Remarks :
1896 Wide Beam Dutch Sailing Barge – A Classic Restoration Opportunity
A rare and characterful wide-beam Dutch sailing barge with a fascinating history, offering an exciting opportunity for a new custodian to complete her restoration and bring her back to life.
Originally built in Rotterdam in 1896 as a cargo vessel, she was converted into a luxury private yacht in 1921 and later adapted for liveaboard use during the 1990s. Purchased in 2016 as a long-term project, much of the structural work is already complete — including a full hull over-plating in 2018 by Jake Harris of South East Marine Engineering, carried out to a high standard.
This barge’s heritage is exceptional. She appears in Lloyd’s Yacht Register (1936–1978) and boasts a colourful ownership history, including members of the Horniman family and a WWII RAF hero. She has even raced across the Channel and once featured on a pub sign!
Much of her 1921 interior fit-out has been carefully removed, labelled and preserved, ready for reinstatement if desired. She retains many original features including:
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Solid bronze helm pedestal
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Brass portholes and windows
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Original mast (rare for a vessel of this age and type)
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Ship’s bell, searchlights, and anchor mechanisms
There’s excellent volume below decks, with graceful lines and the potential to create a stunning and spacious home afloat. The large forward cabin could easily transform into an open-plan saloon or dining area.
Work Still Required
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Rudder missing; leeboards require replacement or full restoration
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Welding above gunwales, including the coachroof
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Complete refit of electrics and water systems
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Engine overhaul or replacement needed
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Bilges and the engine room require cleaning and painting
The most expensive and difficult stage — the hull — is already completed, making this a superb foundation for a rewarding refit or unique liveaboard conversion. A beautiful and historic barge with enormous potential — when restored, she will undoubtedly turn heads in any harbour or marina.
Offered for sale “as seen.” Buyers are advised to carry out their own inspection.
Please call our Kent Office +44 (0)1634 571605 for further information or to arrange a viewing.
Accommodation :
The interior has been stripped back, providing a clean, blank canvas ready for refit and custom design.
Previously, the layout comprised a cockpit with helm position, a spacious saloon with desk, chart table and traditional dressers, two cabins, a galley, and a shower room with toilet and basin.
The engine is located beneath the cockpit, maintaining excellent balance and easy access.
On deck, the sizeable foredeck retains its original cargo hatch along with several smaller deck hatches, all offering charm and opportunity for restoration or tasteful replacement
Inventory :
Safety Equipment
Navigation Equipment
- Compass - in need of overhaul
- Navigation lights - in need of overhaul or replacement
Deck Equipment
- Anchor Fishermans – with chain
- Windlass – Manual
- 2 x Mooring warps.
Keel/Hull
Steel bilge keel, rounded hull, with a transom-mounted rudder (rudder missing) and Leeboards that are in poor condition.
History & Construction:
Built in 1896 as a cargo vessel, she was fitted out as a luxury yacht in 1921 and converted to a liveaboard in the 90's. She was purchased by the current owners in 2016 as a family project to restore her. The hull was completely over-plated in mild steel in 2018, and much of the 1921 fit-out has been removed piece by piece and marked and stored. The owners are selling due to a change in circumstances means that she needs to be sold.
Title Documents:
When preparing these details, we have seen the following documentation:
- Bill of Sale in the owner’s name.
- Proof of location on 31st December 2020
Marine Insurance:
As one the UK’s largest Brokers with over 700 boats for sale we can introduce you to Boat Insurance providers that offer all types of Boat Insurance, including insurance for Yachts, Sailing Boats, Motor Cruisers, Narrowboats, Inland Waterway Craft, Barges, Houseboats, Speedboats, Rigid Inflatable Boats, Waterski Boats, Jet Skis, Personal Watercraft and Dinghies.
Just click on the following link to request an insurance quote for this boat or your current boat: www.networkyachtbrokerskent.co.uk/marineinsurance/
Mechanical :
Spars & Sails:
This Dutch barge sailing yacht has a Gaff masthead rig with a wooden mast and boom with stainless steel standing rigging, age unknown, with a manually adjustable backstay. All standing rigging, winches and running rigging will need to be checked and potentially replaced.
There is a mainsail, age unknown, in red canvas that will also need to be replaced as its condition is poor.
Mechanical Systems
This barge has a single Ford 4D diesel engine with a shaft drive to a 3-blade prop. The engine will require a complete overhaul or may need to be replaced.
Electrical Systems
There are currently no electrical systems in the vessel. It will need to be fully rewired an appropriate battery and 240v electrcial system installed.
