it comes to dining, Scenic sources local ingredients and culinary inspiration from the ports visited on the itinerary to provide an authentic experience. All meals are included in the base cruise fare, along with beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi access, shore excursions and electric bicycle usage in select destinations.

What travelers say: Recent cruisers were pleased with their experiences aboard Scenic's vessels, praising the spacious cabins, pampering butler service, and knowledgeable crew members and tour guides. However, some travelers were particularly disappointed with the food.

Side view of CroisiEurope Cruises river cruise ship.

Helwin Goetzinger | Courtesy of CroisiEurope

Number of passengers: 16 to 200 Sails to: Europe, Asia, Africa

CroisiEurope is a family-run French cruise line that has been in business since 1976. This line has more than 50 ships and barges that sail to countries around the world, including Egypt, Cambodia and Spain . Unusual in river cruising, the line operates two custom-built ships that sail on Lake Kariba in southern Africa. Additionally, CroisiEurope has a division that sells barge cruises throughout France on six different canals, such as Burgundy or Provence.

What to expect: CroisiEurope is known for its wide range of destinations and is one of the only river cruise lines that operates custom-built ships on Germany 's Elbe river, the Guadalquivir and Guadiana rivers in Spain and Portugal, and Venice 's canals. Onboard accommodations are relatively basic, which keeps the cruise fare to a budget-friendly minimum. The cruise line aims to provide the best value for money in the cruise industry. Cuisine is focused on French food with some local flair in the main dining room, which is included in the cruise fare.

The passenger mix on a CroisiEurope cruise is relatively international, featuring large contingencies from France, Germany, the U.K. and North America. Announcements are typically given in both French and English. The cruise line sees a mix of older couples and groups as well as younger families, depending on the itinerary and time of year.

What travelers say: Several cruisers felt some of CroisiEurope's river ships are due for a refurbishment, and that internet connectivity leaves a lot to be desired. Still, others maintain that the experience was superb and highlighted the reasonable prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Size: River cruise ships are smaller in size and the number of passengers they can accommodate, with one lounge and one main dining room being a typical setup.
Atmosphere: The overall vibe on a river cruise is more relaxed and far less busy than that of an ocean liner.
Onboard entertainment: River cruising is notoriously sleepy at night, with a focus instead on local enrichment like cooking demonstrations or liqueur tastings. Due to the busy schedule of port calls and excursions, most passengers are tired after a long day of sightseeing and don't mind a lack of nightlife.
Excursions: Most of your time on a river cruise is spent out exploring the destinations, which can sometimes be two stops in a single day. Passengers can choose from a variety of activities in port – including biking, kayaking and hiking – or explore the destination at a leisurely pace.
Cuisine: Cuisine tends to be focused on local specialties but is prepared to accommodate predominantly American tastes. Not every river cruise line offers unlimited drinks, but the majority include beer and wine at lunch and dinner, often showcasing regional varieties.
Price: River cruising typically comes at a much higher price point than ocean-based itineraries.

Note that inclusions can vary by cruise line. For example, Viking rates – while not fully all-inclusive – cover beer and wine at meals and one tour per day, while gratuities and other drink packages are left to the discretion of the guest.

Avalon Waterways, on the other hand, offers a number of included tours in every port on select itineraries that range from cultural or culinary-focused to active.

In terms of inclusions and service ratios (the number of crew on board to guests), the following river cruise lines are considered some of the most luxurious:

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What Is a River Cruise?

River cruising is the fastest-growing segment of the cruise industry, according to The New York Times and industry experts. River cruises are still a small part of the overall cruise industry, but river cruising continues to grow in popularity each year. With smaller, more intimate ships and itineraries that take travelers to big cities, small villages and lovely landscapes, river cruise lines offer a very special type of cruise experience.

Smaller Scale, Greater Intimacy

River cruise ships tend to be much smaller than ocean vessels. European river cruise ships, in particular, are relatively narrow and compact because they need to be able to pass through locks and under bridges. This means that you will share your journey with fewer passengers. It also means that there are fewer shipboard activity areas; if your idea of a great cruise vacation depends on the availability of multiple restaurants, spectacular shows and an all-night casino, a river cruise might not be your ideal getaway. Some river cruise ships are so small that they don't even offer a self-service laundry or fitness center. Your meals will be well-prepared and beautifully served, but you will probably have only one or two dining venues onboard your river cruise ship.

Although you probably won't watch a Broadway musical revue on your river cruise ship, you will have plenty of opportunities to relax and to learn about the countries you are visiting. Many river cruise ships offer live piano music in the evenings, a perfect background to the harbor lights you will see on your journey. You may be able to watch local craft demonstrations, listen to lectures, participate in exercise classes or take in a narrated pre-dinner cruise. Open seating during meals will allow you to meet as many of your fellow passengers as you like. You can pack lighter, too, because the dress code on most river cruises is casual.

Focus on Port Calls

On a river cruise, port calls are the main activity. You will probably spend longer in port than you would on an ocean cruise, depending on the itinerary you choose, and many river cruise lines include all or most shore excursions in your cruise fare. Because your journey will take you from place to place via rivers and canals, you will be able to see the countryside surrounding each port from your stateroom or your ship's viewing lounge. You will probably dock in town, relatively near to the heart of each port, because your ship is small enough to dock at smaller piers. Once ashore, you can strike out on your own or sign up for one of your ship's scheduled excursions. Most river cruise lines offer a wide variety of shore tours.

River Cruise Considerations

Here are some points to consider when planning a river cruise:

Disability access varies from ship to ship and from country to country. Some river cruise ships have elevators; very few offer wheelchair-accessible staterooms. Gangways may be very narrow, in some cases too narrow for a wheelchair, or they may be very steep. Shore excursions may take you to places where pavements are uneven or climbing stairs is required. Be sure to ask about excursions that move at a slower pace before you book your cruise.

Your river cruise is likely to be a one-way trip, starting in one city and ending in another. This will make your airfare more expensive, but also offer you the chance to arrive early and / or stay longer in order to explore one or both cities.

Many river cruise lines offer free wine, beer and soft drinks at dinner.

You are less likely to become seasick on a river cruise, but it could happen if your itinerary takes you out onto open water and you are very sensitive to the motion of your ship.

Because you travel so close to land, most river cruise ships do not have doctors or medical professionals on board. If you need medical care, you will be directed to a pharmacy or doctor in town.

Water levels in rivers and canals may affect your itinerary. If the water level is too low, your ship may not be able to navigate shallow rivers, and if the water level is too high, your ship may not be able to pass underneath bridges. Your river cruise line will have a plan for dealing with these issues, of course, but you should be aware that last-minute changes to your itinerary might occur.

Popular River Cruise Itineraries

European rivers (Rhine, Danube, Douro, Moselle, Volga, Vistula and more)
China's Yangtze River
Mekong River (Cambodia and Vietnam)
Mississippi River
Amazon River

How Riverboats and Steamers Shaped American History

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Throughout American history, there have been many modes of transport that forever changed the face of this country. Everything from the development of automobiles to the railroad, canal boats, and even the covered wagon—they’ve all played a big role in bringing us to where we are today.

The steamboat is part of this rich history. While there are lots of different types of steamboats, some of which are ocean going, we’ll focus on the riverboat variety here. Prior to automobiles and railways, it was rivers that connected one part of the U.S. to another. Steamboats were responsible for ferrying people and goods all over the country and to the coasts where shipments could then be transported overseas. Let’s jump in and start with the earliest known steamboat history.

Steamboats Invented in Europe

Though these boats were responsible for reshaping America, they were originally developed in Europe. You see, it was in the late 1600s when early experiments on the steam engine began. These were led by the French inventor Denis Papin, and Thomas Newcomen of England. It started with a device known as the steam digester, which was an early kind of pressure cooker. From there, these two men experimented with pistons, and Papin eventually suggested that this technology could be used to operate a paddlewheel boat.

Both men made designs attempting to power a boat, though neither of their designs worked that well. Still, innovation is part of the human spirit, so soon, other inventors followed suit. English scientist John Allen patented the first steamboat in 1729. Over the next thirty-some years, other inventors attempted to improve on steam engines and steamboats, one of whom was William Henry from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He produced his own steam engine in 1763, which he put on a boat. The boat sank—but it’s thought perhaps Henry’s work inspired others to keep innovating.

The Rise of Steamboats in America

From there, it was a race to develop working steam engines—and working steamboats. Several people made working steamboats in the 1780s. In the United States, John Fitch of Philadelphia launched a steamboat in 1787, and it proved such a success that by 1788, he was operating a commercial steamboat service that followed the Delaware River between Philadelphia and Burlington, New Jersey . This was a passenger boat that could carry up to 30 people, traveling between seven and eight miles per hour.

Unfortunately for Fitch, while his boat was a success, his business was not. The route on which his boat traveled was one already well covered by roads and wagons, so there wasn’t much need for a passenger boat.

But later, Robert Fulton, an American inventor who found himself intrigued by the possibilities of steamboats, ended up creating his own vessel in 1807. This was the North River Steamboat , which later became known as the Clermont —and it could be considered the boat that started the steamship revolution in the U.S.

The Clermont was pretty incredible for the time. It traveled the Hudson River between New York City and Albany, making the 150-mile trip in as little as 32 hours. Because of its capabilities, it became the first commercially successful steamboat in the U.S.

In the wake of the Clermont’s success, steamboats began to proliferate around the United States—especially along the Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, where they were instrumental in not only ferrying passengers up and down long stretches but also hauling grain, lumber, supplies or anything else that needed to be moved long distances. These riverboats also grew in prominence in the western United States during the California Gold Rush, usually pressed into service to carry miners and mining supplies closer to the gold fields.

Riverboats During the Civil War

When you hear about Civil War boats, the two that most people are familiar with are the Monitor and the Merrimack , which were ocean-faring steamships called “ironclads.” They receive most of the historical attention because truly, these two ships were a revolution of their times. But there’s a whole other side to Civil War naval history that you don’t often hear about—and that was the battles waged by Union and Confederate riverboats.

John Ericcson, designer of the USS Monitor

Away from the East Coast, the naval war was fought for control of the major rivers, most especially the Tennessee and Mississippi rivers—and this involved paddlewheel boats that had been converted into warships. These river battles were waged by monitors, which were heavily armed but lightly armored smaller rivercraft, and ironclads, which were boats that had been heavily armored with iron plates. Some of the war’s most famous battles, like the Battle of Vicksburg, involved the use of riverboats. Between the Vicksburg battle and the seizure of New Orleans, this secured the Mississippi River for the Union Army, enabling them to transport men and supplies up and down the river.

The Heyday of America’s Greatest Riverboats

To this day, the Mississippi River is still a major shipping lane within the United States, though nowadays, you’ll find a variety of craft going up and down its waters. Through the 19 th century to the early parts of the 20 th century, however, it was the paddlewheel steamer that dominated the Mississippi—and other major rivers, too. Some of these boats were so famous that they became state symbols, like the Iowa , which was an 1838 steamer that is part of Iowa’s state seal. The Anson Northup is another famous steamer that in 1859, became the first to cross over from the U.S. to Canada on the Red River.

During this time, steamers were a major part of what drove American expansion. Their speed and power meant that people could transport more goods and passengers than ever before, which is a big part of the reason why port towns flourished so well—because steamers were bringing in the goods from the heartlands that would be transported for trade overseas. These rivercraft became iconic, something that people all over the United States took great pride in as symbols of progress and prosperity.

Eventually, though, riverboats began to wane in popularity. There were a couple of reasons behind this. For one thing, the big steamers were incredibly dangerous. Ultimately, most of these boats would either burn down or they’d be destroyed when the powerful boilers that powered them exploded. They were wooden ships, after all, powered largely by wood fires since wood was so easy to procure along the rivers on which they ran. Accidents were quite frequent, and many who traveled on them took their lives into their own hands. In places like Alton, Illinois, homes along the river even featured platforms called “widow’s walks,” which were rooftop platforms where women would watch for their husbands to come home on the riverboats they crewed. To put into perspective how dangerous these crafts were, the Scientific American reported in December 1860 that 487 people had died that year in steamboat accidents.

Even though steamers were dangerous, the danger wasn’t the primary factor behind their decline. Actually, it was the development of the railroad. As more and more rail lines began to spread across the United States, riverboat popularity waned. Railroads had too many advantages—they were faster, capable of hauling more, they were safer, and they could reach landlocked places that didn’t have river access.

Even so, riverboats never did go out of service entirely. Today, you’ll still find them all over America’s largest rivers. Some of those old paddle steamers that were once so iconic are still around, though these days, most are replica pleasure craft designed with modern engines that are infinitely safer than the old wood-fired boilers that used to run them.

Riverboats are still a rich American tradition, and they truly were a formative part of American history. If you ever have the opportunity, schedule a cruise or even an afternoon tour on one of America’s replica paddleboats. It’s an experience that will take you back in time.

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Discover 13 Different Types of Rivers: Explore the Variety of Rivers

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Many Types of Rivers and Their Characteristics

Embark on a captivating journey to understand the plethora of river types that grace our planet. Each type of river boasts unique characteristics, shaping the landscape and nurturing ecosystems in its special way. The diversity among different river types is astounding, with each one contributing to the rich tapestry of the Earth’s hydrology. From meandering rivers that curve through plains like serpentine ribbons of life to the mighty , roaring torrents that characterize youthful mountain streams, every river’s journey tells a different story.

Exploring another river might reveal the calm, mature flow of a river winding lazily across a vast valley, its banks lush with verdant growth. Yet, turn your gaze elsewhere, and you’ll find the variable nature of an ephemeral river, which may be a dry wash for much of the year, only to transform into a raging torrent with seasonal rains. It’s not just about the dramatic shifts; even within the same river type, there exist subtle differences that distinguish one from another. As we delve into various types of rivers, we begin to appreciate the nuances that set different rivers apart.

The characteristics defining river types extend far beyond their mere physicality. Each river’s rhythm lays the foundation for communities, cultures, and economies, shaping civilizations since time immemorial. As we explore the different types of rivers, we unveil a complex web of relationships between waterways and the life they support. Rivers boast a collective importance, but it’s the individual peculiarities of rivers that truly captivate the curious mind.

Here are 13 different types of rivers, each with its unique characteristics:

Perennial Rivers: Flow continuously throughout the year, even during dry seasons.
Intermittent Rivers: Seasonal rivers that may run dry for part of the year.
Ephemeral Rivers: Only flow in response to specific precipitation events and are typically short-lived.
Braided Rivers: Characterized by multiple interconnected channels separated by small and often temporary islands.
Meandering Rivers: Have a sinuous, winding course with sweeping curves and bends.
Straight Rivers: Flow in a direct and linear path with minimal curvature.
Tributaries: Smaller rivers or streams that flow into a larger main river.
Distributaries: Channels that branch off from a main river and distribute its waters into different directions.
Estuaries: Transitional zones where rivers meet the sea, characterized by a mix of freshwater and saltwater.
Delta Rivers: Form deltas at their mouths, where sediment accumulates and creates a fan-shaped landform.
Lotic Rivers: Fast-flowing rivers with swift currents and well-oxygenated water.
Lentic Rivers: Slow-moving rivers with pools, ponds, or slower sections, often found in flat landscapes.
Wild Rivers: Typically located in remote, undeveloped areas with minimal human impact, offering pristine natural environments.

These categories highlight the diversity of rivers and their dynamic characteristics. If you need more in-depth information on any specific type, feel free to ask!

Exploring the Diverse Types of Rivers From Streams to the Ocean

Embarking on a journey through the world of rivers, we uncover an intricate tapestry of life-giving waterways, each with its own set of unique features. From the babbling streams that whisper secrets of the forest to the majestic rivers that meander across continents, our planet’s network of rivers is as varied as it is vast. As we delve into the characteristics of these diverse river types, we can’t help but marvel at the winding tributaries that serve as the veins of Mother Earth, delivering water – the quintessential element of life – to every corner of the globe.

The allure of rivers, as they carve their paths from humble beginnings to the vastness of the ocean, is undeniable. Rivers wield their influence over landscapes, etching canyons, nourishing deltas, and building estuaries where river meets sea.

Their courses, dictated by the relentless tug of gravity, create scenes of serenity in the quiet reaches of meandering rivers, while also displaying a fierce power in the rapids where water roars with unbridled energy. This tapestry of river types, spanning from rivulets to great water arteries, mirrors the multiplicity of journeys that water embarks on – a continuous cycle that quenches our Earth’s thirst.

As we navigate this liquid mosaic, we encounter rivers that serve as lifelines for ecosystems, support for bustling civilizations, and sources for recreation and contemplation. Each river’s course tells a tale – from spring-fed streams that emerge like liquid threads in the fabric of the terrain, to mighty rivers that culminate their odyssey as they deliver their waters back to the oceans. Their stories are woven into the annals of human history, where rivers have perennially stood as cradles of civilization .

So let’s celebrate these rivers – not just as conduits of water but as sculptors of the very world we inhabit. For in exploring the diversity of river types, from the smallest creek to the expansive river deltas, we truly begin to appreciate the intricate and unfathomable network of waterways that band our planet in a living, flowing embrace.

Understanding River Order and Stream Hierarchies in River Systems

When it comes to unravelling the wonders of river systems, comprehending their hierarchy becomes pivotal. This intricate tapestry of flow from minuscule trickles to majestic streams is nature’s own symphony.

At the heart of this dynamic is the concept of stream order, a classification method that assigns a numerical type to streams based on their relative size and source. Imagine a sprawling family tree, with each branch representing a type of stream; the smallest twigs, classified as first-order streams, are the countless initial tributaries that depend solely on rainfall or groundwater as their source. These are the unsung heroes fueling the journey of a river’s birth.

As we tread further along the water’s path, second-order streams come to light when two first-order streams marry their flows, doubling their capacity and carving deeper into the landscape. This flow continues, commandingly merging to form higher-order streams, palpably displaying the might and influence every successive union brings. Remarkably, it’s the hierarchy of these streams, bound by drainage patterns and the relentless pull of gravity, that sketches the blueprint of a river’s life.

Diving into the source of these watercourses, we find a fascinating diversity of beginnings, from humble spring whispers to roaring glacial behemoths. The type of landforms they traverse, and the type of soil they grace, play kingmakers in their flow’s destiny. Grasp the hierarchy of a river’s network, and you’ll unlock stories of ecosystems and the civilizations that flourish alongside the pulse of these streams. It is this hierarchy that ensures every drop’s journey from inconspicuous source to mighty confluence is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of streams, shaping our very understanding of drainage and its irreplaceable role in our planet’s lifeblood.

The Role of Sediment in Shaping River Types and Features

Sediment dances through the lifecycle of a river, contributing not just a grain, but a whole chapter in the tale of landforms shaped by water’s persistent caress. As these tiny particles of soil and mineral journey, they play a pivotal role in sculpting the various types of rivers and their unique landscapes . Each granule has a story – one of erosion, where it was once part of a solid land mass and has since been worn away, whispering the saga of the never-ending cycle of the earth’s renewal.

Meandering across the land, rivers carry sediment like a basket, woven with the intricacies of their purpose. As these waterways etch channels into the land, they create a plethora of river types, each a testament to the power of sediment. From the youthful exuberance of an alluvial river, teeming with sediment ready to build deltas, to the aged wisdom of a river in its flood plain, spreading its bounty over the land, every type reflects the different stages of a river’s journey.

Yet, sediment is more than just a shaper; it’s a builder too. The mighty deltas, emblems of a river’s end as it merges back with the ocean, stand as another landform crafted by this relentless architect. But it’s not just about the journey’s end. Sediment enriches the soil, fostering flood plains that support diverse ecosystems and pave the way for another cycle of life. The types of rivers, those sinuous ribbons of life that mark our planet, owe much to sediment’s perpetual labor of love. Different as they are, from the smallest stream to the most majestic channel, they each depend on sediment, ever shaping, ever changing, forever imprints of nature’s relentless dynamism.

The Importance of Stream Conservation and the Impact on Rivers Worldwide

Many folks who’ve cast a line into the world’s waters don’t always recognize the enormous impact that stream conservation can have on the fish they pursue . These many, many, many waterways of the world, each kind uniquely ribboning the earth, are not just arbitrary channels; they’re an episode in the tale of our planet.

From minuscule creeks called first-order streams to the colossal arteries of water called the earth’s lifeblood, every different type of river narrates a part of this global saga. It’s an adventure where conservation plays a lead role, standing firmly against the threats that jeopardize the diverse, different types of rivers we cherish.

Enter the realm of conservation, and you find a staunch defender of the natural world, one that figures significantly in the health of our national treasures and our fishing haunts. The impact of negligence and apathy towards rivers is seen and felt far and wide, affecting the water we drink, the fish populations vital to local economies, and the very balance of ecosystems. It’s a multifaceted episode in our ongoing relationship with earth, calling for a conservation ethos that resonates with the rhythm of flowing water.

Each river, no matter if it’s classified among the different 13 types or not, faces its own set of challenges. These waterways carry forth the lifeblood of our water-rich planet; they are the veins of mother earth, threading their way through national landmarks, navigating an episode of survival against the odds.

Stream conservation’s impact is critical as it ensures the continuity of these many types of rivers, safeguarding fish habitats and enabling future generations to continue the legacy of fishing. Called to action, we must commit to protect not just the water, but everything it nourishes. In this epic global episode, conservation is not just a word; it’s a movement vital to keeping the pulse of our earth’s waterways strong and pure.

Conclusion:

In a majestic dance of hydrology and geomorphology, rivers mold landscapes and cradle civilizations. Among these waterways, the mighty Amazon unfurls across South America, illustrating the grandeur of river systems that host biodiverse ecosystems.

Emerging as trickles from springs, many rivers begin their journey humbly, often unnoticed. These nascent brooks swell into meanders, etching sinuous paths through the earth, much like China’s storied rivers, which have shaped both its topography and ancient cultures. There, rivers intertwine with the lives of people, as they have since time immemorial, creating a symbiosis between nature and humanity.

The Nile, a name so entwined with human history it need only be whispered twice, nourishes an entire region, just as it did for the ancient Egyptians. Its banks are testament to the power of rivers to sustain people and their societies. Photographers and artists alike find a muse in these watercourses, capturing their essence from the dramatic headwaters to the poignant meeting with the ocean. Rivers, like those harnessed for hydroelectric power, are not merely scenic backdrops but vital in the charge towards sustainable energy, with dams often being contentious yet significant aspects of this push.

And the ocean, that vast terminal of riverine journeys, serves as both a destination and a new beginning. To this end, creeks, the smallest tributaries to the riverine network, contribute their share to the mighty outflow into the aquatic abyss. Each drop, from the seemingly insignificant trickle to the grand flow of continental arteries like the Nile, merges to form a connection between land and ocean a testament to the intrinsically woven fabric of our planet’s freshwater systems.

JimGalloway Author/Editor

References:

National Geographic- Understanding Rivers

Boat Life Stories – Abie

Boat Life Tips #1 – How to tie a rope

Boat Life Stories – Mel

Aquavista Support Centre Sawley, Waterside & Marinas, Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire, NG10 3AE

Top 25 Types of Boats

Looking for a list of types of boats? Travelling the waterways, rivers, and canals has become a sought-after pastime in recent years. And for some people living on the water is a full-time proposition.

There are three main types of boats - unpowered, sailboats, and motorboats.

Unpowered boats include canoes, kayaks, and rafts. They rely completely on the power of the user to propel them through the water. Sailboats use wind power to move, and motorboats are powered by a diesel or petrol engine.

Each style of boat offers specific benefits and advantages to those who want to explore the oceans, lakes, and rivers up and down the UK. If you are just beginning your water adventure, you may need help choosing the appropriate small or riverboat type for your travels.

Here are some of the common large and small boat types and their features:

List of Boat Types

1. narrowboats.

Narrowboats are a popular type of boat designed to navigate canals and waterways that run across the United Kingdom.

Narrowboats are 6 feet 10 inches wide and are nowadays mostly made entirely of steel, although some older boats have wooden cabins. Our canals are designed around narrowboats and you can travel the whole waterways system, whereas you can’t do that with a widebeam because many of the canals are too narrow.

Once used to transport goods from town to town, they are now popular recreational vessels. Narrowboats are usually powered by a diesel engine and can be used for leisure cruising or as a permanent home.

2. Wide Beams

Wide beams are similar to narrowboats but are wider and have much more space. They are generally between 10ft to 12ft in width.

These boats are ideal for those who want to live aboard full time and want a more spacious and comfortable living area but who aren’t worried about cruising all of the canal network

3. Dutch Barge

Originally from the Netherlands, Dutch Barges have a distinctive shape and a broad beam, with a curved bow and stern.

These traditional boats were originally used for transporting goods. Today, they are popular for as a permanent home or a liveaboard due to their spacious accommodations.

A yacht is a versatile type of sailing boat that is used for cruising and competitive racing.

These boats are typically large, with a number of cabins and berths below decks, and are powered by large sails.

Yachts come in various lengths, from small to large, and can be simple or luxurious in design.

5. Motor yacht

Yachts powered by an engine instead of sails are generally popular for recreational cruising or ocean travel.

Some types of motor yachts can be extremely luxurious, and larger versions of these vessels are known as Megayachts or Superyachts and can reach lengths of 70 metres or more.

6. Fishing boats

Fishing boats come in a broad range of types. This includes trawlers, designed for commercial fishing and smaller boats, such as Jon boats and pontoon boats, which are popular for recreational fishing.

Trawlers are larger boats that use nets to catch fish, while smaller, personal boats are designed for freshwater fishing and have a low profile that makes them ideal for traversing shallow waters or narrow inlets.

7. Houseboats

In recent years, houseboats have become popular as permanent homes and offer a cheaper alternative to a typical bricks-and-mortar property.

They are typically designed like a house with a living area, kitchen, and bathroom, and are powered by an engine or generator. They are ideal for those who want to live on the water and enjoy a more relaxed, less expensive lifestyle.

8. Bowrider

Bowrider boats are popular for recreational use and are ideal for leisure cruising and water sports. They are usually smaller than other motorised boats and have an open bow area providing comfortable seating for passengers.

These boats are ideal for on-the-water activities such as water skiing and wakeboarding and may be powered by a sterndrive or outboard engine.

Small, lightweight boats that are easy to transport and store. Dinghys can be used as a tender for larger boats or for taking people on short trips around the water.

They are not suitable for extensive travel or for living aboard as there is no cabin or below-deck area on this type of vessel.

10. Lifeboats

Lifeboats are specialised boats designed solely for launching a crew for sea rescue operations and are equipped with safety equipment such as life rafts and life jackets.

They are sent in response to Mayday calls to assist vessels and watercraft that run into trouble on the water.

11. Dragon boats

With origins in China, Dragon boats are very long, narrow vessels used for racing.

They are characterised by a distinctive dragon head on the bow and a dragon tail at the stern and are powered by a team of paddlers who use oars to propel the boat.

12. Banana boats

Banana boats are inflatable boats towed behind a motorboat and designed for fun and entertainment.

They typically have an easily recognisable long, curved shape and can accommodate multiple passengers for tours or day trips.

13. Dory boats

These boats are lightweight and very easy to manoeuvre.

Dory boats are small, shallow boats that are traditionally made from wood. They are often used for fishing and can be easily pulled ashore or moved for storage.

14. Pontoon boats

Pontoon boats are popular with recreational boaters who want to spend a day with friends or family on the water.

This boat is commonly used on lakes and features a flat deck supported by pontoons. They are often used for leisure cruising and water sports and can accommodate multiple people. An outboard or inboard engine powers pontoons.

15. Sedan Bridge boats

Sedan bridge boats are larger versions of motor yachts designed for longer-distance cruising.

They typically have a covered bridge area that houses navigational tools and a spacious interior with multiple cabins and living areas to accommodate guests.

16. Wakeboard and ski boats

This style of boat features a powerful engine purposely designed to create a large wake for water activities and sports. Wakeboard and ski boats are specialised boats designed primarily for fun on the water and used for wakeboarding, water skiing, and wake surfing.

17. Deck boats

Deck boats are similar to bowriders but have a much wider beam and more substantial deck space. They are ideal for recreational use and can accommodate more passengers and activities. They are multi-purpose boats that can be used for day trips, cruising, or water sports.

18. Catamarans

Easily recognisable with their double-connected hulls, Catamaran boats are a popular type of sailboat for leisure and recreation. The dual hulls provide speed and stability, and these boats are often used as party boats or for leisure cruising.

19. Runabouts

Runabout boats are small, open boats designed for recreational use and are typically powered by an outboard engine or a smaller trolling motor. They are ideal riverboat types for occasional use, lightweight, and easy to maintain.

20. Jet boats

As an alternative to diesel or petrol-powered boats, jet boats offer a cleaner alternative.

They are powered by a jet drive rather than a propeller and are ideal for navigating shallow waterways. They are often used for recreational activities such as river rafting and fishing.

21. Cuddy boats

Cuddy boats are small motor boats, sometimes called Cuddy cabins, and are one of the more commonly seen boats with cabins. This type of watercraft features a below-deck area in the bow that can be used for sleeping or storage. They are ideal for short trips and day use but may not offer enough amenities or space to use as a liveaboard.

22. Game boats

Game boats feature powerful engines and have large fishing decks. They are used for offshore fishing and typically have a range of specialised fishing equipment, such as outriggers and fish finders, to target moving shoals of fish.

23. Centre console

Centre console boats have a single console placed in the centre of the boat and are used for recreational fishing.

Depending on the size and length of the boat, it may be used for offshore fishing to target larger species or game fish and features powerful dual or triple outboard motors and fishing equipment.

24. Personal Watercraft (PWC)

Personal Watercraft Boats (PWC) are small, lightweight boats used for recreational or occasional use. They include jet skis and similar jet-powered crafts ideal for water sports, fun, and entertainment.

25. Cabin cruisers

Cabin Cruiser boats are larger motor yachts designed for long-distance cruising and feature multiple cabins and living areas. Sometimes used as liveaboards, they are a popular choice for leisure cruising and can be powered by various engines.

Final words

There are many different types of boats available to suit your needs. Whether you want a recreational boat for water sports or a permanent home on the water, there are many vessels to choose from.

Whether you’re searching for a wide beam or Dutch barge to live on permanently or a narrowboat or yacht to experience recreational cruising, this article should help you to understand the different types of boats and their features.

Once you have established the kind of boat that will suit your lifestyle and preferences, browse our sales page to find available boats for sale for recreation or cruising that will suit a range of budgets.

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Understanding Rivers

A river is a large, natural stream of flowing water. Rivers are found on every continent and on nearly every kind of land.

Earth Science, Biology, Ecology, Geography, Physical Geography, Geology

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A river is a large, natural stream of flowing water. Rivers are found on every continent and on nearly every kind of land. Some flow all year round. Others flow seasonally or during wet years. A river may be only kilometers long, or it may span much of a continent. The longest rivers in the world are the Nile in Africa and the Amazon in South America. Both rivers flow through many countries. For centuries, scientists have debated which river is longer. Measuring a river is difficult because it is hard to pinpoint its exact beginning and end. Also, the length of rivers can change as they meander , are dammed , or their deltas grow and recede . The Amazon is estimated to be between 6,259 kilometers (3,903 miles) and 6,800 kilometers (4,225 miles) long. The Nile is estimated to be between 5,499 kilometers (3,437 miles) and 6,690 kilometers (4,180 miles) long. There is no debate, however, that the Amazon carries m ore water than any other river on Earth. Approximately one-fifth of all the fresh water entering the oceans comes from the Amazon. Rivers are important for many reasons. One of the most important things they do is carry large quantities of water from the land to the ocean. There, seawater constantly evaporates . The resulting water vapor forms clouds . Clouds carry moisture over land and release it as precipitation . This freshwater feeds rivers and smaller streams. The movement of water between land, ocean, and air is called the water cycle . The water cycle constantly replenishes Earth’s supply of fresh water, which is essential for almost all living things. Anatomy of a River No two rivers are exactly alike. Yet all rivers have certain features in common and go through similar stages as they age. The beginning of a river is called its source or headwaters . The source may be a melting glacier , such as the Gangotri Glacier, the source of the Ganges River in Asia. The source could be melting snow, such as the snows of the Andes, which feed the Amazon River. A river’s source could be a lake with an outflowing stream, such as Lake Itasca in the U.S. state of Minnesota, the source of the Mississippi River. A spring bubbling out of the ground can also be the headwaters of a river. The source of the Danube River is a spring in the Black Forest of Germany. From its source, a river flows downhill as a small stream. Precipitation and groundwater add to the river’s flow. It is also fed by other streams, called tributaries. For instance, the Amazon River receives water from more than 1,000 tributaries. Together, a river and its tributaries make up a river system . A river system is also called a drainage basin or watershed. A river’s watershed includes the river, all its tributaries, and any groundwater resources in the area. The end of a river is its mouth . Here, the river empties into another body of water—a larger river, a lake, or the ocean. Many of the largest rivers empty into the ocean. The flowing water of a river has great power to carve and shape the landscape. Many landforms, like the Grand Canyon in the U.S. state of Arizona, were sculpted by rivers over time. This process is called weathering or erosion . The energy of flowing river water comes from the force of gravity , which pulls the water downward. The steeper the slope of a river, the faster the river moves and the more energy it has. The movement of water in a river is called a current . The current is usually strongest near the river’s source. Storms can also increase the current. A swift current can move even large boulders . These break apart, and the pieces that are carried in the moving water scrape and dig into the river bottom, or bed. Little by little, a river tears away rocks and soil along its bed, and carries them downstream. The river carves a narrow, V-shaped valley . Rapids and waterfalls are common to rivers, particularly near their sources. Eventually, the river flows to lower land. As the slope of its course flattens, the river cuts less deeply into its bed. Instead, it begins to wind from side to side in looping bends called meanders . This action widens the river valley. At the same time, the river begins to leave behind some of the rocks, sand, and other solid material it collected upstream . This material is called sediment . Once the sediment is deposited, it is called alluvium . Alluvium may contain a great deal of eroded topsoil from upstream and from the banks of its meanders. Because of this, a river deposits very fertile soil on its flood plain . A flood plain is the area next to the river that is subject to flooding. The deepest part of a river bed is called a channel . The channel is usually located in the middle of a river. Here, the current is often strong. In large rivers, ships travel in channels. Engineers may dredge , or dig, deeper channels so more water can flow through the river or the river can transport larger ships. Near the end of its journey, the river slows and may appear to move sluggishly . It has less energy to cut into the land, and it can no longer carry a heavy load of sediment. Where the river meets the ocean or a lake, it may deposit so much sediment that new land, a delta, is formed. Not all rivers have deltas. The Amazon does not have a true delta, for instance. The strength of the tides and currents of the Atlantic Ocean prevent the build-up of sediment. Deltas almost always have fertile soil. The Nile Delta and the Ganges Delta are the chief agricultural areas for Egypt and Bangladesh, for instance. Rivers Through History Rivers have always been important to people. In prehistoric times, people settled along the banks of rivers, where they found fish to eat and water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Later, people learned that the fertile soil along rivers is good for growing crops . The world’s first great civilizations arose in the fertile flood plains of the Nile in Egypt, the Indus in southern Asia, the Tigris and the Euphrates in the Middle East, and the Huang (Yellow) in China. Centuries later, rivers provided routes for trade , exploration , and settlement . The Volga River in Eastern Europe allowed Scandinavian and Russian cultures, near the source of the river, to trade goods and ideas with Persian cultures, near the mouth of the Volga in southern Europe. The Hudson River in the U.S. state of New York is named after English explorer Henry Hudson , who used the river to explore what was then the New World . When towns and industries developed, the rushing water of rivers supplied power to operate machinery . Hundreds of factories operated mills powered by the Thames in England, the Mississippi in the United States, and the Ruhr in Germany. Rivers remain important today. If you look at a world map, you will see that many well-known cities are on rivers. Great river cities include New York City, New York; Buenos Aires, Argentina; London, England; Cairo, Egypt; Kolkata, India; and Shanghai, China. In fact, rivers are usually the oldest parts of cities. Paris, France, for instance, was named after the Iron Age people known as the Parisii , who lived on the islands and banks of the Seine River, which flows through the city. Rivers continue to provide transportation routes, water for drinking and for irrigating farmland , and power for homes and industries. Rivers of Europe The longest river in Europe is the Volga. It flows approximately 3,685 kilometers (2,290 miles) across Russia and empties into the Caspian Sea. The Volga has been used for centuries to transport timber from northern forests, grain from farms along its valley, and manufactured goods. The river is also known for its sturgeon , a type of large fish whose eggs are used to make a famous delicacy —Russian caviar . The Thames, in England, is one of Europe’s most historic rivers. Along its banks stands the city of London, a bustling urban area for more than a thousand years. By 100 CE, London had already become an important Roman settlement and trading post . Because of its location on the river and near the seacoast, London became England’s principal city and trade center. Europe’s busiest river is the Rhine, which runs from the Alps in Switzerland, through Germany and the Netherlands, and empties into the North Sea. It flows through many industrial and farming regions and carries barges laden with farm products, coal , iron ore, and a variety of manufactured goods. Rivers of Asia Asia’s longest and most important river is the Yangtze, in China. It flows from the Dangla Mountains, between Tibet and China’s Qinghai province. It empties in the East China Sea 6,300 kilometers (3,915 miles) later. The Yangtze is a highway for trade through the world’s most populous country. The Yangtze is also an agricultural river. Its valley is a major rice-growing region, and its water is used to irrigate fields. Many Chinese live on the river in houseboats or sailboats called junks . The Yangtze River is the home of the world’s most powerful hydroelectric power plant, the Three Gorges Dam . Eventually, the plant will be able to constantly produce 22,500 megawatts of power. China’s rural population will have access to affordable electricity for homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals. Creating the Three Gorges Dam was one of the largest engineering feats in history. Engineers dammed the Yangtze, creating a 39.3-cubic-kilometer (31.9 million acre-foot) reservoir , or artificial lake. The Ganges is the greatest river on Asia's Indian subcontinent . It is sacred to the millions of followers of the Hindu religion. For thousands of years, Hindus have worshipped the river as a goddess, Ganga Ma (Mother Ganges). Hindus believe the river’s water purifies the soul and heals the body. Millions of people use the Ganges every day for bathing, drinking, and industry. The historic Tigris and Euphrates river system flows from Turkey through Syria and Iraq and into the Persian Gulf. The rivers lie in an area called the Fertile Crescent . The region between the two rivers, known as Mesopotamia , is the so-called “cradle of civilization.” The earliest evidence of civilization and agriculture —farming and domestication of animals—appears in the Fertile Crescent. Rivers of North America In North America, rivers served as highways for native tribes and, later, for European explorers. French explorers began traveling the St. Lawrence and other rivers of Canada in the 1500s. They found an abundance of fish and other wildlife, and they encountered Native American tribes who hunted beaver. The explorers took beaver pelts back to Europe, where they were used to make fashionable hats. Soon, hunters explored and traveled networks of rivers in North America in search of beaver pelts. The establishment of trading posts along the rivers later opened the way for permanent European settlers. The St. Lawrence River is still a major waterway . The river, which empties into the Atlantic, is linked to the Great Lakes by the St. Lawrence Seaway —a series of canals , locks , dams, and lakes. The St. Lawrence Seaway allows oceangoing ships to enter the interior of the continent. The Mississippi is the chief river of North America. It flows approximately 3,766 kilometers (2,340 miles) through the heart of the United States, from its source in Minnesota to its delta in Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico. Spanish and French explorers first traveled the Mississippi in the 1500s and 1600s. In 1803, the United States bought almost the entire Mississippi River Valley from France as part of the Louisiana Purchase . After that, the Mississippi was widely traveled by traders and settlers on rafts, boats, and barges.

With the introduction of the steamboat , a new, industrial, era began on the Mississippi. Paddle wheelers carried trade goods up and down the river. Soon, workboats were joined by cruise ships and other luxurious passenger vessels. Writer Mark Twain , who was once a steamboat pilot on the river, described this era in his book Life on the Mississippi . Over time, the Mississippi increased in importance as a trade route. Today, it carries cargo ships and barges in lines that may extend for more than a kilometer. Large quantities of petroleum , coal, and other bulky goods are conveyed on the river by massive barges pushed by powerful towboats . North America’s Colorado River is famous for forming the Grand Canyon in Arizona. For millions of years, the river has cut its way through layers of rock to carve the canyon. Long ago, the river flowed through a flat plain. Then the Earth’s crust began to rise, lifting the land. The river began cutting into the land. The Grand Canyon is now about one and a half kilometers (one mile) deep at its deepest point, and 29 kilometers (18 miles) wide at its widest. Rivers of South America The strength of the Amazon River in South America dwarfs other rivers on the planet. The amount of water flowing through the Amazon is greater than the amount carried by the Mississippi, the Yangtze, and the Nile combined. The Amazon begins as an icy stream high in the Andes mountains of Peru. It flows through Brazil and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The Amazon and its tributaries drain a basin that covers an area equal to three-fourths of the contiguous United States. The first Europeans to see the Amazon were Spanish explorers, who traveled it in the 1500s. They encountered a group of people who all appeared to be women, or so the story goes. The explorers called them Amazons, after female warriors described in Greek mythology . The name Amazon was later given to the river. For much of its course, the Amazon flows through the world’s largest tropical rain forest. The region has abundant and unusual wildlife, including flesh-eating fish called piranhas ; huge fish called pirarucu , which can weigh more than 125 kilograms (275 pounds); and giant snakes called anacondas . Some Amazon tribes remain independent of Western culture. The Tagaeri people, for instance, continue to live a nomadic life based around the Amazon and its tributaries in the rain forest of Ecuador. Because of the demand for timber from the rain forest, the land of the indigenous people of the Amazon is shrinking. Today, there are fewer than 100 Tagaeri living in the rain forest. Rivers provide energy to many South American communities. The Itaipú Dam crosses the Paraná River on the Brazil-Paraguay border. Construction of the dam required the labor of thousands of workers and cost more than $12 billion. The dam’s power plant can regularly produce some 12,600 megawatts of electricity. The huge reservoir formed by the dam supplies water for drinking and for irrigation. Rivers of Africa Africa’s two largest rivers are the Nile and the Congo. One tributary of the Nile, the White Nile , flows from tiny streams in the mountains of Burundi through Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. The other tributary, the Blue Nile , begins in Lake Tana, Ethiopia. The two join at Khartoum, Sudan. The Nile then flows through the Sahara Desert in Sudan and Egypt, and empties into the Mediterranean Sea. Because the area where the tributaries meet is close to the two sources of the Nile, the area is called the Upper Nile , even though it is farther south geographically. The Lower Nile runs through Egypt. One of the earliest civilizations in the world developed along the Lower Nile. Ancient Egyptian civilization arose about 5,000 years ago. It was directly related to the Nile and its annual flooding. Each year, the river overflowed, spreading rich sediment across its broad flood plain. This made the land extremely fertile. Egyptian farmers were able to grow plentiful crops. In fact, ancient Egyptians called their land Kemet , which means “Black Land,” because of the rich, black soil deposited by the river. Egyptians also used the Nile as a major transportation route to both the Mediterranean and the African interior. The Pschent , or double crown worn by Egyptian monarchs , combined symbolism from both the Upper Nile and Lower Nile. A tall, white crown shaped like a bowling pin represented the lands of the Upper Nile. This crown was combined with a pointy red crown that had a curly wire protruding from the front. The red color symbolized the red soils of Lower Egypt, while the curly wire represented a honeybee . When putting on the Pschent, an Egyptian ruler assumed leadership for the entire Nile. The Nile provided enterprising Egyptians with material to form a powerful civilization. From papyrus , a tall reed that grew in the river, Egyptians made a sort of paper, as well as rope, cloth, and baskets. Egyptians also built great cities, temples, and monuments along the river, including tombs for their monarchs, or pharaohs . Many of these ancient monuments are still standing. The Congo River flows across the middle of Africa, through a huge equatorial rain forest, before emptying in the Atlantic Ocean. The Congo is second only to the Amazon in terms of water flow. It is the deepest river in the world, with measured depths of more than 230 meters (750 feet). Huge urban areas, including the capital cities of Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, and Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, sit on the banks of the river. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the river is the principal highway for transporting goods such as cotton, coffee, and sugar. Boats traveling the river range from dugout canoes to large freighters . The river also supplies an abundance of fish to central Africa. Fishermen use baskets and nets hung from high poles across rushing falls and rapids to catch fish. They also use more traditional nets operated from either onshore or on boats. Rivers of Australia Much of Australia is arid , but rivers still run through it. Australia’s principal rivers are the Murray and the Darling, both in the southeastern part of the continent. The Murray flows some 2,590 kilometers (1,610 miles) from the Snowy Mountains to a lagoon on the Indian Ocean. Near the town of Wentworth, the Murray is joined by the Darling, a 2,739-kilometer (1,702-mile) river that flows from the highlands of the eastern coast. Indigenous Australians placed great importance on the Murray River. The Murray valley had the greatest population density on the continent before the arrival of Europeans in the 1600s. By the mid-1800s, European farmers had settled along both rivers and some of their tributaries. Most Australian farmers raised sheep and cattle. Riverboats began plying the waters, and towns grew up along the banks. Much of Australia’s farmland still lies within the Murray-Darling basin, where river water irrigates some 1.2 million hectares (3 million acres). The region is the chief supplier of the country’s agricultural exports —wool, beef, wheat, and oranges. Polluted Rivers For centuries, people have depended on rivers for many things. Rivers have provided waterways for shipping, convenient construction sites for cities, and fertile land for farming. Such extensive use of rivers has contributed to their pollution . River pollution has come from directly dumping garbage and sewage , disposal of toxic wastes from factories, and agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides . By the 1960s, many of the world’s rivers were so polluted that fish and other wildlife could no longer survive in them. Their waters became unsafe for drinking, swimming, and other uses. One of the most famous examples of a polluted river was the Cuyahoga. The Cuyahoga is a busy river in the U.S. state of Ohio that empties into Lake Erie. It is a major highway for goods and services from the Midwest to the Great Lakes. In 1969, the oily pollution in the Cuyahoga was so great that the river actually caught fire—something it had done more than a dozen times in the 19th and 20th centuries. Since the 1969 fire, stricter laws have helped clean up polluted rivers. The laws have restricted the substances factories can dump into rivers, limited the amount of agricultural runoff, banned toxic pesticides such as DDT , and required treatment of sewage. Although the situation in some parts of the world has improved, serious problems remain. The Citarum River in Indonesia, for instance, is often cited as the most polluted river in the world. Textile factories near the Citarum dump toxic wastes into the river. The garbage floating on top of the river is so thick that water is invisible. Even after communities have limited river pollution, toxic chemicals may remain. Many pollutants take years to dissolve. The pollutants also build up in the river’s wildlife. Toxic chemicals may cling to algae , which are eaten by insects or fish, which are then eaten by larger fish or people. At each stage of the river’s food web , the amount of the toxic chemical increases. In parts of North America and Europe, there is also the severe problem of acid rain . Acid rain develops when emissions from factories and vehicles mix with moisture in the air. The acid that forms can be toxic for many living things. Acid rain falls as rain and snow. It builds up in glaciers, streams, and lakes, polluting water and killing wildlife. Environmentalists, governments, and communities are trying to understand and solve these pollution problems. To provide safe drinking water and habitats where fish and other wildlife can thrive, rivers must be kept clean. Dams A dam is a barrier that stops or diverts the flow of water along a river. Humans have built dams for thousands of years. Dams are built for many purposes. Some dams prevent flooding or allow people to develop or “reclaim” land previously submerged by a river. Other dams are used to change a river’s course for the benefit of development or agriculture. Still others provide water supplies for nearby rural or urban areas. Many dams are used to provide electricity to local communities. In 1882, the world’s first hydroelectric power plant was built on the Fox River in the U.S. city of Appleton, Wisconsin. Since then, thousands of hydroelectric plants have been built on rivers all over the world. These plants harness the energy of flowing water to produce electricity. About 7 percent of all power in the United States, and 19 percent of power in the world, comes from hydroelectric plants. China is the world’s largest producer of hydroelectric power. Hydroelectric power is renewable because water is constantly replenished through precipitation. Because hydroelectric plants do not burn fossil fuels , they do not emit pollution or greenhouse gases . However, hydroelectric power does have some negative effects on the environment. Dams and hydroelectric plants change the flow and temperature of rivers. These changes to the ecosystem can harm fish and other wildlife that live in or near the river. And although hydroelectric plants do not release greenhouse gases, rotting vegetation trapped in the dams’ reservoirs can produce them. Decaying plant material emits carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. Dams also have an effect on people living near the rivers. For example, more than 1.3 million people had to move from their homes to make way for China’s Three Gorges Dam and its reservoir. Human rights organizations claim that many of these people did not receive the compensation they were promised in return for being displaced. In addition, dams can affect fish populations and the fertility of flood plains. Fish may not be able to migrate and spawn. Farmers that depended on the fertile flooding may be cut off from the river by a dam. This can harm the livelihood of fishermen and farmers who live along the river, as well as consumers who must pay higher prices for food. Dams with very large reservoirs may also trigger earthquakes . Earthquakes happen when two or more of the tectonic plates that make up Earth’s crust slide against each other. The weight of the water in the reservoirs can cause existing cracks, or faults , in these plates to slip and create an earthquake. River Management River management is the process of balancing the needs of many stakeholders , or communities that depend on rivers. Rivers provide natural habitats for fish, birds, and other wildlife. They also provide recreation areas and sporting opportunities such as fishing and kayaking. Industries also depend on rivers. Rivers transport goods and people across continents. They provide affordable power for millions of homes and businesses. Farmers and agribusinesses often rely on rivers for transportation. Rivers also supply water for irrigation. River managers must consider the needs of all the current and future stakeholders.

Flip-Flopping Flow The Amazon River used to flow in the opposite direction. Today, the river flows from the mountains of Peru in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east. But millions of years ago, it actually flowed from east to west, emptying into the Pacific Ocean. The flow flipped when the Andes mountains started growing at the end of the Cretaceous period (around 65 million years ago).

Germ-Killing Ganges Hindus have always believed that the water of the Ganges River has purifying powers. Although millions of people bathe in the river regularly, it does not usually spread cholera, typhoid, or other water-borne diseases. Scientists have found that unique bacteriophages--viruses that destroy bacteria--kill germs in the water of the Ganges. In addition, the Ganges holds up to 25 times more dissolved oxygen than any other river in the world. The oxygen helps prevent putrefaction (rotting) of organic matter in the river. Scientists do not know why the river retains so much oxygen.

Mythical Rivers The ancient Greeks believed that five rivers encircled Hades, the underworld. These rivers are Styx (hate), Phlegethon (fire), Acheron (sorrow), Cocytus (lamentation or sadness), and Lethe (forgetting). The Greeks believed that dead souls had to cross the River Acheron, a branch of the Styx, to reach the underworld. They crossed on a ferry piloted by Charon, the ferryman of Hades.

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Best river boats: Tempting used options for exploring inland waterways

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Our resident used boat expert Nick Burnham picks out a selection of the best river boats currently offered for sale on the secondhand market…

Offshore boats can certainly venture upstream, but dedicated river boats are optimised for inland cruising. So this month, we are back on the river, decked out in a straw boater and striped blazer, glass of Pimm’s in hand (once safely moored for the afternoon, of course).

Key features to look for in the best river boats include easily accessible decks, as docking (be that in locks or outside waterside pubs) tends to be far more frequent; a hull designed to run efficiently at displacement speeds whilst creating minimal wash; larger rudders that operate well at low speeds; and layouts aimed at living aboard and socialising more than wave-bashing and sunbathing.

Here are three great examples that offer all of this, plus one modern take on dayboat river cruising.

4 of the best river boats on the market right now

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Broom Ocean 29

Built: 1995 Price: £67,000

Performance

The Nanni 4.150 releases its rampaging 35hp down a single shaft drive for a top speed of about 7 knots and a river-friendly 5-knot cruise. As mentioned, you could certainly put to sea with these levels of performance but it really is better suited to river cruising.

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The straightforward layout features a functional dinette that converts to a double berth

A small keel and big rudder aid stability and manoeuvrability – a bow thruster assisting with the latter.

Specifications

LOA: 29ft 0in (8.8m) Beam: 10ft 4in (3.2m) Draft: 3ft 6in (0.8m) Displacement: 4 tonnes Fuel capacity: 100 litres Engine: Nanni 4.150 35hp diesel Location: River Thames Contact: Val Wyatt Marine

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Sheerline 950AC

Built: 1995 Price: £64,950

Another Norfolk Broads-based business, Sheerline , like Broom, has a rich back catalogue stuffed full of river boats built for both hire fleet and private ownership. And like Broom, the business dates back more than a century, having started as George Smith and Co back in 1910.

The layout of the standard boat is not dissimilar to the Broom Ocean 29 in that it has the owner’s cabin forward, a dinette that converts to a double berth in the saloon opposite the galley, and a single heads.

But the AC ( aft cabin ) version gains a useful second guest cabin just aft of the saloon, where you’ll find a double berth running transversely beneath the forward section of the cockpit.

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The AC version has a second cabin to complement this one

Most examples of the Sheerline 950 feature a large open cockpit beneath a canopy (although there was also a centre cockpit version popular with hire fleets). This one is slightly unusual in that it features an open-backed wheelhouse , giving a more protected, yet still open to the elements, helm.

The roof stretches about halfway back across the generous 10ft by 9ft cockpit, leaving the oblong of cockpit seating alfresco, although there are canopies to enclose this area and turn the whole cockpit into a further interior space. Wide side decks are essential on waterways with locks to negotiate.

A 43hp diesel suits this style of boat perfectly, offering ample river-friendly performance with meagre fuel consumption. Unusually, in order to create space for that extra cabin, the engine is mounted transversely, with a hydraulic drive to the shaft rather than the usual straight shaft drive. Expect about 7 knots flat out with a 5-knot cruise.

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Saloon is opposite the galley with a convertible dinette

Sheerline has always focussed on river boats (although there has been the occasional dedicated offshore machine, like the 1050). This one’s hull is optimised for low-speed running in order to maximise fuel economy and minimise wash. Bow and stern thrusters help with close quarter manoeuvring in locks and marinas.

LOA: 31ft 1in (9.5m) Beam: 13ft 5in (4.1m) Draft: 3ft 2in (1.0m) Displacement: 4.4 tonnes Fuel capacity: 170 litres Engine: Nanni 4190 43hp diesel engines Location: River Thames Contact: Tingdene Boating

Aquanaut 110OK

Built: 2010 Price: £165,000

The Dutch really understand inland cruising and tend to favour steel hulls over moulded GRP ones. The Aquanaut Yachting shipyard is a prime example, which has been building steel boats in the heart of Sneek since 1961. Its current range reaches up past 50ft.

There are various advantages and disadvantages to steel boats . The disadvantage is weight, but that doesn’t really matter when you are sticking to displacement cruising speeds.

And the advantages are inherent strength (out of control hire boats are a threat to paintwork, but rarely structure) and a vast amount of available customisation, since the build process is not constrained by mouldings.

Aquanaut build aft-cabin and aft-cockpit boats, the benefit of the former being a private cabin at each end of the boat. The advantage of the latter, seen here, is a cockpit on the same level as the saloon with wide opening doors connecting these two areas.

In fact, the doors bifold right up against the cockpit sides, creating a single seamless socialising space, while a removable cockpit canopy means the whole area that can be used in all weathers.

River boat credentials include a free-standing stool for the skipper to perch on and opening windscreen panes for increased ventilation. There’s a decent sized galley on the lower deck opposite a heads large enough to feature a separate shower area.

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The owner’s cabin in the bow has a central island bed

That aft cockpit configuration keeps the air draft down, an important consideration inland. High rails with gates either side encircle wide decks, making deck work easy, and a dark blue hull is the finishing touch.

Top speed is limited by the hull speed, which is why the 87hp Perkins M92B is more than sufficient to power this boat to her 7-knot maximum.

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Wooden bi-fold doors link the cockpit with the saloon

Dutch-built steel boats come in one of three hull forms. Hard-chine cruisers are the cheapest to build, offer good volume and stability. Round bilge boats offer strength and stability. But the multi chine hull of this boat (think of the profile a little like the edge of a 50 pence coin) combines the benefits of both.

LOA: 36ft 4in (11.1m) Beam: 11ft 6in (3.5m) Draft: 2ft 9in (0.8m) Displacement: 11 tonnes Fuel capacity: 500 litres Engine: Perkins M92B 87hp diesel engine Location: River Thames Contact: Bray Marine Sales

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Rand Picnic 18

Built: 2021 Price: £36,995

At the risk of upsetting the rag and stick brigade, I find sailing mostly rubbish but occasionally brilliant. There’s never enough wind except when there is too much, and when there is the right amount it’s in the wrong direction, meaning you have to zig-zag everywhere at a jaunty angle.

But when everything works, the magical feel of gently cruising along in virtual silence with just the noise of the wake bubbling at the forefoot is utterly beguiling. Imagine if you could have that whilst upright and travelling in a straight line?

Electric boats are the answer and it’s been with us for a surprisingly long time – the Rand 18 Picnic was launched in 2015.

As an open day boat there is no interior as such, but there is a full-length cockpit to enjoy. A big horseshoe of seating takes up the front half, giving loads of space for up to ten people to relax or dine at a large table that can drop and infill to create a comfy sunbed, with space for a cooler underneath.

The helm is aft, sloop-style, meaning that whoever is in control remains very much a part of the party. Storage beneath the seats adds to the practicality.

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Soft grey finish and inlaid teak gives this day boat a chic, modern appeal

The boat has an attractive yet simple Scandinavian design, and is finished in pale grey with a faux teak inlaid bathing platform. This is a sharp and distinctly modern-looking boat, as befits something as 21st century as an electric-powered boat.

Rand developed this boat for both inboard and outboard solutions, and petrol or electric power. With the largest 60hp outboard fitted, a 60hp Mercury EFI, it’s good for 30 knots.

This boat has the somewhat less powerful but considerably quieter Torqeedo Cruise 4.0FP inboard engine, its 25kW motor powered by a 9.1 kWh AGM battery for a river-appropriate maximum speed of 5 knots.

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Huge U-shaped dining table drops and transforms into a comfortable sunpad

Rand describes the Picnic 18 as “simple to operate, with perfect steering capabilities and a high degree of stability.”

LOA: 17ft 5in (5.3m) Beam: 6ft 10in (2.1m) Draft: 1ft 0in (0.3m) Displacement: 0.4 tonnes Battery capacity: 9.1 kWh Motor Torqeedo Cruise 4.0FP 25kW Location : River Thames Contact: Bates Wharf

First published in the September 2023 issue of MBY.

Four more river boats from the August 2022 issue

Super van craft 13.80.

Built: 1988 Price: £159,950

Occasionally I stumble upon a boat so wonderful that I actually build one of these articles around it, just so that I can bring it to your attention.

The fantastically monikered Super Van Craft 13.80 is a case in point. Built by Klaassen Shipwards, Voorschoten in 1988, this Dutch steel motor yacht is surely the finest and most elegant way to cruise any inland water.

An aft cabin layout, the interior stretches from stem to stern. There are three berths in the forepeak in a vee configuration (bunk beds on one side, a single on the other), plus an ensuite heads.

Further aft on the lower deck a long straight galley to port lives opposite a comfortable looking dinette that converts into extra sleeping. There’s a separate washing machine and dryer on this level too, handy for longer-term cruising.

Head up and aft through the saloon and you’ll drop down to the owner’s cabin with a central island double bed and another ensuite split between a toilet and sink to port and a separate shower to starboard.

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The wood panelled aft cabin enjoys wonderful space and privacy

Classy and elegant though the interior is, it’s the exterior that provides the initial siren call. Long and low with a painted white hull, teak-laid decks and varnished wooden superstructure and handrails, it’s a genuinely beautiful boat that wouldn’t look out of place moored in St Tropez in the 1960s.

The aft deck would make a great entertaining space with its full beam aft seat, and the helm lives here too with its “proper little ship” vertical wooden wheel and varnished wooden dashboard with its row of organ stop switches set in a stainless steel strip.

A full displacement boat, the pair of DAF 120hp engines top out at a leisurely 8.5 knots and she cruises at just under 6 knots.

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The huge twin-level saloon features an upper lounge plus a lower galley and dinette

A solid steel motor boat, you don’t need to worry too much about being blown around in a breeze, but you do need to plan ahead a little as she’ll carry some way. Bow and stern thrusters have been fitted which should help to lower the pulse in close quarters.

LOA: 47ft 2in (14.4m) Beam: 12ft 6in (3.9m) Draught: 4ft 3in (1.3m) Displacement: 18 tonnes Fuel capacity: 1,000 litres Engines: DAF 120hp diesels Location: River Thames Contact: Val Wyatt Marine

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Built: 1994 Price: £89,000

Charles Broom began creating “beautifully crafted sailing cruisers for gentlemen” in Brundall on the Norfolk Broads in 1898, and the company has remained on exactly the same spot throughout its illustrious history.

Motor boat production began in the 1920s with a 30-footer powered by a Morris petrol engine. The company started fibreglass boat production 40 years later in the 1960s, then, in 1989, the 33 was introduced as a successor to the highly successful 9/70 and 10/70, and featured an all-new hull design from Andrew Wolstenholme.

The company still exists, but now runs a marina and a hire boat fleet.

An aft cabin layout splits the two main sleeping areas with an ensuite owner’s cabin back aft and a vee-berthed guest cabin forward. A decent sized galley and heads also live up front on the lower deck, with the main deck saloon featuring an internal helm position, making this a true year-round proposition.

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The aft cabin layout provides good privacy both for the owner and the guests

Putting the outside helm on the aft deck instead of on a separate flybridge above the saloon reduces deck space a little, but it does lower the height of the boat, important for inland waterway use.

In fact it’s possible to drop the radar arch and the windscreen to limbo beneath lower structures, a fact that has helped this boat cruise the River Thames, the Broads and France.

The Broom 33 came with a variety of twin shaft drive diesels, usually between 180hp and 230hp, including Volvo TAMD41s, KAMD 40s and Mercruiser 180s and 220s, although the basic boat was actually quoted with 100hp TAMD31s, which offered about 10 knots.

The largest reached 25 knots and the twin 150hp engines on this boat are probably giving mid-teen performance.

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Rather dated interior but the gentlemanly Broom 33 is a very capable sea boat too

Obviously you’re not going to be using that level of performance on inland waterways, but they do give Channel crossing reach, great for Europe’s waterways. When we tested the boat in 1990 we found that the hull gave a soft ride into the waves and handled well with seas on the beam or stern.

LOA: 34ft 3in (10.4m) Beam: 12ft 2in (3.7m) Draught: 3ft 3in (1.0m) Displacement: 7.5 tonnes Fuel capacity: 720 litres Engines: Twin Volvo Penta TMD 41B 150hp diesel engines Location: River Thames Contact: Boat Showrooms

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Aquanaut Drifter 1150AK

Built: 2003 Price: £159,950

Built entirely with inland cruising in mind, this is a big strong metal boat designed to take the knocks of a commercial lock gate or a badly driven hire boat. That steel construction means that the builder is not tied to the specifics of a mould in determining the shape, so there’s a huge amount of variation available.

A steel boat broker once told me that clients often specify an internal helm position when they order their first inland cruiser, but never on the second as the reality is that these seldom get used.

The lack of one here results in a fairly palatial saloon area with plenty of social seating. This being another aft cabin boat, there is a big owner’s cabin beneath the aft deck.

An island double bed and separate compartments for shower and toilet give a ‘home from home’ vibe, as do masses of storage. There’s a good sized galley with a dinette opposite forward on the lower deck, and ahead of that is the guest cabin with vee berths.

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The absence of an internal helm results in a very large and sociable saloon

A centrally mounted helm reduces air draught and also makes it easy to enclose the helm with canopies. On the coachroof forward is a mast for navigation lights and antennas, but this can be lowered and the windscreen hinges down in sections.

Side decks are wide and there’s a central break in the guardrails on both sides allowing easy access to a dockside, exactly what you need for inland waters.

The single Perkins M135 shaft drive diesel engine is both naturally aspirated and mechanical, keeping everything simple and easy to maintain as well as being suitable for very low speed long distance cruising (something turbo diesels are less keen on for extended periods).

You can plan for 8-10 knots flat out, but more important is the boat’s ability to run at 4 or 5 knots for hour after gentle hour.

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The convertible lower deck dinette expands the Aquanaut’s sleeping capacity

Although designed with inland cruising in mind, the Drifter series all have a multi-chine hull (think of the edge of a 50 pence piece – remember coins?) which improves sea keeping for the odd occasion you want to head from one inland waterway to another.

LOA: 38ft 1in (11.6m) Beam: 12ft 6in (3.8m) Draught: 3ft 3in (1.0m) Displacement: 9 tonnes Fuel capacity: 495 litres Engine: Perkins M135 135hp diesel engines Location: River Thames Contact: Bray Marine Sales

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Banks Martin Beaulieu 30

Built: 2017 Price: £159,950

Until almost a decade ago, one of Kidderminster’s most famous exports was Sealine boats . They’d been built there for 40 years before going into administration and being absorbed by Hanse Yachts AG and moved to Germany.

River boat builder Banks Martin is based in Kidderminster and sure enough, one of its principle directors was a long-standing Sealine man as are many of the staff – there’s a lot of boat building skill to be found in Kidderminster.

The avowed aim of Banks Martin is to “combine the undoubtedly higher quality, standards and design of sea going vessels, and bring this to the river and estuary.”

The Beaulieu 30 is the first model to be launched by this fledging company. The styling is smart, but traditional, a flat-roofed cabin with huge windows down both sides and across the front which throw plenty of light into the cabin, not to mention allow a great view out.

The cabin itself is open plan with a double bed forward and a dinette to port. There’s a tiny mid cabin too, which just has a single bed running back beneath the cockpit. The galley is opposite and the heads is back aft, just inside the door.

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The open-plan cabin makes amazing use of space for a sub-30ft boat

The aft cockpit has an open-backed wheelhouse , so there is a roof over the helm and side windows, but nothing between it and the open rear of the cockpit (although the whole area can be enclosed with canopies). There’s a bathing platform too, arguably less useful on a river but it points to the Category C nature that includes estuaries and coastal use.

Banks Martin are offering inboard or outboard engine options. This particular boat is fitted with a 75hp Volvo Penta diesel which gives a maximum speed of about 9 knots for an easy, and river- friendly, 6-knot cruise.

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With big views and an efficient six-knot cruise, this is a great boat for relaxed inland fun

A semi-displacement hull is designed to give good low speed handling and a powerful bow thruster makes close-quarters manoeuvrability far easier.

LOA: 29ft 2in (8.9m) Beam: 9ft 9in (3.0m) Draught: 2ft 5in (0.7m) Displacement: 4.2 tonnes Fuel capacity: 145 litres Engine: Volvo Penta 75hp diesel Location: River Thames Contact: Bates Wharf

First published in the August 2022 issue of MBY.

Four more river boats from the November 2020 issue

Linssen 34.9 Sedan

Built: 2010 Price: £169,999

Based in Maasbracht, Holland, Linssen Yachts was originally set up by Jac Linssen as a small-scale woodwork and ship repair business. Over the years it developed into a significant steel yacht building yard with a strong reputation for high quality motor cruisers.

Family run from the beginning, it’s now into its third generation and builds boats from 30-50ft. The Linssen 34.9 was available in two versions, an aft cabin cruiser or a Sedan, which features an aft cockpit and reduced air draught, enabling it to slip underneath lower bridges.

Double doors lead into a very high quality interior lined in classic cherry wood. The galley is on the port side, opposite a dinette that features an ‘Easy Sleep Convert System’ that allows it to be quickly converted into a slatted double berth for occasional guests.

Intriguingly, there’s a small desk area ahead of the dinette opposite the helm position, complete with club chair. Head down to the lower deck and you’ll find the heads on one side, shower on the other and a central double bed in the fore cabin.

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The Linssen 34.9 Sedan has only one dedicated sleeping cabin but the settee in the saloon also converts to a bed

Unlike the aft cabin variant with its raised aft deck, the Linssen 34.9 Sedan has the cockpit on the same level as the saloon. Protected by a large framed canopy, it extends the living area even in inclement weather. On better days, drop the canopy and slide back the roof section over the helm to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

A heavy and strictly displacement speed boat, don’t expect fireworks from the Volvo Penta D2 75hp. However, it is a very quiet riverboat with a top speed of 10 knots.

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Beautifully finished saloon enjoys fine views out but still feels cosy in all weathers

There’s not much seakeeping to be done inland, but given the low speed and steel construction you can expect your gin and tonic to be stirred but not shaken.

Specification

Length: 35ft 0in (10.7m) Beam: 11ft 0in (3.3m) Draught: 3ft 4in (1.0m) Displacement: 8 tonnes Fuel capacity: 240 litres Engine: Volvo Penta D2 75hp diesel Location: River Thames Contact: Boat Showrooms

Aquanaut Drifter CS1300 AK

Built: 2014 Price: £349,950

Dutch builder Aquanaut is proud of the level of customisation it offers. Because steel boats don’t require the inflexible moulds and fixed structural bulkheads of GRP craft, the company is free to do whatever it wants within reason.

As UK boat dealer (and vendor of this boat) TBS Boats once told me, “With a steel boat you don’t require new mouldings to make fundamental changes, all you need is a good CAD designer and plenty of imagination. All of the Aquanauts we’ve supplied have basically been bespoke builds; no two have been the same.”

Aquanaut Drifters are available in both aft cabin (AK) and aft cockpit (AC) layouts. European Voyagers are aft cockpit flybridge variants and the Privilege range are the same below the waterline but with softer sexier styling. So the AK designation of this model highlights the huge aft master cabin with separate ensuite toilet and shower compartments.

Guests are taken care of at the opposite end of the boat via vee berths in the forward cabin. A very generous galley, also on the forward lower deck, has a dinette opposite. Up on the main deck you’ll find a large saloon area.

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Spectacular aft cabin makes this an ideal liveaboard for cruising European waterways

Step up and aft from the saloon to find yourself on a massive aft deck above the master cabin. The single helm is here with a pair of comfortable captain’s chairs and there’s a large U-shaped seating area behind it around a table. Decks are wide and flat. The windscreen is hinged, allowing it to fold to reduce air draught for low bridges.

Expect about 8 knots from the single Perkins 148hp diesel, which allows easy river speed cruising of between 4-6 knots.

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High quality bespoke interior can be customised to suit the owner’s requirements

Although ostensibly an inland boat, multi chine underwater sections and twin keels aid seakeeping and stability for offshore passages.

LOA: 42ft 6in (13.1m) Beam: 14ft 3in (4.4m) Draught: 3ft 6in (1.1m) Displacement: 16 tonnes Fuel capacity: 800 litres Engine: Perkins M115Ti 148hp diesel Location: River Thames Contact: TBS Boats

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Intercruiser 27 Cabin

Built: 2011 Price: £79,950

Another riverboat, another Dutch builder. Interboat is a small family business employing about 50 people and building boats from 21ft through to 34ft. Its smallest are the Intertender and Interboat models – the 27 is the smallest of its luxurious Intercruiser range.

Designed very much as an open dayboat, the 27 Cabin does, nonetheless, have a small sleeping area and toilet in the bow. A discreet door right at the front of the cockpit drops you down to a lower level with a toilet compartment through a further door ahead of that.

On either side, a single berth burrows back beneath the cockpit seating allowing two to sleep. It might not be ideal for a week on board, but overnighting is possible, and an afternoon nap a definite.

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The forward door leads down to the two-person sleeping area and heads compartment

Most of the boat is cockpit, with enough space for 10 people. It’s a ‘sloop’ configuration, which is the Dutch term for a boat with the helm right at the back like a sailing boat. It works well for idle river pottering, allowing the helmsman to engage and chat with his or her guests rather than being at the front with everyone else behind.

Ahead of the helm is a small galley unit with a stove and sink while a fridge drawer can be found beneath the seating. An optional upgrade on this boat is the fitted windscreen forward and adaptable canopy system.

A four-cylinder Vetus diesel engine puts out 52hp, giving a top speed of 8 knots and allowing cruising anywhere between 3–6 knots. Interboat will actually fit these with anything between 22hp and 170hp, the latter giving about 18 knots and intended for coastal work – unleashing all 170hp on the upper Thames might raise an eyebrow or two!

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The aft helm position makes for a very sociable cockpit with all your guests ahead of you

Although built for inland cruising, the 27 Cabin has plenty of scope for coastal running provided that (just like any other boat) conditions are right.

LOA: 27ft 9in (8.5m) Beam: 9ft 8in (3.0m) Draught: 2ft 6in (0.8m) Displacement: 5 tonnes Fuel capacity: 100 litres Engine: Vetus 52hp diesel Location: River Thames Contact: Val Wyatt Marine

Stevens 1350 Vlet

Built: 2011 Price: €397,500

Taking customisation to a new level, UK Stevens dealer Karl Farrant Marine Sales regards the brochure as little more than a ‘suggestions’ guide. Want an inch more headroom or three inches off the LOA when you order a new boat? You got it.

As a result, no two boats are the same. The Dutch-built boats are actually called Smelne in other countries; Karl adopted the name Stevens for the UK as he felt Smelne didn’t translate well!

All Stevens boats are available with either an aft cabin and a raised aft deck or aft cockpit on the same level as the saloon. This is the former. The standard layout is an offset double forward and a dinette opposite the galley but this owner has opted for vee berths forward and lost the lower dinette in favour of a massive galley that utilises both sides of the lower deck.

With no inside helm, the saloon on the main deck is a great size too, and the master suite occupies the lower deck beneath the raised aft cockpit.

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Rich woodwork makes for a very classy aft cabin with its own ensuite bathroom

The 13 refers to the fact that this is a 13m boat. The second half of the numerals refers to the transom arrangement. Versions include 1300, 1350, 1395 and so on, and buyers can opt for a flat transom with no platform, a large platform with sweeping staircases either side or anything in-between. The full beam aft deck houses the helm, with canopies providing weather protection.

Volvo Penta, Perkins or Vetus Deutz in single or twin engine format were offered. Twin engines don’t give more performance but do give offshore back-up reassurance. This boat has a pair of Vetus Deutz DT44 114hp engines which give about 10 knots.

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Big saloon and galley creates a fabulous open-plan living area on this customised model

Vlet in the title refers to the hull shape, which is multi-chined rather than a flat vee, creating additional internal volume low in the hull for more space and a lower centre of gravity for greater stability, improved further by the Magnus Master stabilisers. The result is a very capable sea boat.

LOA: 45ft 6in (13.88m) Beam: 14ft 5in (4.4m) Draught: 3ft 11in (1.2m) Displacement: 20 tonnes Fuel capacity: 1,200 litres Engines: Twin Vetus Deutz DT44 114 Location: Holland Contact: Karl Farrant Marine Sales

Four more river boats from the June 2019 issue

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Stevens VLET 950 Special

Built: 2003 Price: £75,000

Built by the Smelne yard in the Netherlands, this steel cruiser is badged a Stevens (rather than Smelne) which means it was built to a high UK-specific standard specification and is British Safety Scheme compliant from the off.

Being a Smelne built boat, a huge amount of personal customisation would have been available to the original owner; no two Smelne boats are ever exactly the same.

With two permanent vee berths tucked way in the fore cabin (an infill turns these into a double berth) and the rest of the beautifully trimmed interior given over to living space, this is a terrific day cruiser or a great escape boat for a couple.

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The beautifully trimmed interior offers ample living space

There’s a decent sized, well equipped galley on the lower deck opposite the heads, leaving the main deck almost entirely as living space. Deep windows down both sides enable you to watch the world go by even when seated at the dinette. The indoor helm does without a fixed seat so you can either stand or pull up a chair.

Wide-opening saloon doors connect the interior and cockpit. Side decks are low, broad and well protected by high rails. Of particular note is a generous lazarette beneath the cockpit sole with plenty of space for folding bikes and bulky items.

The boat’s standard engine is a single Volvo Penta shaft drive diesel. It’s very well insulated, keeping noise levels to a minimum, and gives the 950 a maximum speed of about 7 knots flat out, with an easy cruising speed of up to 6 knots and a level of fuel consumption that’s simply not worth worrying about.

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An infill turns the permanent vee berth into a double

Seakeeping might be largely irrelevant for a riverboat, but actually the Stevens Vlet 950 is pretty good. A very low saloon floor means that you get little of the pendulum effect that exaggerates the roll you’d experience higher up on the aft deck of an aft cabin boat, and it’s a very solid, steady performer capable of admittedly low speed estuary or coastal work.

Bilge keels were also an option (in fact pretty much anything on a Smelne built boat was an option) but were rarely specified.

LOA: 31ft 1in (9.5m) Beam: 10ft 1in (3.1m) Draught: 3ft 0in (0.9m) Displacement: 6 tonnes Fuel capacity: 300 litres Engines: Volvo Penta D2 55hp diesel Contact: TBS Boats

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Built: 2016 Price: £109,950

‘A VW camper van on the water’ was the thinking behind the Haines 26 , according to the manufacturer’s managing director Justin Haines, who describes the boat as a ‘perfect weekender’.

Built at the family-run Haines yard in Catford, Norfolk, the Haines 26 is the smallest boat in the range but every bit the quality build of its larger siblings.

Two layouts were offered, one with a small single cabin to starboard and a double forward and the other the open-plan layout you see here.

In reality, every boat built so far has had the open-plan option, which puts a neat dinette at the front of the cabin and a settee/berth opposite the galley, which pulls out to create a double berth creating sleeping inside for four people.

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The open-plan layout makes the most of the boat’s length and feels fresh and modern

The wood interior is available in a lighter oak finish or the classy darker walnut of this boat, and a fixed glass ‘skyscreen’ in the cabin roof as well as a perspex foredeck hatch allow plenty of natural light into the interior.

A simple cockpit, wide non-slip side decks and a double foredeck seat sum up the exterior of the Haines 26. A transom door gives easy access to the bathing platform and the canopy is quick and easy to erect. Bonded windows and the powder coated black framed windscreen (which folds flat) give the boat a contemporary look.

The single Nanni N4.38 38hp diesel engine of this boat is an upgrade on the standard N3.30. Both are shaft drive for simplicity and reliability. An entirely river friendly top speed of 7 to 8 knots makes typical 5 knot inland cruising a doddle and even with a fuel capacity of just 135 litres, you’ll rarely need to stop for a refill.

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The snug-fitting canopy turns the cockpit into a comfortable all-weather seating area

The hull majors on low wash and stability, exactly what’s needed for inland waters. Manoeuvrability is also a prerequisite and a bow thruster is a must with a single shaft drive. Amazingly, most Haines 26 models left the factory with not just this but a stern thruster too, allowing the boat to go completely sideways at the touch of the thruster controls.

LOA: 26ft 0in (7.9m) Beam: 10ft 6in (3.2m) Draught: 2ft 6in (0.8m) Displacement: 3.75 tonnes Fuel capacity: 135 litres Engine: Nanni N4.38 38hp diesel Contact: Norfolk Yacht Agency

Aintree Wide Beam

Built: 2017 Price: £203,000

If you’re going to cruise inland, why not buy a proper narrow boat? The name gives away the build location of this one – Aintree riverboats are constructed a mile away from the famous Grand National steeplechase in Merseyside.

Rather than a model range, Aintree will supply a boat in any length up to 70ft and to different levels of completion, from a basic hull and deck requiring fitting out through to a finished vessel.

And those lengths can be had in two widths. Standard narrowboats are 6ft 10in wide. The wide beam boats from Aintree are 12ft across, gifting massively more interior volume at the expense of not being able to access some of the narrower inland waterways.

That wide beam really makes itself felt with ‘home from home’ accommodation. Accessed from the aft cockpit, steps lead down to a large kitchen area with domestic appliances, and ahead of that is a saloon with two sofas and a wood burning stove (surely a first for an MBY used boat review !)

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A full-beam master is located in the bow

A passageway to starboard takes you past a guest cabin and the heads to the full-beam master cabin in the bow, complete with built-in wardrobes.

As is typical for a narrowboat, most of its length is taken up with the cabin, leaving just a small cockpit aft. But rather than a flat deck as many boats of this type have, this has the shelter of a sunken well with seating around the stern and protection from a canopy that encloses this area. The helm position is here too, with a wheel rather than the tiller that many narrowboats usually get.

Performance is probably the wrong word – it might have a 90hp Beta engine, but this is 65ft of steel barge. Nevertheless, it’s fit for purpose, allowing the boat to cruise at the kind of brisk walking pace appropriate for inland cruising.

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The homely accommodation is super comfortable

Again, it’s not really about seakeeping with a boat like this. Sheer length should make it track straight, and there are bow and stern thrusters that will help position the boat. All you really need to get used to are the slow reactions of a long, heavy steel boat carrying this much momentum.

LOA: 65ft 0in (19.8m) Beam: 12ft 0in (3.7m) Draught: 2ft 2in (0.7m) Displacement: 28 tonnes Fuel capacity: 400 litres Engine: Beta 90hp diesel Contact: TBS Boats

Halvorsen Gourmet 32

Built: 2003 Price: £89,950

Halvorsen has a fascinating history. Founded originally by a Norwegian in 1870, the family ended up building boats in Australia where they’re still based. The boats, however, are now built in China. The 32 shows more than a nod to ‘down east’ styling, with its classic simulated planking to the topsides, sweeping sheer lines and traditional superstructure with peaked overhang to the deck saloon roof.

Halvorsen has resisted the temptation to cram in two cabins. The result is a wonderfully indulgent boat for two with a big centreline double berth in the forward cabin and separate toilet and shower compartments.

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Galley aft layout is unusual for a boat from this era

Interestingly, the main deck is a galley aft layout, way before these became fashionable, tucked behind the helm on the starboard side. The port side of the deck saloon is given over to a large dinette that will convert to an occasional double if required.

The ‘old school’ profile means low, easily accessed teak-capped side decks leading up to a foredeck with a good old-fashioned Sampson post. There’s a single central door in the aft bulkhead of the deck saloon, rather than wider-opening double doors, which reduces the connection between saloon and cockpit but does create space for two sheltered aft-facing seats – a great place to tuck yourself away with a wonderful view aft.

Although the low air draught and single engine make this boat ideal for inland work, it’s more powerful than a typical riverboat at 315hp. What that creates is genuine offshore reach and a top speed of 15 knots, making this a great boat for zipping across the Channel before diving into Europe’s inland waterways. In fact Halvorsen also offered twin engined versions with a pair of 155hp or 250hp engines.

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The centreline double is a generous size

It’s a semi-displacement hull, giving good seakeeping and a comfortable ride at the expense of pushing plenty of water as it barrels through big waves rather than bouncing over them like a planing hull. At low speeds the boat tracks beautifully and a standard fit bow thruster helps with close quarter work.

LOA: 32ft 0in (9.8m) Beam: 12ft 0in (3.7m) Draught: 3ft 8in (1.2m) Displacement: 7 tonnes Fuel capacity: 719 litres Engine: Cummins 315hp diesel Contact: Norfolk Yacht Agency

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RIVER BOATS BY STATE

River boats in Florida (4)

9 Different Types of Rivers (Plus Essential Facts)

Crystal clear river nestled in between the lush forest.

A river is a natural stream of water that flows to another water body such as a lake, ocean or another river. Rivers can be found on every continent but there are at least 18 countries that don’t have any river at all. Russia has the most number of rivers with around 100,000 while the United States has the oldest one which is ironically called the New River.

The world’s longest river is the Nile River at 6,853 kilometers long, followed by the Amazon River at 6400 kilometers in length. The third is the Yangtze River with a length of 6,300 kilometers while the Caño Cristales river in Colombia is referred to as the world’s most beautiful river because of its stunning multiple colors.

Check out our article detailing the “Top 10 Most Beautiful Coral Reefs in the World”

Ephemeral Rivers

Whenever snow melts quickly or there is an exceptionally heavy downpour, it can result in an ephemeral river. The river’s temporary quick flow can be found in desert areas where flash flooding occurs on a very irregular basis. For most of the year, these rivers’ beds remain dry because the water table is below the surface and therefore, base flow does not happen.

Episodic Rivers

Although they are rare, episodic rivers are formed from run-off channels and found in areas with very dry climates . They may have some permanent areas, and they usually only flow fervently after very heavy rain. In the desert, episodic rivers are very important sources of water. They can also be thought of as seasonal or occasional rivers, and they are known as episodic because they only exist after an episode of a heavy downpour of rain.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links which will take you to online retailers that sell products and services. If you click on one and buy something, I may earn from qualifying purchases. See my Affiliate Disclosure for more details.

Exotic Rivers

Any river that flows through a very dry region is called an exotic river. Most commonly, exotic rivers flow through the desert and are found in places such as Saudi Arabia and the countries that surround it.

The Tigris and Euphrates rivers are perfect examples of exotic rivers, and they flow from the Persian Gulf into northern Iraq. Essentially, a river is called exotic because it stands out on the landscape, so a river that sits in the middle of an otherwise dry, barren region such as a desert is always called an exotic river.

Intermittent Rivers

Intermittent river beside the green banks.

These are rivers that have a semi-permanent nature and are known because of their seasonal flow. During wet periods when runoff is related to both heavy rain or a temporary rise of the water table , the rivers will flow fully. In the summertime, which is considered a dry period, the river bed may be dry because of a falling water table and reduced rainfall.

Mature Rivers

A mature river is not very steep and has a slow flow when compared to youthful rivers. Youthful rivers have several tributaries feeding into it, and they have less of a sediment deposit than youthful rivers. Examples include the River Thames, the St. Lawrence River, and the Ohio River.

Old rivers have a low gradient and they depend on floodplains. The Nile, Euphrates, and Ganges rivers are perfect examples of old rivers.

Periodic Rivers

Aerial view of a periodic river with Viking boats sailing across.

Periodic rivers have dry spells throughout the year, especially if they are located in very dry climates where the precipitation is less frequent than the amount of evaporation. Also called nonperennial rivers, they usually flow best right after a heavy rain.

Permanent Rivers

Permanent rivers are those which have water all year around. These are also called perennial rivers, and the water comes mostly from groundwater. Also contributing to the water flow is surface water runoff. The only time these rivers do not have water is during periods of extreme drought, which is seldom.

Youthful Rivers

With a steep gradient and only a few tributaries, youthful rivers flow swiftly and quickly. Examples include the U.S. rivers of Trinity and Brazos and the Ebro River in Spain.

How Rivers are Classified

Aerial view of a river flowing along the rainforest.

Biotic Classification

Biotic classification refers to each river’s ecosystem type, and it includes everything from the purest and cleanest rivers to the most contaminated ones. Biotic classification is broken down into three different zones, described below.

Crenon zone – This is the area right near the source of the river. In other words, it is the zone where the river gets its start. It is broken down into two main zones – the eucrenon, which encompasses the spring zone; and the hypocrenon, also known as the headstream zone. The Crenon zone has flow speeds that are slower than speeds found in the Rhithron zone, and it has lower oxygen levels and colder temperatures as well.
Rhithron zone – This is the upstream area of the river, characterized by quicker and more intense flowing speeds. The Rhithron zone has very cool temperatures and a higher oxygen level than the Potamon zone.
Potamon zone – The Potamon zone is the downstream area of the river. It has slower flowing speeds and is usually warmer than other areas of the river. It also consists of a lower oxygen content and a very sandy river bed.

Experts use the biotic classification system to identify recovery time from and sensitivity to the surrounding habitat’s environmental disturbances. In this example, wetlands are not very sensitive to disturbance but need longer recovery times from environmental disturbances.

Microhabitats, on the other hand, have fast recovery times but are also extremely sensitive to any type of disturbance.

Chronological Classification

Chronological classifications go by the river’s age , which experts can study by researching its patterns of erosion. They can be classified further into these three types of rivers:

Mature rivers – Mature rivers have grades that are not very steep, and they have several tributaries, along with a fast discharge speed.
Old rivers – You can identify old rivers with their floodplains.
Rejuvenated rivers – These rivers have various gradients, and they are raised by tectonic movement.
Young rivers – Young rivers flow quickly, have deep instead of wide channels, and no tributaries.

Strahler Stream Order

This classification was developed in 1952 and is based on a number – called the Strahler number – that shows how difficult it is to branch numbers. The numbers range from the first order to the twelfth order.

For example, headwaters belong to the first order, while the Amazon River belongs to the last one. Experts claim that approximately 80% of the world’s rivers belong in the first and second orders. The larger the number, the slower and bigger the river.

Very small streams that have a year-round flow, but no tributaries are classified as first-order streams using the Strahler Stream Order. If two second-order streams flow into one another, a third-order stream is formed, and so on.

Topographic Classification

Topographic classification involves the shape, physical makeup, and specific features of the river, and all rivers fall into one of the three separate categories that are described below.

Alluvial rivers have floodplains, which is land found next to the river that is flooded quite often; and channels, or river routes, that are formed in sediment that is consolidated loosely.
Because of flooding, alluvial rivers maintain a primary route filled with water and they form side channels, wetlands, and oxbow lakes. When the water in this type of river rises, the banks are eroded, and the resulting sediment is deposited into the sandbars or floodplains, usually in the middle of the river.
Alluvial rivers contain habitats that range from shallow to deep pools and very turbulent waters, and they are further broken down into types that include braided, straight, meandering, wandering, and anastomose.
Bedrock rivers are formed when water cuts through new levels of sediment, resulting in the bedrock below.
They are more commonly found in areas where the earth’s surface has experienced an upward shift – including uplands and mountainous regions.
Bedrock rivers have a lot of alluvium, or loose sediment and soil. This alluvium moves with the water and shapes and erodes the river while moving along.
The Colorado River in the United States is a perfect example of a bedrock river.
Just as the name implies, these rivers have a characteristic that falls into both of the above categories.
They usually flow through different bedrock layers and areas with alluvial deposits.

Whitewater Classification

Rivers contribute to healthy ecosystems and provide fresh water, but they can also be important aspects of a recreational activity.

If you’re boating or whitewater rafting, becoming familiar with the whitewater classification is crucial, and the International Scale of River Difficulty has determined six different whitewater classifications, described below.

Class I : easy river to navigate with fast flow and small waves
Class II: good for novices and has medium-sized waves, though the rivers can be wide
Class III : intermediate difficulty level; has irregular waves that are able to turn over a canoe
Class IV : advanced difficulty level; powerful holes, waves, and restricted passages; this is the type of water that calls for fast boat handling, and there is a risk of injury to swimmers nearby
Class V : requires an expert because of violent waves and complex passageways; the rapids also continue for long periods of time before you reach calmer pools
Class VI : extreme difficulty; considered extremely dangerous; these are the types of rapids that come with a high risk of error and are so difficult to maneuver that to be rescued may be impossible

Glossary of River Terms

Alluvial: When something is alluvial, such as a river, it is deposited by running water.

Banks: The sides of a river; or the stream that the water normally flows between.

Bed: The very bottom of a river or other type of water is called the bed.

Brackish: When water is brackish, it is saltier than river water, yet not as salty as seawater.

Channel: This is an area with flowing water and which is confined by banks.

Channeled: When something is channeled, it is grooved or cut deeply.

Delta: A large silty area at the mouth of a river and which then splits into two or more different slow-flowing channels with muddy banks. They are often triangular in shape, and they are the basis for new land to be developed.

Effluent: Effluent is wastewater flowing from a commercial or industrial facility, such as a sewage plant or a factory of some type.

Estuary: The spot where a river meets an ocean or a sea; for example, the spot where fresh water from the river meets salt water from the ocean.

Headwaters: Streams or rivers which are the source of other streams or rivers.

Hydrologic Cycle: Also called the Water Cycle, this term refers to water’s journey as it goes from the land to the sky and back again.

Meander: If something meanders, it follows a winding path.

Mouth: The very end of a river; the point at which a river spills into a large body of water.

Oxbow Lake: This term refers to a stagnant lake developed alongside a winding river. It occurs when a river changes its path due to the erosion of soil because it leaves an abandoned stream channel that is cut off from the rest of the river.

Rill: A very small channel of water. A rill is caused by runoff water that resulted in the erosion of soil.

Riparian: This is a term used to describe an area right next to a body of water; for example, a river, stream, or lake.

River: A large, flowing body of water that usually flows into a larger body of water, such as a sea or an ocean.

Riverbed: The bottom of a river or any other large body of water.

Riverine: This term refers to anything that is formed by, is similar to, or is related to a river.

Runoff: This is simply water than runs into a river or other large body of water, and which is normally caused by drains, sewage lines, or uncontrolled streams. Runoff water can include water from melted snow, storms, or even agricultural irrigation.

Salinity: Salinity refers to the amount of salt found in a body of water.

Sediment: Small pieces of rock or soil that is transported by the wind or even water.

Silt: This is extremely small pieces of soil or rocks, usually no more than 60 micrometers in diameter.

Siltation: The accumulation or deposit of silt, or small pieces of rocks and soil.

Source: The very beginning of a river or stream.

Tributary: A tributary is a river or stream which flows into another stream, lake, or river.

Trunk: The trunk is the main course of a river.

Water Cycle: This is the natural cycle that involves evaporation caused by the sun’s energy, the resulting water vapor condensation, and the next step, which is returning to Earth as rain, sleet, and snow. It is also called the Hydrologic Cycle.

Waterfall: A sudden drop in a river as it moves over a rock cliff. This can happen many different ways, including when the river passes from a hard-rock layer to a soft-rock layer, resulting in the water eroding away the softer form of rock.

Watershed: A piece of land that drains water into a specific lake, stream, or river.

Interesting Facts About Rivers

River of the Dead

There is a river in South Korea called the Imjin River that is also known as the “river of the dead,” because large numbers of dead North Koreans have been seen flowing down the river.

The Massiveness of the Amazon River

If the biggest eight rivers are measured by the volume of water, the Amazon River is larger than all of the other rivers combined.

Expensive River Photographs

Rhein River valley with the Castle Katz in Germany.

A photograph of the Rhein River, named the Rhein II, was auctioned off for $4.3 million.

Safety and Danger Working Together

Juarez, Mexico, is one of the most dangerous cities in the world, but it sits right across the river from El Paso, Texas, which is one of the safest cities in the entire country.

Reversing River Flow?

The Chicago River’s flow direction was actually changed by engineers in the early 1900s, and it remains flowing in that direction today.

Countries without Rivers

There is a total of 17 countries that have no rivers. This includes the country of Saudi Arabia.

Diamond Rivers?

In the beginning, diamonds were not actually mined, but instead, they were found at the bottom or alongside of various rivers in India.

London Rivers

Underneath London, you can find almost 20 different hidden rivers.

Tombs in Rivers

At the bottom of the Delaware River sits more than 26,000 tombstones.

Everything Old Is New Again

A river called the New River is actually the oldest river in the United States. It runs through North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. Many experts believe that only the Nile River is older than this one.

The Very Polluted Hudson River

The pollution in the Hudson River is so bad that evolution actually takes place in order to handle all of the toxins found there.

Naga Fireballs

The Mekong River in Thailand is unique because each year, hundreds of fireballs erupt from the surface of the water. Known as the Naga Fireballs, the locals believe a mythical creature called Naga spits fire from the water in order to produce this effect.

Lightning Does Strike Twice

The Catatumbo River in Venezuela gets over 250 lightning strikes per hour. This occurs 10 hours a day for up to 160 days per year. No one can explain why, but it has been happening for centuries.

The Real Effect of Earthquakes

In the early 1800s, the New Madrid earthquake was so powerful that it cracked sidewalks in Washington, D.C., caused church bells to ring in Boston, and even reversed the flow of the Mississippi River.

Swimming Across the River

A man named Martin Strel from Slovenia has swum many different rivers, including the Mississippi River in the United States, the Danube River in Europe, the Amazon River in South America, and the Yangtze River in China.

Hidden Rivers

There is evidence that roughly 2-1/2 miles underneath the Amazon is a hidden river that is as long as the Amazon – over 3,700 miles – and several hundreds of times wider.

Full Moon Effects

Aerial view of the Amazon river and the surrounding rainforest.

For three weeks a year, the full moon results in a tidal wave rolling up the Amazon River once a day and once a night. As a result, waves that are roughly 2-1/2 miles high are found continuously and can be surfed for up to eight miles.

Setting a River on Fire

At least 13 times, the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland has been set on fire.

Two Rivers Coming Together

When two rivers meet, the point at which they meet is called a confluence.

The Long and Short of it

The shortest river in the world is the Roe River, which runs between the Missouri River and Giant Springs, which is near Great Falls, Montana. It is approximately 200 feet long. The longest river in the world is the Nile, which runs for approximately 4,000 miles.

The Largest Rivers in the World

The eight largest rivers in the world are the Mississippi, St. Lawrence, Ohio, Columbia, Yukon, Missouri, Tennessee, and the Mobile.

How Are Rivers Formed?

Springs and streams, known as headwaters, flow down to form large springs or streams. Stream beds lie between the banks of a river.
Large streams are known as rivers, while smaller ones are known as rivulets, brooks, tributaries, brooks, and creeks.
A river’s water source comes from the precipitation of groundwaters and through the release of water which is stored in natural reservoirs such as glaciers.
All rivers have a starting point, and gravity is important when it comes to the direction that the river flows. In humid areas, this starting point usually comes from springs; however, other starting points include lakes, marshes, and melting glaciers.
Rain is considered the main source of river water. Rainwater from the hills trickles down the slopes and flows into the riverbed. It usually flows in an evenly distributed manner and is called runoff.
If the water flow travels a certain distance, it starts to flow in parallel rills and gains momentum with each step. Soon the rills unite and form a stream. After the rills unite with the stream, a brook is formed. Brooks flow into valleys and eventually becomes a river.
Rivers are extremely important because they have been sources of water, food, and transport since prehistoric times. They supply water to farms that are being cultivated and are the main source of freshwater in the world. In addition, they can even sustain their own food chain.

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alabama river cottage exterior with white siding

This Alabama River Cottage Beckons You to Slow Down and Savor Every Minute

Featuring an earthy assortment of breezy blues, warm clays, and rich aubergines, this early-1900s Alabama family home proves a house on the water can embrace color without the kitsch.

You know you’re in the country when the local grocery store has a section dedicated to bait. At least that’s true for Greer’s Market in Theodore, Alabama, the small river community that New Orleans residents Rebecca and Simon Finger call their home away from home. More specifically, that “home” is an early-1900s clapboard river cottage that Simon suspects was once a fish camp. “We fell in love with the house [which had been renovated by the previous owners],” says Rebecca, “but it was a little cramped for our family.”

When they decided it was time to add more space for getaways with their children, Jack (23), Ana (21), and Charlie (17), and guests, they called in their friend Jennifer Zurik of MZ. Architecture to help with a thoughtful addition. Reclaimed wood and salvaged architectural finds added instant age, and, thanks to designer Jensen Killen of Logan Killen Interiors — who also co-owns Sunday Shop in New Orleans—both the old and new spaces are perfectly united with a warm, earthy palette.

That sense of warmth was a priority for the couple. “I’m from the Bayou, and Simon grew up in the Pacific Palisades in California when it was still full of hiking trails and wild areas. We’re not fancy,” says Rebecca. Sometimes, Simon, an orthopedic surgeon, heads down to the cottage a day or two ahead of the family with Yoffi, their 3-year-old Shih Tzu, and feels his blood pressure drops during the two-hour journey to their gravel driveway. Says Rebecca: “There’s something about the setting that makes us want to turn off our devices, put on some good music, and deepen our connections by spending quality time together.”

Meet the Homeowners

rebecca and simon finger sitting on a swing outside their 1900s cottage in theodore alabama

Rebecca and Simon often enjoy catching up on the front swing that is perfectly positioned to overlook the Fowl River. Most days, you can catch Simon down at the dock or in his boat, fishing out on the river where speckled trout, redfish, and flounder are plentiful. “Our favorite communal meal is boiled seafood,” says Rebecca. “We’ve had great times boiling crawfish on the boat dock and having everyone gathered around our rickety old picnic table by the river.”

New-Meets-Old Exterior

rebecca and simon finger1900s cottage front door with teal paint

Rebecca and Simon’s 1900s cottage seamlessly blends the new with the old thanks to custom-milled wood clapboard siding and trim that was paint to match the existing house.

Rich Dark Walls

rebecca and simon finge entryway with bamboo hall tree

Painted a rich earthy brown that pairs well with the greenish-blue front door, the petite front entryway offers a handy spot to drop keys and hang hats on the new bamboo hall tree.

A salvaged wall-mount sink (found on Etsy) maximizes space in the nearby postage stamp-size powder room. To keep the focus on nature outside, the mirror hangs on a side wall. “I had the idea of what a ‘River House’ should look like, and I knew it would be muted earth tones and warm wood surfaces with some quirky moments,” says Rebecca. “I kept thinking of summer camp and the Wes Anderson movie, Moonrise Kingdom .”

Get the Look: Entryway Wall Paint: London Clay by Farrow & Ball Powder Room Sink: Recycled Relics on Etsy

RELATED: 14 Foolproof Ways to Decorate With Color

Piled-On Pattern

alabama cottage keeping room living room with striped sofa

An assortment of plaids, block prints, ticking stripes, and botanicals adds a mix-match of muddy color and nostalgic patterns against the keeping room’s creamy shiplap walls. “Checks, florals, ticking, and block prints—patterns that feel cozy and nostalgic—would be authentic to the types of homes from this era,” says Jensen. Woven window shades, wood accent tables, and a sisal rug bring in warm, natural texture.

RELATED: Living Room Ideas You’ll Love for Classic, Rustic, Traditional, and Modern Family Spaces

An Airy Cookspace

rebecca and simon finger cottage kitchen with white cabinets and barstools

The kitchen’s floor-to-ceiling cabinets and marble-topped island are painted a warm white so they don’t overpower the small space. “We wanted to keep the this area light and airy,” says Jensen. An aged brass light with porcelain shades radiates a warm glow, while above-the-door artwork lends a splash of color.

RELATED: The Best Kitchen Paint Colors Ideas to Update Your Space

Hardworking Hallways

The new gray-green scullery (carved out from an unused hallway and a reconfigured powder room) houses an industrial-size sink, the refrigerator, and other hard-working appliances to allow the mess of kitchen prep to remain out of sight. “Everything we did to the house was done with the intention of making it easy for large groups of people to enjoy being here together,” says Rebecca.

Get the Look: Scullery Wall Paint Color: French Gray by Farrow & Ball

RELATED: The Best Pantry Organization Ideas to Keep Your Kitchen in Order

Bold-Fashioned Antiques

rebecca and simon finger alabama dining area with wooden table and light fixture

Painted a striking green, the dining space’s primitive hutch shows off copper pieces that belonged to Simon’s grandmother. Block-print fabric brings cottage charm to the chandelier and vintage ladder-back chairs tucked around the weathered farmhouse table.

Get the Look: Chandelier and Chair Fabric: “Devonshire” by Jasper Textiles

RELATED: 80+ Ideas to Make Your Dining Room More Inviting

Pass-Through Bar

home bar area with wood paneled walls and cabinets

An airy floating glass shelf on brass brackets balances the bar’s reclaimed cypress paneling and cabinetry. A hammered copper sink and a hidden wine cooler and ice maker below pack in function.

A Case of the Blues

rebecca and simon finger living room with two sofas and coffee table

The color-drenched living room—the walls, mantel, and trim are all painted the same blue-green hue—is as immersive as the home’s waterfront surroundings. A massive handmade coffee table anchors the main seating area where a pair of sofas, including a custom curved one covered in greenish-gold performance velvet, is layered with textiles in spice-toned block prints and stripes.

Get the Look: Wall and Trim Paint Color: Pigeon by Farrow & Ball

RELATED: The Top 100 Paint Colors For Every Room in Your House

rebecca and simon finger living with with upholstered chair and floor lamp in front of bookshelf

In one corner of the living room, an English roll-arm chair upholstered in a hand-blocked linen print proves a perfect perch for reading secondhand books about Southern Alabama culture and wildlife sourced from Latter Library and Blue Cypress Books , both in New Orleans.

In another corner, a built-in banquet (paneled to match the walls) has pull-out drawers for stowing board games. Above the game table, a wicker pendant loops on a hook. “We wanted the electrical to be centered, but that little seating arrangement isn’t centered, and it wouldn’t have had the same effect if the light was dropped straight from the ceiling,” Jensen says. “It’s just a little quirky moment.”

Get the Look: Chair Upholstery: Susan Deliss

Kicks of Cayenne

cottage primary bedroom with bed, bedside tables, and art on wall

In the primary suite, a quirky art piece by New Orleans-based poet and painter Christian Davenport merges Rebecca’s love of old landscapes and local artists. The handmade oak bed features a cayenne-colored duvet and a botanical-print lumbar pillow . Pleated lampshades bring an extra hit of the rich color.

Get the Look: Wall Paint Color: Elephant’s Breath by Farrow & Ball Bed: Greg Arceneaux Duvet and Lumbar Pillows: Sunday Shop Lampshades: Penny Morrison

Calming Neutrals

rebecca and simon finger main bathroom bath tub with rug and small table

The bedroom’s warm gray wall color was carried onto the bathroom’s doors and trim, a subtle contrast to the white-painted walls and ceiling. A picture rail, café curtains, and an antique milk glass light above the freestanding tub add cozy touches.

The hand-crafted oak double vanity features a marble countertop and unlacquered brass faucets. Mirrored medicine cabinets above the sinks provide more storage.

Get the Look: Trim Paint Color: Elephant’s Breath by Farrow & Ball Wall Paint Color: School House White by Farrow & Ball

simon finger playing ping pong with his son, charlie, on the porch of their 1900s cottage in theodore, alabama

The gracious screened-in porch, which wraps around half of the house, is perfect for pickup Ping-Pong matches between Charlie and Simon.

RELATED: Screened-In Porch Ideas to Inspire You Any Time of Year

Creative Quarters

white guest house garage with yellow bike in front

The renovated barn now houses a guest suite up top, and Simon’s woodworking shop below, where he recently crafted salvaged floorboards into new countertops for the boathouse.

Colorful Characters

guest bedroom with two beds and portraits above them

Nothing adds character like literal characters. Rebecca commissioned New Orleans portrait artist Hayley Gaberlavag to paint “June,” who now hangs above one of the renovated barn’s guest room’s queen beds, paired with another of Hayley’s pieces. “We decided that’s June’s dad, and June is always getting in trouble,” Rebecca says. “I love how you bring in a little something unexpected like that, and all of a sudden, this isn’t your grandmother’s house; this is 2024.” Patterned quilts at the ends of the beds repeat the warm red color thread found in the vintage rug.

RELATED: Best Bedroom Ideas for Every Decorating Style

Stephanie Gibson Lepore is the Copy/Research Editor of Country Living. She enjoys writing about a range of topics and making sure the facts are accurate. When she's not checking out the latest Instagram post from Merriam-Webster, you can find her hunting home decor at an antiques shop, reading WWII fiction in a sunny spot, cheering (loudly) for her football team, or planning her daughter's next birthday party (themes forever!).

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COMMENTS

Riverboat
A Mississippi River System -type riverboat, from an 1850s daguerrotype. A riverboat is a watercraft designed for inland navigation on lakes, rivers, and artificial waterways. They are generally equipped and outfitted as work boats in one of the carrying trades, for freight or people transport, including luxury units constructed for ...
River boats
River motor boats are a type of vessel that is propelled by a motor. River motor boats have a long history, dating back to the early 1800s. River motor boats are popular because they are versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes, including transportation, fishing, and recreation. There are three main types of river motor boats ...
The Best River Boats In 6 Separate Categories
In my opinion (and the opinion of many others) the best shallow water river boat is a Jon boat, hands down. A Jon boat is also the best boat for a creek. Below I have picked the best shallow river boats for 6 specific activities. These river boats fit into the following 6 categories: Best small river boat for fishing.
What is a river boat?
A riverboat is a type of boat specifically designed for navigation on rivers and other inland waterways. These boats typically have a shallow draft, allowing them to navigate in rivers with varying water depths. Many riverboats feature a flat or gently sloping bottom, contributing to stability and maneuverability in river currents.
The History of Mississippi Riverboats
Riverboat gambling became popular in the early 1900s due to legislation surrounding gaming. By keeping poker, roulette, and other games of chance restricted to a riverboat, business owners could evade the anti-gambling laws that were in effect on land in states along the Mississippi River. Riverboat gaming in Mississippi was legalized in 1993 ...
13 Different Types of Rivers That You'll Wish You'd Known
Major Types of Rivers. Some major types of rivers include; 1. The Perennial River. A perennial river is also called a permanent river. This means that it never runs dry but continues to flow all through the year. The height and flow-rate of a river are influenced by seasonal change ( heavy rains or long drought).
Riverboat, barge or yacht: Which boat type is right for ...
Riverboats. Good for. Travelers who prefer a larger boat with more passengers and often a greater variety of amenities and facilities than typically offered on barges. Waterways. Restricted to rivers, canals, and sheltered coastline. Size and capacity. 250-340 feet in length. 80-150 passengers. Multiple decks.
Riverboat types
At the starting base, you'll receive a thorough introduction to the boat and its features. The base personnel will also show you how to navigate the boat through a canal lock and how to moor the boat. In general, there are two types of riverboats; cruisers and narrowboats. Here you can read our tips for choosing the right one for you.
The 9 Top River Cruise Lines for 2025
Number of passengers: 16 to 166. Sails to: Europe, Asia, Africa, South America. Avalon Waterways sails 19 riverboats along popular thoroughfares like the Danube, the Rhone, the Seine, the Nile ...
What to Expect on Your River Cruise
River cruises are still a small part of the overall cruise industry, but river cruising continues to grow in popularity each year. With smaller, more intimate ships and itineraries that take travelers to big cities, small villages and lovely landscapes, river cruise lines offer a very special type of cruise experience.
River
Vocabulary. A river is a ribbon-like body of water that flows downhill from the force of gravity. A river can be wide and deep, or shallow enough for a person to wade across. A flowing body of water that is smaller than a river is called a stream, creek, or brook. Some rivers flow year-round, while others flow only during certain seasons or ...
How Riverboats and Steamers Shaped American History
This was the North River Steamboat, which later became known as the Clermont—and it could be considered the boat that started the steamship revolution in the U.S. The 1909 replica of the North River Steamboat (Clermont) . The Clermont was pretty incredible for the time. It traveled the Hudson River between New York City and Albany, making the ...
Discover 13 Different Types of Rivers: Explore the Variety of Rivers
Here are 13 different types of rivers, each with its unique characteristics: Perennial Rivers: Flow continuously throughout the year, even during dry seasons. Intermittent Rivers: Seasonal rivers that may run dry for part of the year. Ephemeral Rivers: Only flow in response to specific precipitation events and are typically short-lived.
Steamboats of the Mississippi
Steamboats played a major role in the 19th-century development of the Mississippi River and its tributaries, allowing practical large-scale transport of passengers and freight both up- and down-river. Using steam power, riverboats were developed during that time which could navigate in shallow waters as well as upriver against strong currents. After the development of railroads, passenger ...
Top 25 Types of Boats
4. Yachts. A yacht is a versatile type of sailing boat that is used for cruising and competitive racing. These boats are typically large, with a number of cabins and berths below decks, and are powered by large sails. Yachts come in various lengths, from small to large, and can be simple or luxurious in design. 5.
10 Different Types of Rivers (Images + Interesting Facts)
The Nile is an excellent example of an exotic river as it starts in East Africa and flows through the deserts of Egypt. Exotic rivers often flow through desert areas, providing many benefits and resources to those who live along the river banks. (source) 5. Youthful River. Skoga river, Iceland.
Understanding Rivers
A river system is also called a drainage basin or watershed. A river's watershed includes the river, all its tributaries, and any groundwater resources in the area. The end of a river is its mouth. Here, the river empties into another body of water—a larger river, a lake, or the ocean. Many of the largest rivers empty into the ocean.
Best river boats: Tempting used options for exploring inland waterways
Sheerline 950AC. Built: 1995. Price: £64,950. Another Norfolk Broads-based business, Sheerline, like Broom, has a rich back catalogue stuffed full of river boats built for both hire fleet and private ownership. And like Broom, the business dates back more than a century, having started as George Smith and Co back in 1910.
River
A river is a natural flow of freshwater that flows on or through land towards another body of water downhill. [1] This flow can be into a lake, an ocean, or another river. [1] A stream refers to water that flows in a natural channel, a geographic feature that can contain flowing water. [2] A stream may also be referred to as a watercourse. [2] The study of the movement of water as it occurs on ...
River Boats for sale in United States of America
Delta Marine. 2007 19' North River Bay Hawk $49,900 This 2 owner freshwater only North River is LOADED with everything the serious angler expects. WIth less than 100hrs on the boat and engine, its basi... Contact Seller.
9 Different Types of Rivers (Plus Essential Facts)
Biotic classification refers to each river's ecosystem type, and it includes everything from the purest and cleanest rivers to the most contaminated ones. Biotic classification is broken down into three different zones, described below. Crenon zone - This is the area right near the source of the river. In other words, it is the zone where ...
Types of Rivers
This type of river gets water from a range of sources, including snow melt and rainfall. They're also a very common type of river, with examples of them found on every continent except for Antarctica. The most famous rivers on the planet are permanent rivers, including the Amazon and the Nile. There are lots of benefits to permanent rivers ...
This Alabama River Cottage Beckons You to Slow Down
A salvaged wall-mount sink (found on Etsy) maximizes space in the nearby postage stamp-size powder room. To keep the focus on nature outside, the mirror hangs on a side wall. "I had the idea of what a 'River House' should look like, and I knew it would be muted earth tones and warm wood surfaces with some quirky moments," says Rebecca.
riverboat Crossword Clue
riverboat Crossword Clue. The Crossword Solver found 30 answers to "riverboat", 5 letters crossword clue. The Crossword Solver finds answers to classic crosswords and cryptic crossword puzzles. Enter the length or pattern for better results. Click the answer to find similar crossword clues. Enter a Crossword Clue. A clue is required.
240 River Grove St, Willis, TX 77378
Zillow has 17 photos of this $358,990 5 beds, 3 baths, 2,358 Square Feet single family home located at 240 River Grove St, Willis, TX 77378 built in 2024. MLS #78989071.

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