What is Desormais?
As noted elsewhere, Desormais is a replica Dutch Barge built by Sagar Marine Ltd. in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, England. Stephen Sagar began building canal boats in 1975, and introduce the Mini-Luxe Dutch Barge in 1993. The steel-hulled barges were built for smaller canals and were offered in lengths from 49 feet to 60 feet.
Desormais was one of a number of barges shown on their website, described as having an “extended stern deck”, a reference to the fact the two aft beds extend under the aft deck.
While some earlier Sagars had interiors finished by others, later builds were fully finished by Sagar, who had a reputation for quality interiors. Anyone who spends a bit of time on a Sagar can attest to both the quality of the finishes and the creative and superb use of space.
At 54’ long and 12.5’ wide, weighing approximately 25.9 US tons, Desormais functions as a self-contained living space. Power is available from batteries (recharged by the diesel engine), an electric generator, or (when available) by plugging into shore power. It carries its own fuel, water, and blackwater. .
With a draft of only 0.76 meters (2.5 feet), coupled with a curved hull, the boat is constructed to accommodate shallow shoreside moorings, if needed. Ideal for small canals.
The tank capacities are:
Diesel Fuel 2 tanks @ 455 liters (120.2 US Gallons each)
Water tank 1 tank@1365 liters (360.6 US Gallons)
Heating Oil 1 tank @ 340 liters (89.8 US Gallons)
Holding Tank 1 tank @ 455 liters (120.2 US Gallons)
The Perkins Diesel engine, rated at 91 HP @ 2400 rmp, can easily move the boat along the rivers and canals of Europe. Given the 8 km/hour speed limit on the older canals, and accounting for waiting times while locking through canals, the engine burns approximately 3 liters of diesel/hour, or 0.79 US gallons per hour.
The forward cabin has a European double mattress, sized at 140 cm by 190 cm (55” x 75”). The adjacent full bathroom serves as the main cabin bathroom during the day, or as an en suite bathroom for the forward cabin at night.
Moving aft from the forward cabin, there is a full bathroom with tub and shower. It is positioned to serve either as a central bathroom or as an en suite for the forward cabin.
Behind the bath is a living area, with a TV. The “fireplace” actually contains a diesel fired heating stove. I understand the stove has never been used, as the boat is also equipped with hot water radiators (including a heated towel rack!).
The living area flows into the well equipped kitched. Cooking is available via a microwave oven, as well as a gas stove, grill, and oven. It is equipped with a 24v refrigerator as well as a freezer. Four steps at the back lead up to the wheelhouse.
The boat is operated from the elevated wheelhouse, which has sides that can be lowered for very low bridges. All of the mechanical equipment (engine, generator, etc.) is located under the wheelhouse, including the washer, accessible by two hatches. The wheelhouse also provides seating and tables for dining, or just watching the world go by. A door on each side provides easy access to either side when locking or mooring.
The aft cabin is four steps down from the wheelhouse. It is equipped with two single beds, a shower, sink and toilet, with storage in a built-in dresser and closet.