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Designing for Adventure: Roy Schreyer on Small Boats, Big Ideas



When it comes to small boat cruising, few people embody the spirit of creativity and practicality like Roy Schreyer. Having spent a lifetime exploring the maze of islands that make up Georgian Bay, Roy knows firsthand the joys and challenges of life afloat. But it wasn’t just his own passion for sailing that shaped his path — it was also the perspective of his wife.

Traditional sailboats didn’t quite fit her comfort level, so Roy did what many of us only dream of: he designed a boat that solved the problem. The result was the Dianne Rose, a 17’ x 8’ towable houseboat that manages to be small, functional, and incredibly comfortable for extended exploration. It’s a design that proves comfort and adventure don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

In this episode, Roy shares:

  • How his wife’s perspective influenced his designs.

  • Why a composting toilet can be a surprisingly practical — and even well-loved — addition.

  • His principles for designing and building strong, efficient small boats.

  • The story behind the Crow, his smart and versatile 15-foot sailboat.

Roy’s approach to boatbuilding is rooted in real-world needs, and his designs are a testament to solving problems while keeping the joy of adventure at the heart of the experience. If you’ve ever wondered how small boats can be adapted to bring more people — and more comfort — into the cruising world, this episode will leave you inspired.

Check out all his designs at RoyDesignedThat.com



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Seas Your Own Adventure đźŚŠ⛵

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