Dutch steel boats

[petie]

I am in the market for a Dutch steel boat up to 35 feet . They seem to come in raised aft deck versions (A K for aft cabin) or OK for open cockpit . The AKs are more plentiful but as I singlehand most of the time, I have a concern about coming alongside on to a pontoon in a hurry having to come down from aft deck . With an open cockpit type, I just have to throw a leg over the side. I would appreciate views on this issue and, possibly, reccomendations on suitable boats for Belgian, French canals.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

That depends where you're helming from. If the boat has a proper flybridge, then with an OK boat, you have to descend some steps to get down to the cockpit, which with some boats can be steep. With a flybridge AK boat, then the steps down to aft deck level and then to side deck level will be shallower and therefore it may be easier to move about an AK boat rather than on OK boat, which IMHO is a more important consideration than being able to get off the boat. Also another important factor is the width of the side decks which will also affect how quickly you can move about the boat. When single handing, I don't think you want to be getting off the boat at all but having lines handy, particularly a midships line, to be able to lassoo cleats on the pontoon from deck level.
For single handing I have found the Broom type aft cabin boats to be the easiest mainly because the upper helm is on the aft deck and the side decks are wide. This allows you to get quickly from the upper helm to anywhere on deck

 

[Brayman]

The same goes for AK Dutch steel boats but the side decks tend to be wider than on Brooms. I would think an AK would be easier single-handed because you can see and control everythng from the aft deck. On an OK you don't get such a good view of what's ahead.

 

[nedmin]

I have done many miles on Dutch, Belgian and French waterways with 2 Pedro,s a 34ft and later a 38ft. both with aft cabins, I also cruise the R.Trent single handed,in fact I towed a narrow boat back to West Stockwith doing it single handed. The beauty of steel boats are that they are v.heavy have long keels and dont go far if its windy,the side decks are also wide. I fasten a bow rope and take down the side deck make it off ready for use when needed.I would go for aft cabin as they are more useful room wise.The side walkways are also low so you can easily get off.

 

[petie]

Many thanks for helpful comments. I am coming around to the raised aft deck, rear cabin concept. I am considering the new Pedro Levanto 32 or Pedro Skiron 35 and wonder Nedmin, with your Pedro experience, what you think of the two?

 

[nedmin]

Seen the Skiron 35 looks good value for money, not seen the Levanto.Pedro are a good family firm to deal with and very obliging.The rear cabin concept ,I think is best,especially if you want friends to stay.If I can help further please post.

 

[miket]

Young Pheran may care to cast a view on this as he has owned the AK variety but is now considering a lower alternative for the French and Belgian canals where, I believe a critical measurement is 2.8 metres airdraft (everything folded that can fold).
Take a look on www.botentekoop.nl Plug in your requirements to the search section (last box on the left of the home page and you will see every shape and size of Dutch steel boat.
I have just finished a charter of a Vivante 42 with a single 175 hp John Deere and hydraulic bow and stern thrusters. Superb. I am now converted, especially at <2 gph fuel consumption.