The Peter Nicholls FCN range of
seagoing motor barges is the
latest in a long line of quality steel
boats which have been built by
Peter Nicholls Yacht Builders
since 1973. You may feel the
word "Quality" is much overused
these days and often misapplied.

We would tend to agree. But this is
not the case with a Peter Nicholls
boat, which is a head & shoulders
above most other boats and which
will give years of lasting pleasure
and satisfaction.

Pleasure & satisfaction that will
not diminish as the years go by,
once the first flush of enthusiasm
for a new boat has passed.

54ft x 13ft FCN SEAGOING MOTOR BARGE:

Accommodation plan: a recent 54ft x 13ft FCN. (50ft to 70ft available). This plan gives two double cabins and
two bathrooms, etc. Alternative plans are , of course, possible.. For example, the bathroom can be entered from
the corridor by the galley instead of being en suite. Furthermore, the galley can be moved to a U shape right aft
to replace the two singles that are shown. 2 tier berths or a separate double cabin can be moved forward.
There are many permutations to give what each individual custom requires.

These boats are built to last, and the hulls are built to Lloyds Rules for Small Steel Craft.

They exceed category C or B of the E.C. Recreational Craft Directive. You can depend on the quality of these boats which
have a host of features not readily apparent at first sight.

The FCN fits the bill in many ways. For example:

1) The hull design gives superb handling whether at sea, on rivers or when manoeuvring in confined waters at slow speeds.
The cone shaped bow (as seen, for example, in a coaster and other commercial seagoing vessels) rather than the more
usual upright plumb stem, sets the Peter Nicholls FCN in a class apart, when seagoing use is intended.

2) The strength of the hull, designed by Peter Nicholls and a well known British navel architect to Lloyds Rules
for Small Steel Craft., is second to none.

3) The choice of prime grit blasted steel from a known source, the quality of the welding with sample test piece destructive
testing, the care and attention to detail taken in the construction of the insulation & lining of the boat using quality materials
at all times; all these factors make for top quality in the construction.

4) The right choice of inboard diesel engine, gearbox ratio
& four bladed propeller. The engine is fitted with accessibility,
ease of maintenance, hence reliability in mind.

The FCN features, where possible, a "walk round" engine
room with ladder access from the steering deck hatch -
the engine room has good natural ventilation backed-up
by fan extraction if deemed neccesary.

Picture Right: Owner's cabin - King size double bed
with ample room to walk round it in comfort.
Ample storage behind the bedhead - accessed down
a ladder from the fore deck, is a large storage area.

5) A well insulated boat with masses of fixed ventilation to
allow the boat to be used (and left unattended) in the winter
and well as the summer. Do you really want a boat that
smells musty when you return to it? . . Probably not !

6) The design of the accommodation area based on many
years' experience in cruising our own barges in the UK and
Europe. The superb fitting out & choice of the best equipment
is in keeping with the top quality of the steelwork and
engineering. Again, equipment and runs of services
are fitted with an eye to accessibility.

Picture Right: View of the Main Bathroom, which
can be en suite if required. There is room for a full
size bath or, alternatively, a large walk in shower,
with washing machine beside it.

7) A unique feature is the aft wheelhouse
with fold back doors, making it companionable
when under way and when relaxing at a mooring.

The Peter Nicholls FCN barge is available to
different stages of completion. We have a wealth
of experience available to you, to advise and help
you make your new boat a success.

Please contact us for an appointment
to visit and to discuss your ideas.

Picture Right:
A FCN 54 on the Grand Union Canal
en route to London.