Living afloat

The story of the Luxe Motor MS Watergeus and how to convert a Dutch barge into a houseboat

Building a wooden floor in the boat

In May 2007 I started building a wooden floor in the cargo hold of my boat. The design took me three weeks and I believe it is a suitable design for more ships. Pictures are taken onboard the Watergeus.

Ordering the wood

As with most things it is important to check around to know where the wood can be found the cheapest, but also if they can deliver it. I didn't notice that many price differences, the further I looked, the cheaper the wood but of course the more expensive the transport costs.

I bought the wood in a company at the other side of the canal, they delivered it two meters from the boat, since the ground was not hard enough to drive on. A few colleagues helped putting the wood in the boat.

The wood, 75 pieces of European Douglas (pine) wood

Building the framework

The first girder was placed in the same direction as thee ribs of the boat. It was placed on the first rib and is the backbone for the further girders ha are placed in the length of the vessel.

Girders are placed in the length of the ship

Between all the girders, small pieces of wood were placed to keep them nicely lined up and prevent them from taking another shape or curving.

Small pieces of wood are keeping the girders nicely lined up

Small pieces of wood are keeping the girders nicely lined up

First Layer

On top of this solid wooden frame, I have screwed a layer of multiplex (18mm). In my situation, I reused the wood from the den and roof build in March by the previous owner. The first layer is already solid enough for walking on or storing stuff.

The first layer of multiplex has been screwed

The first layer of multiplex has been screwed

Second layer

In the future a second layer with smaller girders and insulation will be placed

Third layer

The third layer is again multiplex, but now nicely placed without gaps. This layer should also be at least 18mm.

Finishing touch

As finishing touch, the original cargo floor could be placed back (bolted) or another nice wooden floor is also an option...