Dutch barge

Dutch barge at Namur

A Dutch barge is a flat bottom boat, originally used for cargo carrying in the Netherlands, many of which have now been converted for pleasure or residential use. Originally made of wood and powered by sail, most of the existing barges are made of iron or steel and powered by diesel engines. There are many traditional types, with characteristics determined by local conditions or simply custom

They vary greatly in size from 15m to 40m in length and are generally built lighter than an equivalent Humber barge since they were not designed to take the ground in the same way. Many Dutch craft have been family owned and run and are the subject of great pride. Sailing matches are still held on the IJsselmeer and on the Wadden Sea (Waddenzee).

Types

• Aak
• Beurtschip
• Dekschuit
• Hagenaar
• Katwijker
• Klipper
• Luxe motor
• Skûtsje
• Steilsteven
• Tjalk
• Westlander

Bibliography

• D. Evershed, The Dutch Barge Book (UK: David Evershed Pubs, 1998). ISBN 0-9532231-1-6
• The Barge Buyer's Handbook (DBA Publications, 2001). Barge Association
• Martens & Loomeijer, Binnenvaartschepen (Alkmaar: Uitgeverij de Alk bv, 1977).
• J&J Griffin, The Quick Reference Guide to Dutch Barges, (UK: Life At An Angle, 2007).