About Deux Poissons
Deux Poissons ("Two Fish") is part of the prestigious Feadship Heritage Fleet. She was built in 1959 at the Royal Van Lent shipyard in Kaag, Holland, and was later exhibited at the 1960 London Boat Show.
She measures 33 ft 1½ in (10.1 m) in length, with a beam of 10 ft 2 in (3.1 m), a draft of 2 ft 9 in (0.84 m) and an air draft of just 7 ft 10½ in (2.4 m). These dimensions make her ideally suited to the rivers, canals and waterways of Europe, allowing her to pass comfortably beneath many low bridges.
Her steel hull was built in Holland, while the elegant mahogany coach roof was completed in Twickenham, England. Originally, Deux Poissons featured a blue-painted steel deck, a Perkins H6.354 horizontal diesel engine and a Petter generator. During an extensive four-year restoration, almost every system on board was restored, rebuilt or upgraded, carefully balancing modern comfort and reliability with the preservation of her original character.
Among the many improvements completed were extensive hull restoration and repainting, refurbishment of the steel decks, restoration of the mahogany coachroof and exterior woodwork, installation of new electrical and charging systems, upgraded navigation and safety equipment, modern plumbing and domestic systems, and a complete refresh of the interior. The original engine and generator were replaced with a modern Nanni 115 diesel engine and Mitsubishi generator, providing improved reliability and efficiency for extended cruising.
Life aboard has also been transformed. All gas systems have been removed and replaced with modern electric appliances. The galley now features an induction hob, dishwasher, large air fryer and generously sized day fridge. Additional refrigeration is provided by a second fridge and separate freezer hidden beneath the seating, allowing us to remain self-sufficient for extended periods away from shops and marinas.
To support life off-grid, Deux Poissons is equipped with a 300-watt solar charging system comprising three 100-watt solar panels. Together with the onboard battery bank and charging systems, the solar installation provides sufficient power for the refrigeration systems, allowing the fridges and freezer to operate entirely from stored solar energy during normal cruising conditions without requiring shore power.
She offers surprisingly spacious accommodation for a vessel of her size. The main cabin features a comfortable double berth and an en-suite wet room with toilet, basin and shower. The bright saloon, surrounded by large windows, provides panoramic views of the passing scenery and makes an ideal space for relaxing while underway. The flexible layout comfortably accommodates visiting family and friends, making her equally suited to weekend cruising and extended voyages.
More than sixty years after leaving the Van Lent shipyard, Deux Poissons continues to do exactly what she was built for: travelling slowly and comfortably through some of Europe's most beautiful waterways. Today she serves not only as our floating home but also as the vessel carrying us on our long-planned journey from London to the Black Sea and beyond.