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	- Comparisons to a Narrowboat -

Home - New Build Barging Why a New  Build Barge? Why New Build and not Old? Motor or Sail? Comparisons to a Narrowboat? Live Aboard or Leisure Where can wide beams cruise? Map of UK Broadbeam Canals Future Plans for a UK Broad Beam Network Continental Cruising Buying a new Barge RCD Categorisation Spec Check List DIY Fit-out cost VAT Barge Insurance Info Barge Building Companies Barges for Sale Equipment Planning Combi Inverter Comparison Layout plans Some new build Barge Photos Barge Moorings Information about the  (DBA) Ghent 2002 DBA Rally Photos Barge Links & Further Reading Our own Dutch Barge Sailaway – our dream    Build Fabrication Photos Elessina Fit-out1 at Piper Boats Elessina Latest Fit-out Photos Elessina Galley fit-out Elessina Master Bedroom Fit-out Elessina Master Bathroom Fit-out Elessina Electrics and Plumbing Elessina Layout Ypie - 15m Euroship barge Your Barge web page Barge message board forum Survey Questionnaire  A little about us Our 1st project narrowboat Isabella

How does a Broad Beam barge compare to a narrowboat? Many narrowboaters love the UK canals and the life style that goes with it, but wish for a little bit more 'beamier' space, especially those who live aboard, or spend many months at a time on board. A broad beam barge is the ideal upgrade. Some comparisons:- As a general comparison a 70-foot long narrowboat has the equivalent usable living space as a 35ft long wide beam, a 55 feet long Dutch barge with wheel house has over twice the usable living space as a 70 foot long narrowboat. The cost of interior usable living space on a barge (per square metre) is generally equivalent or better value when compared to that of a comparable quality narrowboat.. . A 55feet wide beam will have sufficient space for a house sized 'U' shaped kitchen, two separate bedrooms (with proper doors), two bathrooms (either one or both on suite) and a house sized lounge and furniture. The big draw back of wide beam is the restriction on cruising in the UK, this however is compensated by the opportunity to cruise the continental waterways and Ireland. Although the crossing of the channel may seem a little awe inspiring at first, it is possible on fine weather days, and many people have done it, and once there many prefer it to the UK canals (low cost moorings etc). Most new canals proposed are broad beam. It is only a matter of time before the North wide beam canals are linked to the South, opening up many more opportunities of cruising in the UK. Going through most broad beam locks is easier with a broad beam barge, generally most do not use any ropes in a lock as the barge can not move sideways and the engine is used for forward and reverse movements keeping the barge away from the lock gates. Steering (with a wheel) is a little more difficult initially than the conventional narrowboat tiller, but with a bow thruster installed there should have no problems. Mooring capabilities alongside a tow path should be no different to a narrowboat, a wide beam draft will be greater (around 2'-6"), but because most have angled side chines with a central flat bottom, a Dutch barge can normally get as close to the bank as a narrowboat. Air draft should be no problem, providing the Dutch Barge has a collapsible wheelhouse, which most have. A well-designed collapsible wheelhouse should take no more than 10 mins to collapse with two people. The sides, front and rear fold down, the roof sections have to be lifted off, giving an air draft of around 6'-6" (2m). <<< Previous Page         Next Page >>> Live Aboard or Leisure Created 7th October 2002     -     Last updated 18 March 2008