ABSTRACT

The shipbuilders of Holland and Zeeland experimented extensively with different and novel designs in the sixteenth century. The result was rapid change for the better in the quality of Dutch ships. The market for new ships as with any other was the meeting place of buyer and seller. The buyer and the seller of a ship differed in social position and income and skills. Despite these differences shipbuilders were responsive to the demands of the buyers and that technical responsiveness came in part from an effective and efficient method of carrying out the selling process. The agent, as the owners’ representative, took on many tasks which had formerly been separated, transactions made more difficult by the increasing complexity of the ship and of trade. The owner’s agent was to control all financial aspects of the venture, to maintain good communication between investors and men working on the project.