‘Fryslan,’ a year round cruising 23m Dutch Luxemotor Barge, steeped in history and full of character was built in 1931 and first registered in Zwolle in 1938 (661 B ZWOLLE 1938). She is listed in the Dutch Barge Association as well as the Dutch Historic Barge register under Meetnr (MP554N). A testament to both craftsmanship and heritage, Fryslan retains her classic working barge lines while offering comfortable live-aboard and cruising convenience.
Surveyed in February 2025 for insurance (copy available).
Currently moored in Ipswich Beacon Marina, a secure and residential-friendly setting, she is well-positioned for year-round cruising on the sheltered Orwell River and further.
MECHANICAL
1965 DAF 575 DD 120hp turbo diesel inboard engine, ZF electrical gearbo. Fuel Consumption: 5-6 litres per hour, cruising speed of 5 to 6 knots. 2 fuel tanks cleaned in 2024, 1000 litres and 200 litres. Engine hours 6774 at day of viewing.
BOW THRUSTER
Sleipner electric bow thruster.
ELECTRICAL
AC/DC 24V, recent Victron inverter charger, USB sockets, solar panels 1kw, 8 leisure batteries, two alternators, automatic source switch over system. LED lighting. 240v shore power.
NAVIGATION
Hand held compass, fixed and held held DSC VHF radios, Class A AIS connected to a Wi-Fi router, navigation lights, anchor light.
SAFETY
Liferaft (due service), 3 horseshoe lifebuoys, 4 lifejackets, 6 fire extinguishers, gas detector, smoke detector, safety line, 3 auto bilge pumps, electric and manual bilge pumps.
DECK GEAR
5 winter covers, Mariner 3 infatable dinghy with electric outboard motor, 9ft GRP sailing dinghy, demountable davits, barge anchor with 45m chain, manual barge windlass, 2 boat hooks, 5 fenders.
DOMESTIC
Heating is supplied via a Webasto/Spheros 20kW boiler (installed in 2023) feeding ten large radiators, and the two wood burning stoves.
Hot Water: 120L cylinder, heated via webasto/spheros boiler, immersion heater and/or calorifier. Freshwater Tanks: Two, interconnected each holding 1200 litres Sewage System: Black/grey water tank (800l) with discharge pump Fuel Tanks: Day tank (200L) and main tank (900L) with manual transfer
Below, the lounge area features two wood burners, air conditioning (hot/cold) and a fully equipped kitchen with a gas and electric range, microwave oven, fridge-freezer with extra space for a dishwasher if needed and plenty of storage. The midship bedroom is adaptable for a double or twin bed, offering built-in storage, coat hangers, and a small pull-out table for vanity or study. Adjacent, the compact bathroom includes a conventional toil with saniflo, a Babette cast-iron bathtub with a powerful shower, a corner sink, and a tall dual electric/wet towel rail. Sofa and light fittings included.
The master bedroom boasts a beautifully restored 1900s Swiss “Karel” wood-burning stove, a double bed on storage shelves, and a stair-shelf emergency exit. The back cabin houses the heating boiler, electrical systems, washing machine, tumble dryer, and extra freezer, with plenty of extra space for tools.
ACCOMMODATION
Wheelhouse, Stern deck for drinks and BBQs, Lounge and kitchen, Midship bedroom, Master bedroom, Bathroom, Back cabin with utility area, Bow storage area. The collapsible wheelhouse provides a commanding view and maintains its original wooden construction, offering a classic yet functional navigation space.
OWNERS COMMENTS
MOORING
Ipswich Beacon Marina offers excellent facilities, including parking for two cars, onshore washing, shower, and toilet amenities, alongside The Last Anchor restaurant. The marina provides electricity, water on the pontoon, and access to a fuel station. With a 75T hoist and secure onshore storage, it is fully equipped for haul-outs and maintenance. Marina staff are on-site seven days a week, and the lock operates on demand 365 days a year. Conveniently located just 10 minutes from the town centre and train station, with regular direct services to London Liverpool Street and Norwich.
OWNERS REMARKS
Fryslan remains true to her heritage while offering practicality of modern cruising. Designed for single-handed operation, she has been extensively travelled since her conversion in the 1980s, particularly in the last 10 years, including North Sea and English Channel crossings, the Medway, the Thames up to Oxford, the East England rivers and a Grand Tour of the Continental Inland Waterways. She is UK Small Ships registered, holds a European Navigation Certificate (valid until November 2029), a new British Boat Safety Certificate and fire extinguisher certificate. Additional Features: Wide and high gunwale with handrails for safe access, suitable for children and pets 10 zinc anodes (10kg each) mounted on bolts Traditional aesthetics preserved with a collapsible wheelhouse and mast (2,60m, 3m 5m air drafts) Navigation systems designed for simplicity, using Navionics charts subscription (£99 per annum) for tablet/laptop integration Well-maintained by a professional and reputable marine engineer, hauled out yearly for inspections and maintenance.
Costs: approx. Berthing (2025 annual): £8,921 VAT zero. Heating (diesel/wood): Approx. £2,500 per year Electricity: £0.29 per unit (prepaid card system) Insurance (GJW UK & Continental Waterways): £870 per year VAT zero certificate, for some services at the discretion of the retailer.
Security: The marina has a coded locking system for secure access to pontoons and facilities. Fryslan offers the very rare opportunity to own a classic barge that is both a practical comfortable home and a very capable cruising vessel.