Situated on the river in a densely wooded region, Eberbach had ideal conditions for building wooden ships. There is evidence of shipbuilding here from the 15th century until the 20th century.
At times there were up to 20 shipyards.
After 1945, the former Seibert shipyard became a boatyard where world-class rowing boats are built.
At every Olympics, the rowers achieve numerous victories in the light, sleek, mostly yellow boats, which are now made of plastic. At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, over 60 % of the Olympic medals were won with boats made by Empacher.