Description
Originally built around 1928, Tissum is a beautifully preserved and thoughtfully updated Motortjalk-style Dutch barge, measuring 40ft by 10ft. Crafted with a solid steel hull and V-bottom design, she combines traditional maritime character with practical modern upgrades, making her an ideal live-aboard home or cruising vessel. A standout feature is the custom-built wooden wheelhouse, which not only adds extra living and steering space but also brings warmth and charm, while large bus-style windows flood the interior with natural light. Inside, you’ll find wooden flooring, ply cabin sides, and polystyrene insulation, ensuring a comfortable and well-finished living environment all year round.
Power and performance are reliable thanks to a Mercedes five-cylinder diesel engine, paired with a Hurth gearbox, perfectly suited for inland waterways and coastal waters alike. The fuel system holds approximately 30 gallons of diesel, and onboard electrics include both 12V and 240V supplies, supported by a 600W inverter, four leisure batteries, one starter battery, and three solar panels with a charge controller — giving you independent power when moored or cruising. Heating and hot water are fully sorted too: an Eberspacher central heating system keeps the boat warm, while hot water is generated via a calorifier, immersion heater, or the Eberspacher, with a 200-litre plastic water tank ensuring ample supply.
The accommodation is designed for practical, comfortable living, sleeping up to four people. There is a fixed double bed plus two additional berths in the form of bunks, offering plenty of space for family or guests. The galley is equipped for everyday use, featuring two gas hobs and a Lowry fridge-freezer. The bathroom includes a shower and pump-out toilet, completing the home-like setup.
Well maintained and ready to enjoy, Tissum comes with a Boat Safety Certificate valid until May 2030, and is already booked to be blacked in July 2026 — meaning maintenance is already planned and taken care of. Moored in Bristol and available for viewing by appointment only, this barge offers a rare opportunity to own a classic, characterful vessel that has been lovingly converted and maintained to a high standard.