1898 DUTCH BARGE TJALK SAILING IN ITALIA

“Grietje” is a wonderfully looked after original sailing Dutch Tjalk that has been converted into a two/three bedroom liveaboard. Built in 1898 by DREWS HOOGEZAND as a working vessel, she is an originally riveted iron hull that has been fully over platted with 6mm steel. The vessel has been drydocked in 2021, with a full 35,000 PSI blast/strip back to a WJ2 standard. She then went through a full ultrasonic underwater survey, steel welding repairs completed, full suite of 14 new anodes and finally coated with a 10 year 2pac epoxy International paint system meaning she does not need to be re slipped until 2031. The bilges have also been cleaned and resealed from the interior.  She is sold with a complete 2021 boat survey (as well as survey/service history dating back to 2004) and also the option to take on the mooring at the Embankment Marina, Gravesend. With a keenness to keep the original lines of such a beautiful vessel, the only detraction from the original specification of the build is the fully collapsible wheel house at the stern. Outside of this, the original rigging, sails, deck equipment, mast, lee boards are all accounted for and in working order. The deck coaming has also been raised slightly to allow generous head room in the living area, but not so much it detracts from the lines.  She also comes fitted with a DAF 6 cylinder 195 HP engine that was serviced at the beginning of 2021 and was used to transport her from Gravesend to Hoo to be slipped and back again without missing a beat. The external topsides and coach roof have also benefited from full repaint recently so she is looking extremely pretty! Internally, the barge has received a full renovation using proper insulation covered over with painted marine moisture resistant ply. Coming down from the wheel house you come into an area affectionally known as the skippers cabin that could be used as an utility space or a home office or children’s play room. A new bathroom with full height stand up shower is on your right as you move through the boat and a toilet with a heated seat! Moving further on, a fully renovated kitchen sold with all white goods including a washing machine, full size gas double oven and hobs, plenty of storage space leading into  a wide open plan saloon living area. The saloon benefits from beautiful brass port holes and authentic brass skylights leaving the saloon area flooded with natural light. Forward of the mast step there is option of fitting in another bedroom before finally coming to the master cabin with has a built in queen size bed. The barge is warmed by an oil based boiler that takes it’s feed from the fuel tank, and with 11 radiators in the system leaves the living space toasty warm even in the coldest winter months. It also benefits from a beautifully ornate log burner in the main saloon. Grietje has been in our family since 2006, and took part in the 2012 Queen’s River Thames Pageant as one of the oldest boats on the river Thames. She has been very well looked after and cared for, and is ready to be moved onto straight away we look forward to passing over this fantastic piece of history. More photos can be seen, please check links for a full video walkthrough and to the interactive 3d walkthrough.