Sea Otter Dutch Barges

Designed for the wider waterways of Britain and Europe, the Dutch Barge range incorporates all the finer attributes of the smaller Sea Otter craft whilst welcoming the advantages of a wider beam.

Exteriors And Performance

When Sea Otter wanted to enter the Dutch Barge market, 3 years ago, they were not content with just copying everyone else's designs and thus building in inherent problems, so they employed Graham Chatfield of Arun Marine Designs to draw up the hull and superstructure.

Graham has specialised in the design of small commercial power craft (up to 24 metres!) for over 20 years in both aluminium and GRP. Graham is a member of the British Commercial Boatbuilders Association (as are Sea Otter), and for the last 8 years has represented their interests on the Technical Comittee of the British Marine Federation, working with the MCA to prepare new National Standards for Inland Waterways Freight Vessels, operating commercially in UK waters.

Graham's Sea Otter Dutch Barge meets existing standards for BW and MCA requirements for commercial vessels. She is built to the requirements of Lloyds Register, Special Service Craft Rules, for a Service Group G2 vessel. We doubt that any other Dutch Barge builder for the recreational market can match this pedigree, and Sea Otter barges now account for 10% of all new barge builds in the UK. Our target is 20% by the end of 2006.

Once again constructed from high quality marine grade BS5083 aluminium alloy, the v-bottomed, water ballasted hull delivers a reassuring level of hydrodynamic and hydrostatic performance.

An immense long central keel and lateral bilge keels running the length of the bottom further enhance the boat's inherent stability. The marine diesel engine, and shaft drive deliver sufficient power, enabling confident boat handling.

Large rudder surface area, maintenance free rudder bearings, and impressively low noise and vibration levels combine with the craft's inherent stability, to make for extremely comfortable cruising assisted by hydraulic steering.

Recreational Craft Design Classification "C"

All of the Sea Otter Dutch Barge are Recreational Craft Directive classification C. Classification B can be achieved, but you will only be throwing £15,000 at a hull that is already perfectly designed. The plans, materials and overall construction have been checked and passed by the RYA Technical Department ensuring you can rest assured that the boat will perform as required and pass all safety requirements for inshore passages. The structure complies with Lloyds Register, Special Service Craft Rules for a Group G2 vessel, and has been certified as such.

The RCD qualification also has other advantages. Having the qualification means that you can cruise the continental waterways safely in the knowledge that your craft will meet any of the local regulations whether you are crossing the English Channel, navigating the Irish Sea or cruising Europe's big rivers.

As well as the style of Dutch Barge shown, we will have for 2006 another version with the wheel house right at the stern of the boat. Thus the accomodation can all be on one level. The engine is under the wheelhouse, necessitating hydraulic drive, which will add £5000 to the standard price.

Interiors

The impressive interiors of the Sea Otter Barge range pay tribute to the attention we have applied to passenger comfort and enjoyment. Investment in state of the art boat building facilities have lifted our already high standards to compete with those achieved by the very best in British boat building.

Whether you want your Sea Otter for year round living or occasional crusing, you will always feel right at home when you step into it's welcoming interior. American White Ash panelling is used throughout the interior of the barges casting a radiant golden glow around the cabin. By day the cabin feels fresh, airy and spacious, whilst at night, low key lighting gives the whole place a cosy welcoming atmosphere. Hardwood trims and capping compliment the American White Ash perfectly to enhance the spacious feel of the boat.

To allow maximum flexibility with your Dutch Barge, the forward cabin may be customised with selected layouts to include larger galleys, additional forward double bunk room, additional heads and shower. Standard interior fitments for the master cabin include a fixed double bed and fitted vanity unit, cupboards, wardrobe, heads and separate shower. Also offered is a range of soft furnishings and fabrics to choose from meaning whatever you decide, you can rest assured that your boat will make a statement about your eye for quality and lifestyle. Sea Otter are also well experienced in catering for those with mobility difficulties.

The characteristics of a Sea Otter barge make it idea for both living and entertaining. Both yourself and your guests will be thoroughly impressed when they feel the sheer comfort of the sumptuous soft furnishings used throughout the boat.

Technical Specifications

Other designs and sizes may be accomodated. Contact the factory to discuss.

Estimated Fuel Consumption:

Dutch Barge Sample Layout

The slideshow below allows you to see CAD drawings of a Dutch Barge both from the side and also of a standard layout.

Click a layout to see a larger version.

51' Dutch Barge Aft Wheelhouse Layout

45' Dutch Barge Aft Wheelhouse Layout

Our Dutch barges can also have a hydraulic retractable roof which allows you to go under low bridges and into tunnels etc. To view a slideshow of the retractable roof in action then click here.

To view the Sea Otter Dutch Barge prices click here.

To read more about the Sea Otter Dutch barges, dowload the Sea Otter lifestyle brochure by clicking here or if you wish to order one via post then contact us.