Bönder, 18th Century Riverine Cargo Ship
The Bönder was a typical 18th century merchant vessel used for regular freight and passenger traffic on the Middle and Lower Rhine as well as in coastal waters. Bönder type ships were up to 36 m long and 6.5 m wide. The hull is round and carries a drop-keel on either side. There is a large rudder at the stern. The huts between the two masts house the captain’s family, passengers and crew. The model shown here is moored at Kaiserswerth near Düsseldorf.
Technical Specifications
- Length: to 36 m
- Width: 6.50 m
- Cargo Capacity: 400 t
- Crew: Captain’s Family and 7-10 Sailors