2011 Branson Branson Thomas 50 Liveaboard Barge

Branson Thomas 50ft steel dutch type barge with fantastic rural residential berth at Tollesbury Saltings (subject to interview). This barge was launched just 13 years ago, it is both a great home and a very competent ‘CAT B’ seagoing coastal cruising vessel with a new 90hp diesel engine, bow thruster and navigation and control equipment.MECHANICALBarrus Shire 90, John Deer diesel engine with only around 200 hours use. PRM reduction gearbox via a Bullflex coupling to a 4 blade bronze propeller. Fuel consumption approximately 3 litres of diesel per hour at canal cruising speed, giving a range of around 1,000 miles range on full fuel tank. 3 fuel tanks with day tank, main tank and saddle tank. Cooling is via a skin tank.

BOW THRUSTER

Bow thruster with control at helm and remote.ELECTRICALElectrical power is stored in 6 Rolls, industrial deep cycle batteries, charged by 4 solar panels that cover the wheelhouse roof. The barge is also equipped with a 4kw diesel generator. When you are cruising, the main engine has two large alternators that will very quickly top up the batteries. A newly fitted Sterling battery charger has also been fitted as a modern complementary addition. 240v mains is supplied throughout the barge from either shore power or from the ship’s batteries via the Victron inverter.NAVIGATIONThe new instrument panel provides all the instruments needed including: Chart plotter, Radar, AIS, DSC Radio, Depth Finder, Anchor and Bow thruster controls, wipers, horn, lights etcSAFETYElectric bilge pumps & bilge blower.DECK GEARLofrans Project 1.6 tone electric anchor windlass with Fortress FX 125 anchor.DOMESTICHot water is supplied by a new Morco gas instantaneous water heater in the winter, or free of charge by using the immersion heater and surplus power generated by the solar panels in the summer. If you go cruising, the main engine will also supply plenty of hot water, ensuring that piping hot water can always be available.

ACCOMMODATION

Large double owners cabin aft. Wheelhouse also converts to large double berth. This is a cosy comfortable cruising barge, perfect to have as your home or holiday home, where you can go anywhere you like.

The wheelhouse, has been newly fitted out with custom made dining area with chaise longue style seating. The table can be lowered to convert into an extra double bed for visitors, making this the perfect guest room.

French oak joinery throughout, Norwegian blue pearl granite worktops in the galley with appliances, fridge, freezer, washing machine, cooker, and hob, with a new Morco gas boiler. It also has a built in filtered drinking water tap.

Morso Squirrel coal/wood burner in the saloon which provides heating all through the barge, with skylight hatch, windows and portholes all round, making this a really bright sunny space.

The Head, has a bath with shower, Techma silence flushing toilet, and sink.

Aft cabin has a fitted king size oak bed with under storage, fitted oak and mirrored wardrobe, and storage cupboards each side of the bed.OWNERS COMMENTSOWNERS COMMENTS

This cruising barge has been our lovely happy home for the past 6 years, but now it is time for us to move on to pastures new.

Very well maintained, and beautiful throughout, nothing needs to be done.

The hull has been coated with glass flake epoxy, which is designed to give protection in excess of 25 years. So no rust, no need to dry dock every three to five years for maintenance and repairs.

Currently moored in Tollesbury, Essex which is a lovely friendly fishing village with shops, a pub and a doctors surgery. The mooring is transferable by agreement, with parking for 2 cars, visitor parking also available. This mooring is very peaceful surrounded by a nature reserve. Although if this mooring is not for you, you could cruise away in the barge to your chosen destination.