MBT Heistse barge (until end of 19th century) - Construction Drawing Scale 1 : 200 (10.03.006)

The Heistse barge is a type of traditional fishing boat originating from the Heist region in Belgium, located on the North Sea coast. These boats were particularly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries and were primarily used for fishing in the Zeeland waters and the surrounding North Sea.

The Heistse barge is a flat-bottomed boat known for its stability and seaworthiness. Due to its flat-bottomed design, these boats could navigate shallow waters well and were ideal for the polder waters and the mangroves along the coast. This type of vessel was equipped with sails, which made the barge efficient for fishing, even in moderate winds.

In the Heistse barge, nets or pots were often used to catch fish, and the boats were also suitable for transporting fish and other goods. An important characteristic of these boats was their simplicity and practical usability for the region's fishermen, who depended on the barge for their daily work.

Today, Heistse barges are often considered an important part of the maritime heritage of the Belgian coast, and some boats are still preserved and maintained by enthusiasts and historical associations. They are sometimes used for recreational sailing or for historical events.

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