What is an Ewer (Ever)?
Origin: The term Ewer is derived from the old word “envare”, literally meaning sailed by one man. This refers to the efficient operation of the vessel with a very small crew.
Rigging and development
Originally, the Ewer is a single-masted vessel, rigged with a square sail as the main sail and a staysail set on the forestay. This simple yet effective rig made the vessel easy to handle, even under varying conditions on inland waterways and sheltered coastal waters.
During the 19th century, two-masted Ewers also appeared, featuring increased sail area and improved sailing performance for longer routes and heavier cargoes.
Hull form and structural characteristics
Structurally, the Ewer is a flat-bottomed vessel, making it particularly suitable for shallow waters, tidal areas, and drying out on tidal flats. The vessel is fitted with a transom-hung rudder, a characteristic feature of many traditional flat-bottomed craft.
The bow is rounded in shape and fitted with a curved stem, which contributed to improved seakeeping in short, steep waves while also simplifying construction.
Thanks to its combination of ease of handling, shallow draft, functional rig, and robust construction, the Ewer was a practical and economical vessel for regional cargo transport. Today, this vessel type is primarily valued as a historic ship, holding an important place within maritime heritage.
