Barging in Europe, The Essential Guidebook [Paperback]

Roger Van Dyken (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 096518840X | ISBN-13: 978-0965188401 | Publication Date: December 2001

How to buy and operate a barge on the rivers and canals of continental Europe. Includes how to avoid pitfalls, where the best bargains are, what to look for and what to watch out for. Contains delightful instructional commentary on country canal customs and courtesies, lock operations, safety. Graphically instructs the novice on practical steps to develop the "feel" for maneuvering these large craft. Introduces one to the lifestyle, history, opportunities, and costs of exploring the culture of Europe the relaxing way...cruising comfortably on one's own barge.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...the essential reference for anyone dreaming of wandering European canals. Written with clarity and humor and wonderful regard for the culture and folkways of the villages along the canals. An invaluable and accurate resource, full of practical advice. Don't go barging without it." -- Brian Griffin, author and barge owner

"What an enjoyable journey throught his practical, humourous, and highly readable work! Van Dyken is a master of teaching through anecdote, of which you will enjoy many from his personal experience in barging as well as insights into the history and customs of the canals. With this book in hand you will feel confident in what to expect and how to handle it. This book helps take the streess of the unknown out of the most unique travel adventure you will likely ever experience." -- John Kroontje, European barge captain

About the Author

Roger and Marlene Van Dyken cruised the waterways of Europe for a year and a half with their four children, through the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany. They covered 3,000 miles, 953 locks, and seven tunnels in four countries aboard a barge they purchased and refitted. Roger and Marlene live with their family in Lynden, Washington, where they own and operate San Juan Sailing and San Juan Yachting, sail and powerboat firms specializing in charters, lessons, and brokerage in nearby Bellingham, Washington. They continue to cruise regularly aboard their barge in Europe and have recently founded Barging in Europe, which provides barge charters, sales, lessons, materials, information, and waterway charts for the rivers and canals of continental Europe.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Cedarbrook (December 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 096518840X
• ISBN-13: 978-0965188401
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,952,478 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Out of date, July 19, 2009

By 

Barnabus (az) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Barging in Europe, The Essential Guidebook (Paperback)

This was very expensive for a book in which the information is now nearly 10 years old and no doubt much of it no longer applies. In my opinion some 'warning' should have been attached to the listing or else the author should have made some effort to update and reprint.
It does seem well written and probably within a year of two of it's publication was a very useful item to have in the wheelhouse.