Dutch sailing cargo botter

Scale: Unknown. A modern exhibition-style model of a Dutch sailing cargo botter. The model has been carved from a solid block of wood to which the deck and accommodation has been added. The hull is painted white below the waterline with the rest of the hull, deck, and superstructure finished in varnished wood, apart from a rubbing strake running from bow to stern which is painted black on a white background.

The rig comprises of a single pole mast, with a gaff mainsail, the upper yard of which is curved, and two headsails, a foresail and jib. There is a small bowsprit that can be run in and out when not in use. All three sails have been stitched to indicate sail clothes and are complete with reefing points. Noticeable fittings include a pair of wooden hinged leeboards, a large working windlass on the small foredeck, a large cabin with skylight, and a large flat rudder with a fitted tiller.

This design of vessel has been around for over 400 years and has traditionally worked at fishing in the North Sea as well as the inland and coastal waters of the Netherlands. The distinctive hull shape and design of the rig may have been copied in the past by other countries, the use of the flat bottomed hull and leeboards can be seen on the Thames sailing barges. Other distinctive features of these typical Dutch craft are curved wooden gaff supporting the mainsail, the extreme curve of the sheer line along the hull and the angle of the stem and sternposts.

Object Details

ID: SLR1862
Collection: Ship models
Type: Full hull model; Rigged model; Sails set
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Date made: circa early 20th century
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall model: 542 mm x 620 mm x 153 mm
Parts: Dutch sailing cargo botter
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