RLL Keynsham Thomas 57

This is a fine example of an RLL Keynsham 2007 built steel Dutch barge replica, built to a Branson Boats "Thomas 57" design.

The boat is 'ready to go', but also offers a blank canvas for a new owner to put their own interior design stamp on this beautiful Dutch barge replica.

Externally, she was completely repainted 2 years ago (all windows & fittings removed) with epoxy 2 pack, and looks stunning/as new.

The boat layout forward to aft consists of a large double cabin with king size bed, double wardrobe, bedside tables, and has a modern ensuite (with electric flush toilet, and washbasin vanity unti). From this cabin a doorway leads aft into a large open plan saloon and fully equipped U-shaped galley/kitchen. The galley fit out includes a full size fridge freezer, with integrated full size dishwasher and washing machine, as well as a gas oven and hob, and plenty of cupbaord storage space.
A companionway alongside the galley on the stbd side steps up in to a spacious wheelhouse with raised helm position on centreline providing excellent 360 degree views, with doors to the side decks P&S, and is fitted with long upholstered bench seat with removable cockpit table. The wheelhouse roof and sides can be removed, designed for passage under lower bridges, but also can be used for creating an al-fresco dining area onboard. In the aft port corner of the wheelhouse is another companionway, with steps down in to the spacious main owners aft cabin, with a built in king size bed, double wardrobe, additional storage lockers, and a double pedestal desk/dressing table. This cabin has a large modern ensuite bathroom, including a bath with shower over, a washbasin vanity unit and an electric flush toilet.

The entire accommodation is served by a central heating system with radiators in all rooms, including both of the ensuite wc/bathrooms, as well as what is now a customary log burning stove in the main saloon.

All of the interior spaces including the ensuites are bathed in natural light from the large windows and portholes fitted throughout the accommodation, all with opening upper sections for natural ventilation. The cabins and saloon also benefit from large butterfly skylight opening hatches, with deadlights in the hinged opening tops, providing even more natural light and ventilation to the spacious accommodation.

This boat has an extensive equipment fitout including a John Deere 90hp engine, and 12kva Fischer Panda generator, providing more than enough power to the boat, particularly if used as a live aboard, as well as 5 batteries, 1 for engine starting and 4 for domestic services, which can be charged from shore power, via the combined inverter/charger, or from the engine or generator, so offers multiple sources of power alongside and when cruising. The engine room is impeccably clean and tidy , and has plenty of additional space for extra equipment to be installed, for example for an air conditioning unit, and the entire boat is presented in excellent condition both internally and externally.

When buying Dutch barges it is essential to consider that although original but much older Dutch barges currently on the market may look great on the inside, they can be hiding steel structures that are up to 100 years old, many of the older barges have riveted hulls.

This boat provides all the benefits and the 'look and feel' of a traditional Dutch barge - such as internal space, stability and aesthetic - but also provides the assurance of a much younger, and structurally sound, fully welded steel hull and superstructure, having only been built in 2007.

The comprehensive steel construction includes 12mm keel and v-hull plating, 6mm hull sides, 5mm decks, 5mm superstructure and 4mm watertight engine room bulkhead, while internally, roof beams, posts, cappings and rails have been constructed from solid iroko, resulting in a strong and stable boat, with RCD Declaration of Conformity certification, and designed in accordance with the requirements of a category B vessel, so all in all, this is a very capable boat!

This Branson Boats design Dutch barge is a cut above the more common wide beam barge designs of a similar size, with a great exterior aesthetic more resembling a small ship that adds character to this boat and is a real head turner.

Contact us for further details of this boat, its comprehensive inventory, and to arrange viewings of this fine example of this Branson designed RLL built steel Dutch barge.

Please note: these boat details are subject to contract.