This document summarizes the conversion of a barge into a luxury home. The project began in 2003 with the goal of creating a river vessel reminiscent of those used in 1950s Thailand. Over six months of research was conducted to ensure an authentic design. The barge is constructed almost entirely of reclaimed teak wood and features modern amenities while maintaining the historic appearance. It has sleeping quarters, a kitchen, lounge, and powerful mechanical systems to ensure comfortable living on the river.

1. Some Opening Insight on this Barge
This project started in 2003 with the intention of building a personal home for
a family. From the beginning it was planned to be a false antique. 6 months
of research and study was done on river vessels to determine what style
would have been used by a well-to-do Thai back in 1950 to build a river
yacht. What has been done (with exception to modern comforts) is a very
true example of what one could expect from the era. I have had numerous
comments about the design and remarks of disbelief that it was actually
conceived and built totally by a foreign person.
The conversion has been done with 99% Teak wood (there is Rose wood in
the wet bar and galley table top). About 90% of this Teak is re-claimed
wood taken from buildings throughout Thailand. This wood is much harder
to correctly purchase and work with, however, the end result was a perfect
match in color, texture and matching appearance with the hull. The Barge
looks like it was all constructed at one time, not like taking a 50 year old hull
and building living quarters on it.
P.S. It is eco friendly!

2. BARGE DIMENSIONAL INFORMATION
• OVERALL LENGTH
16 METERS (53 FEET)
• OVERALL LENGTH WITH
RUDDER
17 METERS (56 FEET
• OVERALL WIDTH
6.1 METERS (20 FEET)
• DRAW WITH FULL FUEL
AND WATER
1.9 METERS (6 FEET)
• CLEARANCE
4.8 METERS (16 FEET)
• DRY WEIGHT
33 METRIC TONS

3. BARGE POWER SYSTEMS
• HINO EK100 – 330 HP • 15 KILOWATT DIESEL
FULL REBUILD PRIOR TO POWERED GENSET
INSTALLATION • 24/230V 3000 WATT
• 4:1 HYDRAULIC GEARBOX INVERTER WITH SELF
• HEAT EXCHANGER AND CHARGING SYSTEM
WET EXHAUST SYTEM • 600 AMP HOUR DEEP CYCLE
• 46” 3-BLADE BRONZE PROP BATTERY BANK
• 2 - 750 LITER FUEL TANKS • 50 METER SHORE POWER
• TOTALLY ENCLOSED CABLE
ENGINE ROOM INSULATED • ELECTRICAL POWER
FOR SOUND AND HEAT CONTROL PANEL WITH
WITH DOUBLE FORCED AIR AUTOMATIC PRIORITY
FLOW VENTING LOCKOUT AND AUTOMATIC
• BILGE PUMP AND HIGH PHASE ALIGNMENT OF
WATER ALARM IN ENGINE INCOMING SHORE POWER
ROOM

4. BARGE WATER SYSTEM AND ELECTRICAL FEATURES
• 2 - 1000 LITER WATER TANKS • MAIN DECK AIR CON 24K BTU
FOR NORMAL WATER • INDIVIDUAL AIR CONS IN
• 3 STAGE FILTER SYSTEM CABINS 9K BTU
• 1 – 500 LITER POTABLE WATER • WET BAR FRIDGE
TANK
• SPLIT WATER SYSTEM WITH • GALLEY MICROWAVE AND
SEPARATE PRESSURE PUMPS FRIDGE
• 4 - 750 LITER WASTE WATER • COVERED LIGHTING AND
HOLDING TANKS WIRING
• LARGE CAPACITY WASTE • MAIN DECK CEILING EXHAUST
DISCHARGE PUMP FANS
DIVERTABLE DISPOSAL
OVERBOARD / SEPTIC TRUCK /
EMERGENCY BILGE (1,000LPM)

5. Barge Features
Upper Deck:
• Covered Open Deck with surrounding teak wood railing.
• Enclosed Main Lounge with air-con and Full Wet Bar.
• Lounge features a full unobstructed panoramic river view (19
square meters of windows).
Mid Deck:
• Full Galley with LP stove top, exhaust hood, microwave,
refrigerator, built in cabinets and dining table.
•Captains quarters with private bath.

6. Barge Features
Lower Deck
• Main Suite with private bath and air-con. Built in cabinet.
Built in queen size bed with storage drawers.
• Guest Suite with private bath and air-con. Built in queen
bed size bed with storage drawers.
• Fully enclosed and insulated engine/generator room with
forced air venting

7. Please Note that these photos were all
taken during the conversion of the
barge. You will see a lot of junk and
debris scattered around!

8. PROJECT START

9. THE DAY WE SET HER IN THE WATER
AFTER SEALING AND STAINING THE HULL

10. EMPTY HULL

11. ON THE YARD FOR ENGINE INSTALLATION

13. PROP SHAFT, DEADWOOD, SKEG AND RUDDER IN PLACE

14. 46” Bronze Propeller

15. Custom Built 700+ Liter Port Side Fuel Tank

16. GETTING SET TO TEST THE ENGINE

18. FRESH WATER
TANKS UNDER
FRONT DECK

19. CUSTOM FIBERGLASS HOLDING TANKS

20. HOLDING TANKS, PLUMBING AND SECTIONAL FLOORING FRAME

22. ROSEWOOD ROPE
LOCKER COVER AND
FRESHLY OILED
PERIMETER DECK
Note that deck has
been widened 20+ cm

23. FIRST DAY
AFTER SEALING
THE DECK

24. MAIN STEPS AND DECK SIDE RAILING

25. MAIN LOUNGE DECK
(terrible photo)

26. MAIN LOUNGE LOOKING TO STERN

27. WET BAR
(BAR TOP IS ROSE WOOD)

28. ROSE WOOD BAR TOP

29. GALLEY

30. MAIN CABIN

31. MAIN CABIN
This rear wall is a refitted set of panels
from a very old Thai home

32. MAIN CABIN

33. GUEST CABIN (BAD PHOTO’S)

34. GUEST CABIN
All of the interior walls are refitted panels from
a very old Thai home

35. GUEST CABIN

36. 3 SOURCE ELECTRICAL CONTROL UNIT

37. EXTREMELY INTELLIGENT EXTREMELY SAFE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CONTROL

38. Fresh Stain and Paint February 2012