pénichette terrasse 1120 r review
Houseboat · 36 ft (11 m) · Pont à Bar
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- pénichette terrasse
- Model
- 1120 r
- Length
- 36 ft (11 m)
- Guests
- 6
- Cabins
- 2
Verdict
A practical inland-waterways houseboat with a well-used layout, decent livability for up to 6, and easy access for canal cruising. It is not a performance boat, but it suits relaxed family or small-group trips where space and simplicity matter more than speed.
Pros
- +Two-cabin layout with two bathrooms suits 4 adults or a family group
- +Raised terrace and practical interior make it strong for social cruising
- +Shallow draft is well suited to canals and rivers
- +Good onboard water capacity for multi-day trips
Cons
- −Limited speed and modest engine power compared with motor cruisers
- −Handling is basic and the beam makes tight maneuvers slower
- −Best comfort is for 4 adults, not 6 adults on longer trips
- −Older design platform, so fit and finish can vary by refit
The Pénichette Terrasse 1120 R is a classic inland houseboat built around simple, functional cruising. At about 11.2 m long with a 3.85 m beam, it offers a compact but efficient footprint, and the terrace-style layout gives it a more open feel than many traditional canal boats. The R version is generally presented as an updated variant of the standard 1120R, aimed at improving onboard comfort and presentation.
On the water, this is a slow, steady cruiser rather than a lively performer. The small diesel engine and shallow draft are appropriate for canals, locks, and sheltered rivers, but expectations should stay aligned with houseboat use rather than spirited handling. Steering is straightforward, though the boat’s width and boxy profile mean close-quarters maneuvering still requires care.
Inside, the appeal is the practical accommodation: 2 cabins, 2 bathrooms, and sleeping for up to 6, with strongest comfort typically for 4 adults. That makes it a sensible choice for families or two couples. The value case is solid if the itinerary is relaxed inland cruising, because the layout and liveaboard amenities are better than the boat’s modest performance suggests, but buyers should not expect modern yacht-like refinement or speed.
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