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If
you wish to cruise the entire UK canal network, then a Broad Beam Barge
is not the right choice, only a narrowboat or a boat less than 7 feet
wide can do this.
If
you want a little more space than a narrowboat can provide, then you
should consider a broad beam barge. An all steel barge is probably one
of the most economical means of getting afloat on a relatively large
boat. The cost per square foot of usable space must be one of the lowest
around, certainly cheaper than most plastic, aluminium or wooden craft.
And steel is also one of the best materials to build a boat with (there
are many 100 year old steel boats around, even though these were riveted
together and modern welding methods are far superior). If you like the
practicalities of all steel boats (strong, long lasting, durable,
forgiving in locks etc), and are drawn to the striking lines of Dutch
barges, then you need to consider a new replica build.
Barges
made in aluminium are also available, whilst costing a little more than
steel they do offer some advantages (corrosion free).
The
lowest cost barges are designed for predominantly canal use in the UK,
and have a strong resemblance to narrowboat design. They are
flat-bottomed, shallow draft, with keel-cooled engines suitable for
sustaining the 4 knots max speed of the UK canals. These are often
referred to as wide beam, canal barges, and are often built to RCD
category D requirements. Lengths normally vary between 40feet and 60
feet long.
At
the other end of the market the barges are designed more for continental
cruising along rivers with fairly frequent crossings of the English
Channel etc. They have a more rounded shape and flowing sheer (with bow
and stern higher than the middle of the boat). These barges will have a
more powerful engine (possibly water cooled), have angled chine's
(sides) for improved handling through the water, have a deeper draft and
likely more ballast / weight. These are normally referred to as Replica Dutch
Barges with lengths between 50feet and 75 feet.
The
longer the barge, the more aligned to continental cruising it becomes.
Most new built Replica Dutch barges are built to RCD Cat 'C' which is
deemed suitable for wind speeds up to force 6 and significant wave
height to 2m. There are a few barges that have been designed and built
to Cat 'B' requirements.
The
accommodation inside of a wide beam river barge and Dutch barge can be
virtually identical, although a Dutch barge will normally have a covered
wheelhouse, which can offer comfortable, all weather seating for 4 or
more people, whereas wide beams normally have an open stern with tiller
steering, the same as narrowboats. There will normally be slightly more
usable internal space on a Dutch Barge design than on a wide beam.
Note:
RCD is the European Recreational Craft Directive. There are 4 design
categories. A, B, C and D. The directive came into force on June 16th
1998. Since this date all new boats being placed on
the market or put into service within the EEA
must comply with the RCD.
For more details on the RCD click here
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Created
7th October 2002
- Last
updated
20 December 2009
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