MBT Overijssel praam (19th century) - Construction Drawing Scale 1 : 75 (10.05.007)

The Overijssel praam is a type of flat-bottomed vessel that was frequently used in the 19th and early 20th centuries for transporting goods such as peat, sand, and manure across the rivers and canals in Overijssel and Drenthe. These vessels were essential for transport in the peat areas, where waterways were often shallow and narrow.

Characteristics of the Overijssel praam

Length: Average 21.1 metres

Width: Approximately 4.55 metres

Depth: Circa 1.90 metres

Load capacity: Between 70 and 100 tonnes

Construction: Entirely wooden construction, originally without an engine

Rigging: Similar to that of a tjalk, often consisting of a mainsail, foresail and jib

Shape: Flat bottom with upright stems and angular chines

Use: Transport of peat from the peat regions to the brick factories along the rivers

These vessels were robust and suitable for both inland waterways and the former Zuiderzee. Some larger examples were even deployed on the North Sea and Baltic Sea.

In the second half of the 19th century, when the waterways in Drenthe and Overijssel were significantly improved, the Overijssel praam developed into a larger vessel. These larger prams were generally called "Drentse praam".

With the rise of coal production in Limburg around the First World War, the demand for peat decreased, leading to the decline of peat extraction and thus the disappearance of the large prams.

Although the traditional wooden Overijssel prams have largely disappeared, there are still initiatives to preserve this sailing heritage. For example, the ship 'De Zwerver', a presumed iron Overijssel praam, was restored in 2011 and has since been displayed at events such as 'VreeswijkVolVaart!'.

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