I grabbed two clean nice looking 2x12 x 18” scraps I had in the garage; glued them with Titebond III waterproof glue; securely clamped them for several days.

Brought them up to the workshop and cut a 30% bevel on bow and stern, rounded the outer corners and notch in the middle where the bow of the tug will be secured when pushing around the pond.

Being solid wood, I do not have to add weight. I know from my earlier barge that was built using glued 2x6, the ballast was just right on the water.

I will add cargo, single bullocks at each corner and mid point too. A wide variety of possibilities to consider for deck details.

Pictured are two tugs that could tow or push the barge. Also my first barge is seen in the photo sequence and the barge that caught my imagination.