Beulakermeer Sailing Punter – Authentic Wooden Flat-bottomed Boat from 1994
This Beulakermeer sailing punter, built in 1994 by the renowned Schreur shipyard in Giethoorn, is a traditional Dutch vessel with a characteristic flat bottom and a wooden hull. The punter is designed for use on inland waters, canals, and ditches, offering a combination of sailing pleasure and motor support thanks to the removable rigging and outboard motor.
Dimensions and Construction
The punter has a length of 7 meters and a width of 2 meters. With a draft of only 10 cm and an air draft of 95 cm, this ship is particularly suitable for shallow waters and low bridges. The hull is made of wood and is coated with a polyester layer up to the gunwale. This construction contributes to the durability of the ship and provides extra protection against external influences.
In the winter of 2023/2024, the ship was varnished, and in the spring of 2025, the bottom and floorboards were renewed. These works were carried out by the original shipyard, contributing to the continuity of the build quality. Since its construction, the punter has always been stored in winter storage at Schreur shipyard, where regular maintenance has also been performed.
Sailing and Motor Equipment
The Beulakermeer sailing punter is equipped with fully removable rigging, allowing the ship to be used both as a sailboat and as a motorboat. This makes the vessel versatile, depending on the conditions and preferences of the user.
The motorization consists of a Honda 4-stroke outboard motor with a power of 10 hp, built in 2011. The motor has two cylinders and is started manually. The cruising speed is around 10 km/h, with a maximum speed of approximately 15 km/h. Steering is done via a tiller at the rear of the ship.
Equipment and Accessories
The punter comes with various equipment pieces that contribute to ease of use and safety on board. The equipment includes, among other things:
A two-piece heavy-duty tarpaulin, delivered in 2013 by sailmaker Boer from Giethoorn. This tarpaulin is equipped with zippers and offers protection against weather influences.
Two anchors with line attachment.
Mooring lines, fenders, and a flag.
Suitability and Use
Over the past decades, the punter has been used for pleasure cruising and day trips. Thanks to the high gunwale, the ship offers extra safety, making it suitable for families with young children. The flat bottom and shallow draft make it possible to navigate hard-to-reach places, such as narrow ditches and shallow lakes.
The tiller steering and the open character of the ship provide a direct sailing experience. The combination of traditional sailing characteristics and the ability to motor makes this ship attractive to enthusiasts of classic vessels seeking flexibility in use.
History and Berth
The Beulakermeer sailing punter was artisanally built based on specific wishes of the first owner. The construction took place at the oldest punter shipyard in Giethoorn, which adds to the historical value of the ship. Since its construction in 1994, the ship has been used by the same owner, who has regularly had it maintained by the original shipyard.
The current berth of the ship is in Wanneperveen, a location known for its access to the water-rich environment of the Weerribben-Wieden.
Summary Specifications
Brand and Type: Beulakermeer Sailing Punter
Year of Construction: 1994
Length: 7.00 meters
Width: 2.00 meters
Draft: 10 cm
Air Draft: 95 cm
Material: Wood, hull partially in polyester
Motor: Honda 4-stroke outboard motor, 10 hp, year 2011
Steering: Tiller, external
Hull Shape: Flat bottom
Weight: approx. 700 kg
Fuel: Gasoline
Last Antifouling: 2025
Last Maintenance Out of Water: 2025
This Beulakermeer sailing punter offers a combination of traditional craftsmanship and practical sailing capabilities. Suitable for enthusiasts of classic wooden ships who value an authentic appearance and functional versatility.
