Dutch barge 'Esme'
Chris and Diana Grant have embarked on the dream of a lifetime – to have a traditional Dutch Barge and travel Europe for their retirement. Latest developments . . . . . . . . We have now brought Esme across the North Sea to her new home at Woodbridge, Suffolk. We made the crossing on 14th March 2007 in perfect weather from Nieuwpoort in Belgium, leaving at dawn and arriving at dusk. The tides were exactly right to enter the Deben estuary and complete the journey on one day. Many thanks to our skipper and friend Sid Fisher for all his help. More about the crossing from Belgium here. Directions to find us in Woodbridge here In 2008 we have spent nearly five weeks exploring the Thames up as far as Henley where the bridge height prevented us from going further and attending the DBA rally at West India dock. We had a simply wonderful time and plan to revisit for longer in 2009.
Specification Built: 1927 at Amels yard in Makkum Netherlands. Amels have changed a bit since then. Original name 'Elisabeth' Length 24 m Beam 4.7 m Draft 1.25 m Air draft 3.40 m Displacement 48 t. Engine: DAF 1160 180hp six cylinder diesel Hull: Riveted steel
Sun-deck The space where the old wheelhouse stood is now a sundeck with double doors into the aft side of the new one. Access to the engine room is via a hatch in the floor. There is also a battery house and wood store which form the base of the teak covered seating.
Plan Four double cabins, two forward, one midships and one aft. Two bathrooms and WC's, saloon with galley and wheelhouse opening out onto covered sundeck.
Wheelhouse The original wheelhouse was a small steering hut. This has been replaced during the conversion with a large teak double glazed wheelhouse further forward.
Helm
Saloon The saloon is in contrast to the aft cabin, fitted out in a contempory style using white painted tongue and grooved boarding. Light is brought into the space via eight double glazed rooflights.
Galley The gas has been removed completely from the ship and an induction hob and electric oven fitted. These are powered by 6kW Victron inverters and / or 6.5kVA Mitsubishi generator.
Aft cabin The original boatman's cabin has been restored almost exactly as it was in 1927 apart from the addition of a double bed and is now for guests with their own, bathroom and wc.
Bowthruster Now that's what I call a bowthruster. This is a 120hp DAF six cylinder diesel in the bow driving a 'Boterman' 360 degree rotating bow propeller - all remote controlled from the helm with a joystick!
Last update 29 November, 2008