Picture courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Picture courtesy of Jim Kuntz

These long (24-30 foot) and narrow boats were introduced into the Ozarks during the advent of the logging industry in the 1890s.

The boats were powered by the use of a pole or set paddle to push the boat upriver and to guide it downriver.

In the early to mid 1900s the johnboat was known as the "cadillac" of the Ozarks. It was used to transport people and goods between river farms and towns, as well as for recreation.

The modern johnboat is made of aluminum and powered by a jet unit. Used for recreation, today's boats are wider and shorter to provide greater stability.

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