In its original configuration the group issued several cassette-only releases, including Women and Boatmen First (1982) and All Bands on Deck (1984).
Though they lived and worked in different states, Ray and Lawrence composed songs by exchanging cassette tapes through the mail.
[1] Eventually Lawrence merged his own band, Right to Left, into the Boatmen, who until that time had existed as two distinct performing units.
In their revised lineup the Boatmen are known for their straightforward but infectious pop melodies, stark lyrics—many of which focus on women and automobile travel—and frequent employment of the viola, an instrument relatively uncommon in rock.
Current or former members of the Indiana (touring) Boatmen include Dale Lawrence, Kathy Kolata (viola), Andy Richards (drums), Jake Smith (bass), and Matt Speake (guitar).