Meet out Fleet of Houseboats

In 1968, experienced draftsman and shipbuilder, Dick Smith, moved his family from Calgary, Alberta to Kaslo, British Columbia and began building unique charter vessels on Kootenay Lake. Smith saw a need for a design which surpassed the ordinary houseboat - something that could easily withstand the occasional and unpredictable challenges posed by a lake the size of Kootenay. While being seaworthy, the houseboats would also have to be comfortable, homey, suitable for fishing and easily maneuverable.

Smith launched his first ship in 1970, and today the Kaslo Shipyard's fleet still "rules the waves" of Kootenay Lake with ease and pride.
While the vessels vary in size and character, each is steel-hulled, powered by dependable inboard diesel engines, and equipped with VHF independent frequency radios which keep the fleet in contact with each other and with the "Admiralty."

Each also sports two fully-railed decks, a lower, walk-around deck surrounding the cabin, and an upper patio deck for sun bathing and visiting.

M.V. Cameronian Image

Named after the highland regiment, the Cameronians.

• Steel hull and steel casing
• Launched: 1980
• Sleeps 4
• Displacement: 8 tons
• Length: 35 ft.
• Breadth: 11 ft.
• Depth: 4 ft.
• Available year round
• Preferred fishing vessel

M.V. Candide Header Image

Named after the title character in Voltaire's Candide.

• Steel hull and wooden casing
• Launched: 1972
• Sleeps: 6
• Displacement: 12 tons
• Length: 42 ft.
• Breadth: 14.5 ft.
• Depth: 3.5 ft.

M.V. Mingulay Image

Named after an island in the Hebrides.

• Steel hull, steel casing
• Launched: 2005
• Sleeps: 8
• Displacement: 21 tons
• Length: 54 ft.
• Breadth: 15 ft.
• Depth: 3.5 ft.
• Available year round

M.V. Araidne Image

Named after the H.M.S. ARIADNE, famous British Minelayer of W.W. II.

• Steel hull, steel casing
• Launched: 1989
• Sleeps 8
• Displs: 21 tons
• Length: 50 ft.
• Breadth: 15 ft.
• Depth: 3.5 ft.
• Available year round

(Image coming soon!)

Named after Cacambo of Voltaire's Candide

• Steel hull, wooden casing
• Launched: 1970
• Sleeps 6
• Displs: 12 tons
• Length: 42 ft.
• Breadth: 14.5 ft.
• Depth: 3.5 ft.