The wheelhouse offers a tremendous vantage point from which to watch the world go by. 

This all important room provides 360 degree views aiding safe navigation as well as housing the controls that navigate the barge.

Immediately below the wheelhouse lies the 'heart' of our beast. A 5.1 litre, six cylinder 1950's Mercedes OM321 diesel engine which throbs away and propels our vessel at a hair rustling six kilometres per hour! If, unlike me, you are lucky enough to still have any!

To say that the wheelhouse is 'pivotal' to the operation of my barge would be an understatement. The whole 24 metre ship quite literally 'pivots' on a point directly below it.

When turning clockwise (her preferred turning direction), the barge rotates in exactly her own length, with the pivot point being right under her huge steering wheel. 

Her steering is surprisingly precise, responsive and provided by a cog, chain and cable arrangement linking the wheel directly with the huge rudder five metres astern.

The barge's multi purpose wheelhouse allows year round use as a 'second saloon'. Its central heating enabling T shirts to be worn on even bitterest of winter nights.

The wheelhouse is comfortably furnished, creatively lit and has a stereo system suitable for playing music CD's or being connected to an Ipod or mp3 player.

© Copyright 2004-2010, Barge cruising France 
The barge's multi functional wheelhouse offers a great vantage point from which to watch the world but doubles up as a second saloon too.

© Copyright 2004-2010, Barge cruising France 
The multi purpose wheelhouse allows year round use as a 'second saloon'. Its central heating enabling T shirts to be worn on even bitterest of winter nights. Minus thirteen so far this winter