The Boat Shed is a century-old harbour shed on KNSM Island in Amsterdam, managed by the Stichting Botenloods de Levant, a non-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers.
The shed offers space to individuals or organisations wishing to build, maintain or restore their own boat. The focus is mainly on classic motor and sailing yachts and commercial vessels, with wooden ships as the central theme.
In front of the Boat Shed is the Neighbourhood Harbour, managed by the De Levant Neighbourhood Harbour Foundation. Like the shed, the harbour focuses on classic ships and there is close cooperation between the two.
Inside the shed is a workshop, separated from the rest and equipped with heating. Smaller parts can be machined here, and it contains woodworking machines that are available for use after consultation with their owners. Use of the workshop requires a monthly user agreement.
The shed also contains a canteen, overlooking the Neighbourhood Harbour, where people can eat, drink tea or coffee. The canteen is used for various events and meetings.
There is also a harbour office in the shed for administration and storage, and it can also be used as a sewing workshop, with a company sewing machine for sail-making and stitching repairs.
A separate foundation, Buurthaven De Levant, has acquired part of the harbour on long lease and set it up as a marina. This provides facilities for about 28 vessels with permanent moorings, with a focus on classic sailing yachts and old commercial vessels.
Passers-by are welcome at the Neighbourhood Harbour, although space is limited. There are also restrictions on long-stay passers-by, with a maximum of 14 days per calendar year.
Facilities at the port include shore power, a port toilet and free wireless internet. Fees vary depending on barge length.
The Neighbourhood Harbour has been full for quite some time, and there is no waiting list for permanent moorings. When a vessel changes hands, permission must be obtained to stay in the port. The port also offers winterisation facilities at an attractive rate during the winter months. The winter season runs from 1 November to 30 April, while the summer season lasts from 1 May to 30 November.