They apparently did that up here on the Susquehanna also, but they painted the boats white to match the ice floating down river according to guys I've spoken to. The boats looked basically the same otherwise. I think I remember seeing one at the Upper Bay Museum. I have never seen ice on the Susquehanna in conditions that I would be willing to venture forth in, but I mostly see the tidal section from I95 at 75 mph. It may look like less of a death trap at water level on those icy days.
It is a good way to jump shoot river ducks, so I'm sure good ol' boys have employed the technique any time it was the best option on the table using whatever boat they had available.
Nate
