Rufus Stone was built in 1963 as a steel hulled oil bunkering barge. Originally she used to work on the Aire & Calder Canal and then at various places around the UK including Falmouth in the 1990's where she was de-commissioned. Towed then to Bideford in 1999 as unfortunately her engine was taken out, we then purchased her in 2001 and undertook a full conversion into a static houseboat. All work was then undertaken by ourselves as Steve is a qualified ship builder/steel worker.
The vessel has been spray foam insulated and all windows are double glazed with toughened safety glass.
The electric is supplied via a 12kw diesel generator, backed up by a Victron inverter/charger and a Sterling 50amp charger with 1100 amps of battery storage.
As the vessel has no mains services, she has a 20,000 litre water storage tank which supplies 2 x shower rooms and other amenities via an automatic pressure pump.
Both toilets use a saniflow system and the waste currently goes through a reed bed system on our boat.
Heating is via a 100,000 BTU Oil/Diesel Boiler which is connected to various cast iron radiators throughout the boat.
The boat is fitted throughout with wood cladding to most walls/ceilings. The flooring is mainly wood plank vinyl with the lounge being a solid Elm floor.
The swimming pool is heated by two Solar Panels so is reliant on the sun, with a further two being installed at a later date. The structure of the pool is built in the boat with a filtered and pumped system.
*We are moored alongside Rufus Stone on The Maria Houseboat, which is a 100ft Thames Lighter Barge which we have also converted ourselves, so if you have any questions we are on hand.
The Generator we have running for the following approx times and as it is situated on our boat, we deal with turning it off & on :-
Mon - Fri 7.00am - 8.30am, 1.00pm - 2.00pm & 6.00pm - 9.30pm
Sat - Sun 8.00am - 9.30am, 1.00pm - 2.00pm & 6.00pm - 9.30pm
(The above times are an example for during the winter months, where as for the summer the times are reduced)
During the above times you can then use high powered appliances such as the washer dryer/dish washer etc or if you use hair dryers etc
To print off a copy of our leaflet, please download the front & back pages