From Holland to Black Sea

[Dundustin]

Hi there

 

I am thinking of buying a luxemotor around 24 metres length by 4.5 metres wide. My aim would be to sail thru the canals of europe from Holland down to the black sea.

My question is, is this possible with this size boat and what height must it be?

 

many thanks

Dunny

[fuzzyduck]

I'm doing that next year hopefully in a semi fast cruiser, let me know the results of your investigations.

[Noah]

Hi Dunny

 

My only personal experience of going to the Black Sea is from a couple of motorbike trips I've done! However there are some huge barges on the Danube. I think the only limiting dimension is air draught if you choose a longer route through France. Try the Barge Association for advice, they even have a forum section on a Black Sea trip:

 

http://www.barges.org/main.php?section=1832

 

Noah

[blackrose]

Hi Dunny

 

My only personal experience of going to the Black Sea is from a couple of motorbike trips I've done! However there are some huge barges on the Danube. I think the only limiting dimension is air draught if you choose a longer route through France. Try the Barge Association for advice, they even have a forum section on a Black Sea trip:

 

http://www.barges.org/main.php?section=1832

 

Noah

 

Yes, they'll be the best bet for that sort of advice. Sounds like a fantastic trip.

[BigRoj]

Why not have a word with a travel agent and ask if there are any cruises where you want to go, then if there are you know that the boat you want to use will be able to get there if the cruise barges can!!

[magpie patrick]

Your basic route would be up the Rhine, then the Main, then through the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal and down the Danube. This can take boats considerably bigger than a luxemotor so you wouldn't have any problems. If you wish to divert off this route you will encounter smaller navigations but small is relative, you won't find significant routes anything like as small as the Grand Union Canal for example.

 

If you're feeling really adventurous you could try coming back via the Don, the Volga Don Canal and then various waterways to Moscow and St Petersburg. No small locks that way either.

[Alastair]

For a barge of that size, you will come under a lot of regs. Buy under 20m, and you will save yourself a lot of hassle. See the DBA site and forum.

[Dundustin]

Your basic route would be up the Rhine, then the Main, then through the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal and down the Danube. This can take boats considerably bigger than a luxemotor so you wouldn't have any problems. If you wish to divert off this route you will encounter smaller navigations but small is relative, you won't find significant routes anything like as small as the Grand Union Canal for example.

 

If you're feeling really adventurous you could try coming back via the Don, the Volga Don Canal and then various waterways to Moscow and St Petersburg. No small locks that way either.

 

 

thanx Magpie

 

what about bridges....would i be ok?