Built for the European adventure
This Canal barge hull is constructed from 8mm mild steel with the frames and longitudinals being 10mm. The decks and cabin top consists of 50mm laminated deck beams between a Fijian Kauri tongue and grove ceiling and a plywood top. http://johnsonyachts.co.nz/65-canal-barge/The insulation consists of 50mm thermal insulation panels.
It is powered by a single 130hp marinised John Deere tractor engine with a hydraulic take-off for the bow thruster.
As the canal barge was being built for use mainly in European waters the John Deere engine was choosen as the parts are readily available worldwide.
Fuel tanks hold 3000 litres of diesel and will give a range of 6000 n.m at 4 knots.
New Zealand was the prefered country of construction due to its reputation for high quality. The canal barge was shipped on the 21st of May 2002 by container ship and re-united with the family at Brugge to begin their explorations.
Launched 2002, and transported via container ship to Belgium from the Ports of Auckland
Specifications
| Length Overall Beam Draft Displacement Power Speed Fuel Capacity |
65′ 15.5′ 3.4′ 54 tons 1 x 130hp John Deere tractor engine 4 kts Cruise 3000 LTR Steel |