After one commercial voyage, she was modified for use as a warship and taken into the Dutch Navy. For a brief period, the Prins Willem was the flagship of the famous Admiral Witte de Witt fighting in the battle of Duins in 1652. Returned later to the company, it once again traded with the Indies between 1653 and 1660. Primer, Black, Iron Cannon Black, Spanish Brown, White, Clipper Blue and 2ea. A large carronade was able to rotate a full 360 degrees enabling rapid fire from both sides with only one weapon.
Wood is plywood, mahogany, limewood and walnut.
Cast white metal fittings include tiller, bill, helm, belaying pins, anchors, mast caps, cabin windows and door, handrails, cleats, oarlocks and more. Boxwood blocks, walnut deadeyes and two diameters of rigging line plus cotton sail cloth are included in the kit along with a cast metal base and nameplate. Full size plans and an illustrated instruction manual are also included. She carried 8.000 square feet of sail and 427 oarsmen. Because of her low hull, water swamped her deck even in slight seas.