Living afloat

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

Spits Silma (-SOLD-)

Update: The Silma has been dry-docked in February 2008. She had a survey and a new bottom report! An anchor winch has been placed on the front again!

The Silma is a Belgian spits barge built in 1924. She has been converted for 60%. You enter by the wheelhouse, going down in the skipper's accommodation. A big part of the cargo hold has been raised and makes one big area with the old accommodation. Beneath the living room are the water tanks, enough for 10000 liters of fresh water.

The bathroom has a bath, shower and toilet. The Living room and kitchen are one big area. Besides the six windows placed in the den, four more windows are ready to be placed.

The anchor winch has been removed to create a bigger space in the front. The anchor is still in place!

From the outside, the Silma is still looking very original. Inside she is nicely converted for living afloat.

She is technically in good condition having a running engine, Lister generator, navigation lights, etc.... The ship can be seen running!

Specifications

• Built: 1924
• Dimensions: 37,8m x 5,06m x 0,90m
• Propulsion: General Motors Detroit Diesel 6 cylinder 168hp
• Bow thruster: no
• Generator: Lister 1 cyl. with 12v dynamo
• Type of fuel: Diesel
• Mooring: Sluiskil
• Hull composition: Steel, riveted

Contact information

Are you interested in this boat, please contact the owner at (0032)473.67.33.42 or by email.

Pictures

Here are some pictures of the Silma.

• Exterior pictures
• Interior pictures

Exterior pictures

Rudder and wheelhouse

View on the front deck, hatches and wheelhouse

View on the front deck, hatches and wheelhouse

Side view of the Silma

Entrance to the front accommodation

Wheelhouse and back of the spits

Bow of the ship

The Silma in Sluiskil

View to the front with the ventilation pipe of the engine room and the door of the wheelhouse

Interior pictures

Wheel and steering in the wheelhouse

The front accommodation has been converted into a saloon

The front accommodation has been converted into a saloon

A part of the living area

A part of the living area

The kitchen is part of the living area

Bad and plumbing are available

Toilet and plumbing for toilet are available

Shower needs finishing tiling

A small area of the cargo hold is still unconverted (sides have insulation)

A small area of the cargo hold is still unconverted (sides have insulation)

Front accommodation with bed

6 spare windows for the boat