The History and Restoration of De Eeuw
According to tradition, De Eeuw was built in 1905 on a yard at the Height Kadijk in Amsterdam. The keel was laid in 1903 and it was put into service around 1905. De Eeuw was used as a management ship of the Royal Dutch Steamboat Company (KNSM) for the daily management of crossings and special trips with guests. The KNSM used to be only accessible by boat across the IJ. In 1920 De Eeuw was taken out of daily life. In the period 1920-1999, De Eeuw had several owners, and was converted into a covered cruiser around 1950.
In 1999 we found De Eeuw in a warehouse in Alkmaar. Despite the fact that the boat’s origins were almost unrecognizable after almost 100 years, we were immediately enthusiastic about her and her history. The special wooden hull and its beautiful shapes gave every reason to proceed to a major restoration. We also found it a great challenge to bring back what was lost in its original form, but also to give something new for the future.
The restoration of De Eeuw has taken several years since 1999. The nearly 100-year-old hull has been completely restored and preserved. The cabin has been removed and replaced by the historic salon with a roof covered with copper. Not authentic, but unique in its kind! In the salon there is a beautiful coffee table by Piet Hein Eek, composed of “waste wood” from the original salon doors from 1905. Originally, there was no toilet on board. We found a 1920’s toilet from a restorer; manufactured by A.B. Stands & Sons in New York. This showpiece, equipped with a bronze pump with moose skin gaskets, has been on our ship since 2005, just like the copper mixer from 1950. The skippers are happy to tell you more about the special history of De Eeuw.
The History and Restoration of De Eeuw
According to tradition, De Eeuw was built in 1905 on a yard at the Height Kadijk in Amsterdam. The keel was laid in 1903 and it was put into service around 1905. De Eeuw was used as a management ship of the Royal Dutch Steamboat Company (KNSM) for the daily management of crossings and special trips with guests. The KNSM used to be only accessible by boat across the IJ. In 1920 De Eeuw was taken out of daily life. In the period 1920-1999, De Eeuw had several owners, and was converted into a covered cruiser around 1950.
In 1999 we found De Eeuw in a warehouse in Alkmaar. Despite the fact that the boat’s origins were almost unrecognizable after almost 100 years, we were immediately enthusiastic about her and her history. The special wooden hull and its beautiful shapes gave every reason to proceed to a major restoration. We also found it a great challenge to bring back what was lost in its original form, but also to give something new for the future.
The restoration of De Eeuw has taken several years since 1999. The nearly 100-year-old hull has been completely restored and preserved. The cabin has been removed and replaced by the historic salon with a roof covered with copper. Not authentic, but unique in its kind! In the salon there is a beautiful coffee table by Piet Hein Eek, composed of “waste wood” from the original salon doors from 1905. Originally, there was no toilet on board. We found a 1920’s toilet from a restorer; manufactured by A.B. Stands & Sons in New York. This showpiece, equipped with a bronze pump with moose skin gaskets, has been on our ship since 2005, just like the copper mixer from 1950. The skippers are happy to tell you more about the special history of De Eeuw.
In 2020 it was time for a major restoration. The hull and superstructure were stripped of the old lacquer layers and with 11 new layers of lacquer, new tents have been fitted, new deck fittings have been fitted, and a beautiful marble table has been placed in the rear salon. The most important and most radical adjustment is the replacement of the old diesel engine for a fully electrically powered one with enough batteries to sail for several hours at a time. De Eeuw is adapted for the time in which we live; sustainable and environmentally conscious.
De Eeuw is included in the fleet of the National Association for the Preservation of the Historical Commercial Vessel, registered under number 13479, and the Foundation is a member of the Association of Boat Owners “Old Glory”.
In 2020 it was time for a major restoration. The hull and superstructure were stripped of the old lacquer layers and with 11 new layers of lacquer, new tents have been fitted, new deck fittings have been fitted, and a beautiful marble table has been placed in the rear salon. The most important and most radical adjustment is the replacement of the old diesel engine for a fully electrically powered one with enough batteries to sail for several hours at a time. De Eeuw is adapted for the time in which we live; sustainable and environmentally conscious.
De Eeuw is included in the fleet of the National Association for the Preservation of the Historical Commercial Vessel, registered under number 13479, and the Foundation is a member of the Association of Boat Owners “Old Glory”.