A propos

Boatshed Norfolk are pleased to offer to the market this stunning Luxemotor 55 Style wide beam Barge. This boat is truly stunning and has a huge amount to offer. She was started in build in 2002 but was not finished and put into commission until 2010. In the video I mention she was started in 2005 but this has now been corrected here following sight of the excellent survey from 2021. Her exterior is resplendent in cream and green paintwork and her obvious Dutch styling makes her a stand-out vessel that really turns heads. This style is only matched by her fit and finish and her huge internal space and equipment levels. There are substantial guard rails all round the boat with 5 access points making her a very safe place to spend time on deck. Entering the huge and beautiful wheel house from either side through large sliding doors, we find a large swathe of solid wood helm station with all the navigation and systems controls that you could wish for. This includes a Bow thruster, generator control, inverter control, solar panel system controller, chart plotter and other navigation kit and DSC VHF radio as well as general switchgear controls and battery charger controller to name just some of it. To say it is comprehensive, is an understatement. The stunning wooden helm wheel sets off the helm station of what is a large, comfortable and capable vessel. The floors throughout the boat are made of solid wood and have been meticulously made by a skilled craftsmen creating several hatched storage areas throughout the vessel. The beautiful floor hatches in the wheel house open up to fully expose the large machine space below or you can open one section and use the substantial ladder to gain access to the large machine space and main systems of the vessel. The aft of the wheel house has an "L" shaped, upholstered stadium bench and also a side wing bench to seat up to 6 people in an elevated position to view the world going by. Beneath the wheelhouse floor, under the stunning hatch work, lies one of the most impressive boat motors I have ever seen. The Gardner L20 6 cylinder 120HP diesel engine and PRM gearbox is just a work of art to look at and has been loved, cleaned and serviced regularly all its life, and it clearly shows. Its like looking at a science museum exhibit - it is that tidy. Its a classic unit in its own right and was fitted when the boat was built having been specifically selected and fully reconditioned for the purpose. The actual year of the motor is unfortunately not known, however it is genuinely impressive, immaculate and starts and runs so very nicely, its an absolute pleasure to behold. If you know these engines then you know exactly how good they are and how well respected they have become. I would not be averse to letting a glass panel into the cockpit floor to marvel at this piece of true engineering rather than have it hidden away. This amazing motor was last serviced in 2023. Also fitted in the vast engine room is an Onan 7kva diesel generator that is more than man enough to run the boat. The boat has a full wet central heating system and also a bubble oil fuel fuel stove that is fabulous and keeps the whole boat very toastie. The wheelhouse wrap around windows offer a fantastic view all round and are just stunning. Moving aft from the wheel house down the companionway, is the large aft cabin that exudes charm and style. It has a full size shower and a toilet fitted and ample storage lockers and a full size double bed. Round port lights reaffirm that you are on a boat and are very charming indeed. Moving forward from the wheelhouse you enter a beautiful saloon and galley that is just breathtaking in its traditional feel and warmth. That aside, the practicality is also present with a large "u" shaped galley with everything you could want - including a full size washing machine and breakfast bar with two stools. Gas cooker, gas hob and microwave are all fitted and there is a twin sink unit. The saloon is trimmed in cream leather with two blue leather free-standing chairs and a large TV and the Bubble diesel oil fuel stove is truly amazing and homely. The décor in this boat is sublime and classical and feels so very homely but with a high quality feel. Moving forward we come to what was/is another cabin which is currently used as an office. The bed structure was removed and is available with the boat to be refitted so the boat is actually a 4 berth but is currently configured to be a 2 berth. The main large heads and shower room is off this office / cabin and has a full size shower and main electric heads and is a very nice clean space on the boat. Headroom throughout this boat is huge and she feels very spacious and roomy. Forward is what is currently a large workshop. The vendor was thinking to make this another cabin but will now leave that to the new owner as they may wish to go their own way with the space. I can see it as a large off-set double to starboard with cabinets etc to port but that is just my vision. Others may want the space for another use. The boat has a valid Boat Safety Certificate to May 2025 and was antifouled in 2023. She is a great and comfortable example of her type. If you are looking for a stand-out and very solidly built liveaboard wide beam then this boat will not disappoint, and has all the facilities that you would need for off-grid living. No boat is ever perfect and during my photography of the boat I did notice that there are a couple of areas that are due a re varnish but these are small and wholly cosmetic to my eye. It should be noted that the last survey had very good ultrasound readings showing very little steel wastage. This boat has a solid 10mm bottom plating lay up. The survey is available as a hard copy to the new owner and is aboard the vessel for reading at any viewings. These boat details are subject to contract. Note: Close offers on the asking price may be considered. Register with Boatshed to see 155 extra photos of this Luxemotor Replica Dutch Barge 55ft . This Luxemotor Replica Dutch Barge 55ft has been personally photographed and viewed by Stephen Biggs of Boatshed Norfolk.