My father and I are building a 50' wooden houseboat as a retirement project, designed by complete amateurs, and built from scratch, over several summers and christmas breaks. The boat is built entirely of marine grade plywood and 2x6's, because we have a wood shop, and fiberglass itches.
The design and construction is unique, and has attracted some skeptics in this small town with a long boatbuilding tradition, but pop is fond of saying "We're going to find out why nobody ever built a boat like this before"
When it is complete, the boat will be used to explore the Intracoastal Waterway, pick up and entertain bikini girls, and perhaps eventually for a viking funeral.