Bolpraam 1180 for sale (1933) in Essex, United Kingdom

This is a lovely example of a Dutch Steel Bolpraam 1180 Tjalk, built in 1933. She is ideal for a couple for living aboard or holiday use, The bottom of the hull has been double plated. Praam barges were originally open boats made for transporting potatoes etc. Overtime the Bolpraam was developed, an enclosed version allowing for livaboards too. This one has had a full interior refit in Holland around 15 years ago. The fit out is extremely high quality as you will see from the videos and also new windows were installed too so there should not be concerns regarding water ingress. She benefits from Webasto Diesel fired Airtop heating. Last out of the water April 2024 - blacked and new anodes installed. She has a low air draught that means she is suitable for most of the larger London Canals. Ideally a river cruiser, however her current owner motored her from Tollesbury to South Essex in May 2025. The owner was pleased with the overall performance of the Mercedes engine. She has the traditional keel cooled set up. She benefits from a Bow and Stern Thruster which the owner said was very helpful regarding manoeuvrability. Her current owner has commissioned a new canopy for the aft deck which allows for an additional living space as well as protection from the elements for the exterior helm position.

Interior

Totally gutted and refit in Holland around 15 years ago including all windows replaced. The joinery is superb and the layout optimises the use of space in terms of stowage and comfort. This Bolpraam is exceptionally bright and airy. On entering the companionway you take a few steps down to the wheelhouse. The helm is to port and benefits from panoramic views. Moving forward take a few more steps down to the main cabin. The heads is immediately to port. It is equipped with WC that can be flushed out to see or to a holding tank. Sink with mixer tap and shower attachment. There is a large full length cupboard that houses the calorifier, 800Kw Victron Inverter and a modern fuse box.

The main cabin is open plan with a generously sized galley and saloon area to bow. The galley is beautifully fitted and has a fridge and microwave. The previous owner decomissioned the gas hob. However this could be reinstated and there is still a gas locker under the aft cabin seating. The joinery provides a lot of charm and warmth to the vessel. The windows are large and let so much light in and allow for good airflow all round. There is also a hatch. The wooden flooring also enhances the cosy feel of this lovely barge. Going aft of the wheelhouse down a few steps you will enter the aft cabin. There is a relatively large double berth, with ample stowage and again large windows. There is webasto diesel fired warm air heating system to keep you cosy.

Exterior

According to previous owner and photos the whole of the base of the barge has been double plated as you can see from the 2023 photos. April 2024 she was out of the water again, blacked and new anodes installed.

The decks aft, fore and sides all felt solid as I walked around her to do the videos. The paintwork looked pretty good too.

Engine and Electrics

The Mercedes OM315 is believed to be 80Hp and recently the barge was moved under engine to her current mooring. I heard the engine start and turning over and she did not miss a beat. Engine Bay is accessible from the wheelhouse. There are 2 batteries, one domestic and one for engine. The barge has 12 and 240V set up with shorepower fitting.

There is an 800w Victron inverter/charger. A modern Main fuse box.