Things to consider - continued.........
Plumbing
Basically on-board water is pumped around the boat from water tanks.
An adequate size main water is important (500 litres minimum?)
Types of toilets to consider
Sea toilet
Electric flush
Cassette toilet (porta-potti type)
Holding tank (needs pumping out periodically)
Macerator (low voltage or mains voltage)
**Is the flush water sourced from on-board tanks or externally**
Pumps, for example - main water supply, shower waste, bilge, deck wash
Insulation
A well insulated boat will be more economical heating-wise – and warmer
Condensation can cause literally gallons of water in the bilge
Spray-foam may well be the best (make sure it's fire retardant / self-extinguishing) but it's difficult to install retrospectively
Others types are rock-wool (which is non-flamable) or polystyrene (not recommended)
Layout and level of internal finish
This can vary!
One thing to consider is having easy access to plumbing, electrics or under floor for maintenance for the addition or replacement of components (EG taps or shower drain pump).
Access to parts of the boat (engine room for example) is important
Position of windows / port-holes. Large, low-level are better for light and seeing out.
A walk-round bed?
Double-glazed or single-glazed widows? There's no right or wrong
Opening windows / roof hatches for ventilation
Handling
How does the boat handle?
This will depend on factors such as:
Hull shape
Size of rudder
Keel fins
Lee boards
Engine power
Well-geared steering - which may be hydraulic or chain and wire
Visibility from steering position
Bow-thruster
(Only people who don't have them don't like bow-thrusters! But in a cross wind while waiting for a lock or manoeuvring in a tight space they can be very helpful.)
You should have a test drive to see what happens!
Running costs
Fundamentally the bigger the boat, the more it costs. Costs include:
Cruising licence
Insurance
Mooring fees
Routine mechanical maintenance / servicing including:
Engine
Generator
Central heating boiler
Sundry equipment (pumps for example - which do go wrong)
Dry-docking (peiodically, every 4,5 or 6 years for insurance purposes)
Painting / varnishing
Gas / electric costs (ports and marinas can be expensive)
Fuel consumption
Extra equipment
These bits can add up! For example does the boat have:
Fenders
Boarding planks / Ladders
A tender
Spare parts (filters, fan-belts etc)
Emergency tiller
Boat poles
Mooring stakes
Adequate ropes
Safety equipment
Fire extinguishers / systems
Fire blankets
Smoke, CO, Gas and water alarms
Electronic equipment
VHF Radio
Battery monitor / management systems
Chart plotter
Depth-finder
External lights (Navigation lights for example)
The buying process is vitally important
The DBA [Barge Association) is a valuable resource here on such as:
Getting expert advice
Dealing with brokers / builders
Required Paperwork
Registration
The contract
Proof of ownership
The buying process includes:
A Survey
THIS IS CRUCIAL
Make sure you engage a reputable marine surveyor who will check hull, engine, systems, drive train and installations.
It may not be cheap but it could literally save you a fortune.
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There is a wide variety of barges, differing in size, shape, style, layout and level of equipment.
There are motorized barges, fixed-berth residential barges and sailing barges.
Some are over 150 years old and they differ depending on country of origin.
You could consider a new-build - either complete or a 'sail-away' which can be built to a stage you suggest and complete yourself.
All the above are just pointers - things to consider. I stress you must do your own research.
Looking for a barge, owning one and cruising is a fascinating journey - enjoy it!
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Some choices of where to look for barges for sale:
Information resources
Probably the best and most extensive place to seek help is:
The Dutch Barge Association - The DBA. (Membership required but an excellent resource)
You will find Information on:
Regulations
Electrics
Surveyors
Cruising
Moorings
Country by country information
Training
TRIWV (Technical Requirements for Inland Waterways Vessels)
Suppliers
Links to other organisations
** The DBA produce The Barge Buyers Handbook which is a wonderful publication **
Experts in various fields advertise in the DBA's Blue Flag Magazine
TB Training (A host of very useful information)
Nigel Calder - Boat Owners Handbook
Alastair Garrod - 'Electrics Afloat'
Boating magazines
These are just examples – there are many alternatives
I stress again - Do your own research. Good luck!
Feel free to contact me if you wish