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Why
buy a new build barge, and not an old one?
Before
deciding on a new build, it is worth looking at some of the older
barges. Many of the older barges have better lines than the modern new
builds, although in latter years the 'replica' Dutch barge builds are
getting closer and closer to the original designs.
Replica
Dutch Barges are not necessarily build in
Holland
,
indeed most are now built in the
UK
,
and this site concentrates on the
UK
barge market and availability.
Some
New Build Advantages:-
-
New
build have the advantage of less maintenance and worry free
living.
-
You can design your own interior layout around whatever internal
length you wish, to suit your own needs, and specify exactly how
long you wish your barge to be (a compromise on maximum interior
space and minimum external length).
-
The
usable interior space on a new barge will be greater than that on an
old one. eg The interior space A 60ft new build will likely compare
to that of a 70ft or even 80ft old barge.
-
Many
old barges have limited headroom, with main rooms around 6ft
(sometimes less) and with some bed / bathrooms between 4ft and 5ft.
All new build will have around 6ft-6in.
-
A
bow thruster can be installed making manoeuvrability much easier.
The shape of many older vessels makes the installation of bow
thrusters very difficult and sometimes impossible to install.
-
If
fitting out your own barge, you will not have to do a time-consuming
interior demolition job
and undertake lengthy rust preventative
measures.
-
You
will not have to worry about those rotting rivets below the
waterline, that very occasionally may 'pop' out, putting your well
maintained bilge pumps into overdrive!
-
You
will not have to worry about re-sheeting your wafer thin bottom at
the next survey!
-
If
you wish to have a new modern engine, new 'homely' interior, nice
wheelhouse etc. then total new build costs are closely comparable to
old.
-
A
new barge should last at least 30 years, the better ones 60 to 100
years and longer with re-fits and good maintenance etc.
Some
Original Build Advantages:-
-
Old,
Original Builds have a history, and the longer barges are more cost
effective than new build.
-
If
you would like your barge to have a nice recorded year-by-year
history, then buy old.
-
If
your hobby includes welding and traditional diesel engine
maintenance, then buy old.
-
If
you are looking for a permanent live aboard, with little intent of
cruising, then likely the larger the better, 100 feet or more is
quite common for old barges, indeed many smaller barges were
originally longer, and have been reduced in size to be more suitable
for the UK river and canal network. If your requirements are for a
barge over around 80 feet long, then old will probably be your best
cost effective option, certainly if you require a barge around
120feet long.
-
If
a barge has seen 100 years of service, it will most probably last
another 100 years…. maybe… with a few new bottom re-sheeting's
and a lot of maintenance!
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(Motor or Sail?)
Created
7th October 2002
- Last
updated
20 December 2009
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