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Dutch Barge Shared Ownership

The original OwnerShips scheme was based on English "narrow boats" - a derivation of the working boats of 200 years ago that played a key role in the Industrial Revolution of that period. These boats need to be just under 7 feet wide and up to 70 feet long in order to travel through most parts of the UK waterways system, or up to 58 feet long to travel through the whole network.

In line with OwnerShips’ expansion into Europe in 2000, where the waterways are much wider, the choice of vessels was also expanded to include Dutch barges. This style of boat was chosen (rather than a wide beam motor cruiser) because of its relatively spacious interior, its suitability for all kinds of waterways, and its longevity (as well as its good looks!).

Bases were initially set up in Ireland, France, and in the UK (on the River Thames), and exploratory moves made in Holland, from all of which these larger vessels could cruise comfortably. Then, in 2003, OwnerShips bowed to customer demand and concentrated exclusively on France as the favourite base, whilst retaining just one Dutch barge on the River Thames. The French base currently used is Auxerre in the Burgundy region (SE of Paris). This is at the confluence of the River Yonne and the Canal de Nivernais – reputed to be the most picturesque in France – and also provides access to the Canal de Bourgogne, the Canal  Lateral a la Loire, and others. Whilst there are some practical downsides to adding a base further south, eg. on the Canal du Midi (notably sheer numbers of boats, consequential queues, and difficulties in obtaining good service if help is needed), OwnerShips is still pursuing this avenue, and is also looking at the completely separate waterway network in Brittany.

As always, the OwnerShips Shared Ownership Scheme provides the boating holidaymaker with a low cost alternative to boat hire, incorporating comfortable and luxurious private vessels.

As each owner purchases his/her share of a specific Dutch barge, they may then "book" the use of it by means of a formal booking system that rotates from year to year so that priorities between owners change regularly. This system provides special facilities for those who are tied to school holidays, as well as the necessary flexibility to cater for, on the one hand, those who just want, say, a summer fortnight, and, on the other hand, those who want to take several weeks afloat each year.

At the end of each season, OwnerShips organises an owners’ meeting for each boat. Prior to this meeting, owners are sent a set of itemised accounts of expenditure for the past year, along with a projection for the next. They are also invited to make their booking selections for the following year. Owners are then asked to discuss any questions regarding next year’s proposed budget, and instruct OwnerShips accordingly.

Whilst afloat, owners have access to a helpline that operates 7-days per week throughout the year. This is operated by marine professionals within the scheme who can offer advice about the boat and/or the waterways, and who will organise on-site assistance if required. (Across the whole scheme, OwnerShips consistently achieves less than one breakdown per boat per year).

In general, OwnerShips sees its function as taking all the hassle (and cost) out of private boat ownership and leaving owners with only the pleasures involved.