What is a Langedijker?
During our survey in Holland, the surveyor had told us that Fenrir was a ‘Langedijker’. We tried translating this in Bablefish, and it came out as a ‘long something’. Somewhat dissatisfied by this answer... we delved further!
As it happens, this throwaway comment explained a great deal about the barge, her history and in particular, her unusual proportions.
In barge terms, Fenrir has a very small ‘beam’ (width). Despite being 22m long, her beam is only 3.12m. It’s an unusual set of dimensions... long but thin!
Fenrir (born: ‘Agatha’) had been purpose built to serve the region of Langedijk in North Holland. This area had a very small lock, and only narrow, short boats could use this, and the surrounding waterways. The beam of 3.12m became the standard for all boats and barges that served this area from the 1700s onwards. So this explained her unique dimensions.
Perhaps the most surprising discovery was that she may have originally been only 13 metres long. There is evidence that in 1922, she was extended to 22 metres. This would have been the maximum size possible for the Langedijk lock, and this is where she acquired her current form.
Until we got involved in barging, the concept of extending a boat had never crossed my mind, but it seems quite common in Holland and in commercial situations. We even saw it being done during our time at the boat yard in Aalst. The barge is literally chopped in two, and a new section fitted in the middle.
Fenrir (pre-paint job) showing all of her 3.12 metres
Little and Large!
Fenrir (pre-paint job) showing all of her 3.12 metres!
A whole lot of work later... one very mucky Scotty, and one very shiny boat! (shame we scratched her five minutes later)
