Storbåten

King Gustav Vasa decided that the inhabitants on the Småland coast should deliver salted fish to the markets in Söderköping and Norrköping. In order to handle these long voyages, the boat builders started creating a new type of boat. This new boat could sail with a big load. Access to good materials in the archipelago made it possible to build long and wide boats. The boats became so popular that the Swedish fleet ordered lots of them in the beginning of the 17th century.

This type of boat was used for long voyages and for transporting dried fish and Baltic herring to the autumn markets on the mainland. Grains, tobacco, coffee, sugar and salt for the winter were brought back to the islands. During the voyages to the markers, the fishermen lived in their boats with just a sail to protect them from rough weather and wind.

In the early 20th century, engines became more common on fishing boats, and the few big boats that were left met with an undignified end. They were towed behind modern boats with engines and served as barges carrying animals and hay.