You board by crossing a gangway directly onto the bow, which has a broad foot plate and waist-high bow rails. Immediately, the solid steel deck imparts a sense of security and stability, characteristics which will be constantly reinforced during your houseboat holiday.

Looking in through the huge front windows you see a welcoming, fully appointed interior, which is entered through sliding doors set just aft of the windscreen.

Stepping down into the saloon, the helm, with its traditional wooden wheel and neat, compact dash, is on the righthand side (starboard) with a bunk between it and the windscreen. Also at the helm you find a radio/CD player.

From here, looking aft (to the back of the boat) you note the galley (kitchen), with its 4-burner gas range, stainless steel sink, 90 litre ‘fridge and storage space on your right, naturally lit by large, curtained windows.

Opposite this is the settee and table, which converts when needed to create a double bunk. Behind the settee is the ‘master bedroom’, a large double bed screened at night by a colourful curtain.

A second single bunk across from this, occupies the space between the galley and tall wardrobe with a TV/Video above.

By this time, the remarkable headroom (over 2.1m. or 6’9”), beautifully coordinated colours and materials plus the vinyl floor create the true impression that the ‘River Wrens’ are very comfortable, bright, airy and have all the fittings of a well-appointed apartment.

The keen eye will notice two discreet smoke detectors strategically located overhead.

On either side of the short passage are set two doors, the left leading to the bathroom, the other to the head (toilet), past which you move to the screened rear door.

This door opens and secures to give access to the surprisingly generous rear deck. Out here you find a gas barbecue, outdoor furniture and a large ice chest. A large box right in the centre at the stern conceals the whisper quiet, turbine-smooth Honda 4-stroke outboard. Like hundreds of other holidaymakers, you will come to revel in the fuss-free, remarkably economical performance of this engine, as it gives you greater travelling range for lower fuel costs.

As your partner or family joins you, the ample storage space aboard a ‘River Wren’ quickly becomes apparent. There is plenty of room for all your food, clothing, fishing gear, cameras, wine, music and whatever else you’ve brought along to help you relax and enjoy your holiday.

There are six ‘River Wrens’ in the fleet at Riverglen Marina, just out of Murray Bridge. This is fortunate, because demand for these easy-handling, economical, stable, intimate craft is growing each year.

If you would like a colour brochure on ‘River Wren’ houseboats, contact the Riverglen Marina office on 8532 1986 but hurry, the ‘peak season’ starts soon and these beaut. little boats are being booked by couples and families as you read this...

River Wren Floor Plan