ARE STEAMBOATS DANGEROUS?
NO! You’re less likely to have a boiler explosion in a properly designed and maintained steamboat than an explosion from gasoline fumes in a powerboat. In the 25 years we’ve been involved in the steamboating hobby there has not been a boiler explosion on a hobby steamboat. There are laws in many areas about boiler licensing and, due to the boiler explosion of a steam traction engine in 2001, many of these laws have been strengthened and/or are being rigorously inforced. For those who “boat” on a “navigable waterway” of the US ( you can go from there to salt water without portaging ), you fall under the US Coast Guard by virtue of the Motor Boat Act of 1910 ( now codified in 46 USC ) – and the US Coast Guard does not require the inspection of boilers and machinery of steamboats under 40′ in length ( measured at the deck ) or that do not carry passengers for hire. This Act exempts vessels falling under the Act from any state regulation. But the owner or operator of a hobby steamboat is s
