Beacon Marina, Ipswich, IP3

Introducing the distinguished ‘Fryslan,’ a 23m Dutch Luxemotor barge, steeped in history and full of character. Built in 1931 and first registered in Zwolle in 1938 (661 B ZWOLLE 1938), she is listed in the Historic Dutch Barge register under Meetnr (MP554N) and the Dutch Barge Association. A testament to both craftsmanship and heritage, Fryslan retains her classic working barge lines while offering comfortable, live-aboard convenience. 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 beyond.

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.

 

Accommodation comprises:

 

1. Wheelhouse
2. Back deck (for drinks and BBQ !)
3. Lounge and kitchen
4. Midship bedroom
5. Master bedroom
6. Bathroom
7. Back cabin with utility area
8. Bow storage area

 

The wheelhouse provides a commanding view and maintains its original wooden construction, offering a classic yet functional navigation space. Below, the lounge area features a wood burner, air conditioning, and a fully equipped kitchen with a gas and electric range, microwave oven, and fridge-freezer.

The mid-ship 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 macerator toilet, a charming cast-iron bathtub with shower, a corner sink, and a tall dual electric/wet towel rail.

The master bedroom boasts a beautifully restored 1900s Swiss “Karel” wood-burning stove, a double bed with storage shelves, and a stair-shelf emergency exit.

The back cabin houses the heating boiler, electrical systems, washing machine, tumble dryer, and freezer. Below the wheelhouse, the engine room contains eight heavy-duty leisure batteries, two starter batteries, and solar panel connections. A river water pump is also installed. The bow area, accessible via an outdoor hatch, provides ample storage for navigation accessories, anchor chain, and houses the bow thruster and its batteries.

Fryslan is well-insulated, with Kingspan flooring and bilge access throughout. Heating and hot water are is supplied via a Webasto/Spheros 20kW boiler (installed in 2023) feeding ten large radiators. The boat is designed for ease of maintenance, with three automatic bilge pumps.

 

Specifications:

1. Hull: Traditional riveted steel, completely doubled over the past two decades
2. Engine: 1965 DAF 575 with turbo, 120hp, ZF electrical gearbox
3. Fuel Consumption: 5-6 litres per hour, cruising speed of 5 knots
4. Electrical System: AC/DC 24V, Victron inverter charger, USB sockets, solar panels, two alternators
5. Hot Water: 100L calorifier heated after approx. two hours of cruising, webasto or immersion heater
6. Freshwater Tanks: Two, each holding 1200 litres
7. Sewage System: Black/grey water tank (800L) with independent discharge pump
8. Fuel Tanks: Day tank (200L) and main tank (900L) with manual transfer
9. Navigation Equipment: Class A AIS connected to a Wi-Fi router, VHF DSC fixed radio

 

Fryslan remains true to her heritage while offering practicality for modern cruising. Designed for single-handed operation, she has been extensively travelled since her conversion in the 1980s, including North Sea and English Channel crossings, the Thames up to Oxford, and the East England and Continental Inland Waterways. She is UK Small Ships registered, holds a European Navigation Certificate (valid until November 2029), and a British Boat Safety Certificate for Environment Agency waterways.

 

Additional Features:

1. Wide and high gunwale with handrails for safe access, suitable for pets
2. 10 zinc anodes (10kg each) mounted on bolts for corrosion protection
3. Traditional aesthetics preserved with a collapsible mast (5m air draft)
4. Navigation systems designed for simplicity, with an optional Navionics subscription (£99 per annum) for tablet/laptop/mobile integration
5. Well-maintained by a professional marine engineer, hauled out yearly for inspections and servicing

Costs:

1. Berthing (2025 annual): £8,921
2. Heating (diesel/wood): Approx. £2,500 per year
3. Electricity: £0.29 per unit (prepaid card system)
4. Insurance (GJW UK & Continental Waterways): £870 per year

 

VAT Status: As a commercial-built vessel, Fryslan benefits from Zero VAT on certain services under HMRC 744C rules. While subject to retailer discretion, mooring fees have been zero-rated to date, and some propulsion-related items may also qualify.

 

Security: The marina has a coded locking system for secure access to pontoons and facilities.

 

Fryslan offers a rare opportunity to own a historic, character-filled barge that is both a practical home and a capable cruising vessel. She is ideal for those seeking a unique, waterborne lifestyle with a rich maritime heritage.

 

Viewings strictly by appointment.

 

Guide price: £180,000