Un homme en combinaison de travail bleue se tient debout à côté d'une coque de bateau. Il est en train de fixer un étau en bois maintenant une planche sur la coque.

Using every trick of the trade?

Although they are composite vessels, made up of materials, techniques and components from different eras, today’s Loire rivercraft are nonetheless fairly uniform. A development that demonstrates the vitality of this traditional building practice.

Over the last decade, an increasing number of Loire boats have been built with a metal hull clad in wood.

This alternative was motivated not only by the durability issues associated with certain wooden hulls, but also by the advantages of metal in terms of upkeep and regulations. Whilst mistrust of timber might have had repercussions for shipwrights, they have actually embraced this trend by forming partnerships with welders and metalworkers and by exploring the possibilities of steel and aluminium.

A blend of modern and traditional elements

The seamless integration of these materials and associated construction techniques highlights the contemporary dynamics of building practices. Indeed, since the revival of the Loire rivercraft traditions in the late 1980s – even though the initial aim was to rebuild a fleet of historical vessels – modern and traditional elements, outboard motors and square rigs have been combined right from the pioneering projects. It is their shape and form that give Loire rivercraft their distinctive character. Any features that might detract from the boats’ appearance are concealed using black paint or wooden cladding.

Designs to serve a practical purpose

However, this does not mean that contemporary rivercraft are only for show. Indeed, there is criticism among boatpeople of boats whose designs, though inspired by Loire styles, are not intended for navigation but for use as accommodation. The fact is that the question of form is directly linked to that of usage. And boatpeople continue to want to travel along the river, not only on motorboats but also sailboats and using a pole. So boats must be built in shapes that are suited to navigating the waterway, harnessing the most effective techniques and materials. In this sense, the use of metal, as well as the desire to update forms and adapt them to contemporary practices, are two indications of the vitality of this heritage practice.

Théo Lebouc
Ethnologist, member of the ICH (Intangible Cultural Heritage) team associated with nautical knowledge of the Loire

Illustration principale : Construction d'un bateau en aluminium et habillage bois dans l'atelier de l'association Boutavant, à Tours. © Jean-Félix Fayolle