The Gouwzee was built in 1907 on Boot's shipyard in Gouwsluis. She was built as a sailing freight ship with two masts. Her first name was Drie Gebroeders (Three Brethren). In the course of a few years the ship was rebuilt a motor ship and the now typical parlour deckhouse was added. After that she was named Morgenster (Morning star) and El-Ro until she was rebuilt as the Gouwzee during the winter of 1996-1997. The previous freight compartment now accommodates a large dayroom and ten comfortable cabins.