Model kits

Wijdschip/smalschip

In the 17th century, wide ships and narrow ships were two common types of sailing vessels on inland waterways. Both types had the same external characteristics and differed only in size. A narrow ship could still pass through the lock at Gouda, but a wide ship could not.

In one of the most important sources on 17th-century Dutch shipbuilding, the book “Aeloude en Hedendaegsche Scheepsbouw en Bestier” (1671), Nicolaes Witsen included several drawings of a wide ship, as well as brief descriptions, including standard measurements. Ab Hoving and René Hendrickx used this information to create a digital reconstruction. Hoving then built a model out of paper. The construction process can be followed in his book “Dutch 17th century ship models in paper” (2024). With Hoving’s permission, his design is now also available as a wooden model.

Pinas - cross section

Transverse section of a 17th-century pinas, including 3 pieces of armament and authentic blocks. Designed after the original 17th-century description by Nicolaes Witsen.

The pinas was a transverse-rigged merchantman, relatively slender in shape and easy to sail. It was frequently used by the then Republic of the Netherlands for trade voyages all over the world. The ship could carry a large amount of trading goods, but was also equipped with plentiful armament, to protect itself and her cargo against potential enemies.