The Ozark jonboat wasn’t just a vessel, it was a way of life, and one man’s family built them from scratch.
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Larry Dablemont, author of 14 books on Ozark life and a lifelong river man, sits down at his Lightning Ridge home to trace the full history of the Ozark jonboat from his grandfather finding a wrecked boat in a drift in 1914 and teaching himself to build one, to Hollywood celebrities floating the White River on multi-day guided trips, to the slow disappearance of the rivers themselves.
Larry walks through the anatomy of a real wooden jonboat using a model his family built, explains why the Ozarks produced a style of boat found nowhere else, and tells you exactly where to find the closest thing to one today.
If you’ve ever floated an Ozark river and felt something ancient about it, this is the episode that explains why.
Together with...
Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars
Ember Shoals Outdoor Resort - Just steps from World-Class Trout Waters
0:00 – Welcome to Lightning Ridge
4:00 – How the Ozark Jonboat Was Born
8:00 – The Current and White Rivers
13:00 – Why Ozark Rivers Are Losing Water
22:00 – The Anatomy of a Wooden Jonboat
30:00 – Why Slower Is Always Better on the River
36:00 – The First Metal Jonboat
43:00 – How to Build Your Own Authentic Ozark Jonboat
What is The Ozark Podcast?
In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker.
Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews
Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton
Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast
