Newbie In Planning Phase Quick ?

Thanks for reading, I am intent on converting a fiberglass lash barge into a house on the water. I am still in the planning phase, and am trying to figure out a simple propulsion system. If the boat has propulsion I will be able to anchor out places I would not otherwise be able to. These barges are 30 x 60 feet, I do not want to punchier the hull so I was thinking of an outboard system, perhaps having multiple smaller engines on the corners. I am not sure weather front, back, diagonal, ect would work best. Basically it’s a big square, and I want to steer it. Any Suggestions? Anyone had any experience with LASH BARGES? The picture is somthing like what I want to build, there are a few examples on the net

 

The cheapest and simplest installation which you can transfer from barge to barge would be twin outboards mounted on the aft corners of the barge. You might also want to install, either permanently or temporarily, a pram bow on the front end just to cut down on drag a little bit. Another alternative is to have a small utility boat that could tow or push the houseboats. A utility boat might also be able to be lashed to the side of the barge.

You might want to look at my website for my floating home designs. These homes to not have any installed power, and to get them up and down the intracoastal waterway, we have been thinking either outboards with pram bows or a utility boat.

http://www.sponbergyachtdesign.com/FlaglerFloatingHomes.htm

Eric

 

Two V-6 on the back, one on each corner. A bow thruster on the front would be recommended as well. If you don't want to install an actual bow thruster, you can use a 15 - 25 HP ouboard mounted to act as a bow thruster.