Freighter „Isebel“ – A traditional ship full of stories
The Frachtewer is a traditional, small coastal and river sailing ship that was mainly used in northern Germany. Due to their flat hull, round bow, and round stern, Ewers were the workhorses of the 18th-20th centuries. These wide sailing ships, which were later retrofitted with auxiliary engines, were perfect for transporting goods on rivers and mudflats due to their shallow draft. For centuries, they shaped the image of many ports, especially in Hamburg and Lübeck. Some well-preserved or restored cargo ships are used as museum or traditional ships. A few have been converted into passenger ships or, like the „Isebel,“ into houseboats.
The cargo ship „Isebel,“ which was launched in the Netherlands in 1907 as a pure cargo sailing ship named „Margarethe,“ has its own exciting history, only parts of which have been researched so far.
Multiple changes of ownership, retrofits, and an accident that led to its sinking and subsequent salvage are just a few stories from the life of this cargo ship.
Finally, in 1991, the ship was removed from the ship register and its commercial use came to an end. The owner at the time had the ship restored as much as possible, including new masts that corresponded to the original rigging. Further dismantling and conversion took place from 2012 onwards with the last owner, who not only upgraded the Frachtewer visually, but also converted the old cargo hold into living space, among other things.
In August 2024, the current owner acquired the cargo ship. Since then, all fresh water and sewage pipes have been replaced and re-laid. In the course of this, the water connections were moved to the outside and the bathroom was rebuilt. The cargo hatches were recoated with 8 cm thick sandwich panels. Thanks to the maintained, water-based oil heating system, the ship does not cool down on cold days. Two wood-burning stoves create a very cozy atmosphere. This coziness is also reflected in the complete renovation of the cargo ship.
On deck, the masts and booms have been refurbished with Benar. The deckhouse has been completely sanded and repainted. New hatches have been installed in the floor and the bilge in the cargo hold has been renovated. The roof window on the starboard side will need to be resealed in the near future.
In addition to the sanitary facilities, the engine was serviced and the starter motor replaced with a 24V model during the shipyard visit in March 2025. The shaft stuffing box was replaced. The underwater hull was completely overhauled, doubled up, all sacrificial anodes were replaced, and a new buoyancy certificate valid until March 2030 was issued.
Whether as a cozy, unique houseboat or as a moving witness to history under engine or sail—the story of the cargo ship „Isebel“ continues.
