World’s Smallest Houseboat Record Attempt Heads for the Albemarle Loop
Ernest Berry says his 12-foot houseboat, The River Rat Shanty, will take on a seven-day Albemarle Loop journey as part of a record-breaking attempt.
This audio narration was generated by Camden Tribune using the open-source Kokoro speech model.
A 12-foot houseboat named The River Rat Shanty is preparing for a seven-day trip around the Albemarle Loop as part of what its builder describes as a record-breaking aking attempt.
Ernest Berry said he began building the small houseboat on Aug. 28, 2024. The vessel measures 12 feet in length and includes many of the features normally found in a camper, including kitchenware, air conditioning, heat, bathroom facilities, a bed, and a television.
Berry said the houseboat also places a major emphasis on solar power.
The planned trip is scheduled to begin July 31 at the Hertford, N.C., boat ramp. Berry said he plans to travel roughly 330 miles in seven days and six nights, camping and fishing aboard The River Rat Shanty along the way.
“This is my latest venture,” Berry wrote in a press inquiry to the Camden Tribune, describing the project as an attempt involving what he calls the world’s smallest houseboat.
The planned route includes stops across northeastern North Carolina, including Elizabeth City, Columbia, Plymouth, Edenton, and Albemarle Plantation.
Planned Route
Berry provided the following schedule:
July 31: Hertford, N.C. Boat Ramp
Aug. 1: Elizabeth City Boat Dock
Aug. 2: Great Dismal Swamp Boat Dock
Aug. 3: Columbia, N.C. Boat Dock
Aug. 4: Mackie’s Ferry Boat Dock
Aug. 5: Plymouth, N.C. Boat Dock
Aug. 6: Edenton, N.C. Boat Dock
Final stop: Albemarle Plantation before returning to Hertford Boat Dock
The Albemarle Loop is known for connecting waterfront communities across the region. Berry’s trip would bring attention not only to his unusual houseboat project but also to the small towns, boat ramps, and waterfront stops that make up the route.
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Residents who spot The River Rat Shanty along the route can send photos or tips to Camden Tribune at [email protected].
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