Thames Barge dimensions

[Greenheart]

There's an extremely pretty 1905 Thames sailing barge for sale at the moment...take a look, she's a delight above and below deck: Boats for sale UK, boats for sale, used boat sales, Barges For Sale 1905 Thames Sailing Barge 58ft - Apollo Duck

Don't mention the substantial asking price - I assume it's appropriate if she's in good order...

...I'm accustomed to seeing very inexpensive classic/vintage boats, whose valuation presumably reflects the years of grinding toil (and lengthy shopping list) that must be spent before the vessel will command maximum respect and a price to match. I guess this example has been refurbished already.

I just wondered about her 58ft LOA. I thought Thames barges were around the 80ft mark. Is this one a 'pocket-barge' or did they come in all sizes?
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[DownWest]

Where's the AGA?

 

[DownWest]

If you want a tin proper dutch residential barge, I know of a local one in super condition. 80x20ft but about twice as much. Accomodation more swanky apartement style, central heating too!

 

[PeterV]

If you read the description you’ll see she was originally a lighter, rigged with a sprit rig much later then recently modified to look like an original Thames barge.

 

[Greenheart]

Thanks, that's interesting. It's a neat job of reproduction/conversion.

I wouldn't personally choose to be responsible for a wooden boat bigger than a Mirror dinghy, but it's a pleasure to see one in such good fettle.

 

[Poignard]

Here's 'Cygnet' only 42 feet long:

Cygnet | National Historic Ships

 

[Jan Harber]

Here's 'Cygnet' only 42 feet long:

Cygnet | National Historic Ships

Alas, poor Cygnet… she is gone from Snape probably never to return.
See recent thread on East Coast Forum entitled ‘Is Snape Maltings Doable these days?’.

 

[mrming]

I’m lucky enough to have sailed on a couple of our local Thames barges here in Kent. They’re surprisingly practical and easy to sail, with great accommodation. The ones I’ve been on have a rolling programme of maintenance every winter and it’s not cheap to keep them going. They both however earn money from chartering / day trips. The asking price for a functioning barge seems to be around 200k, so this one is not outrageous. Like all boats they’re a money pit but the numbers still around suggest there are plenty of people who think it’s worth it. Long may they continue.