The Ventjager is a former research and laboratory vessel of the Dutch Rijkswaterstaat, the government authority responsible for waterways and water management. She was originally built as a laboratory vessel and converted into a survey and measuring vessel in 1972. In 1985 she was renamed to RWS 83 and remained in service with Rijkswaterstaat until 1988. Since then, she has been used as a recreational vessel and liveaboard barge. The present owner purchased the Ventjager in France and brought her back to the Netherlands. During recent years the vessel has undergone an extensive technical refit, including re-engining with a beautifully overhauled MWM diesel engine. She is furthermore equipped with a generator, a Victron inverter and solar panels, making her largely self-sufficient. A particularly practical feature is the pair of telescopic spud poles, which can be lowered approximately five metres below the bottom of the hull, allowing the vessel to be moored quickly and easily at many locations. Manoeuvring is also exceptionally comfortable thanks to the recently installed bow thruster. In our opinion, the Ventjager is an excellent liveaboard vessel, ideally suited for comfortable living on board and extended cruising throughout the European waterways.