History

History and Restoration of Brixham Trawler Pilgrim

The History of Pilgrim

The hull of 1895 Pilgrim was badly hogged but at least she was still afloat. The plans to restore her to sailing condition, quickly escalated from a plan to rebuild her stern to a complete hull re build with new timbers. Here in 2011 she is being towed to Ashley Butlers Boatyard on the River Dart to start the big job.

Pilgrim being towed to Ashley Butler's boat yard for restoration the River Dart.
Pilgrim being towed to Ashley Butler’s boat yard for restoration the River Dart.

Giant Jigsaw Project 

Trawlers were double planked with outer and inner planks. The outer planks were sometimes as thick as 3 inch. The shipwrights start to check out their giant jigsaw project….

Pilgrim sailing trawler - giant jigsaw project.
Pilgrim sailing trawler – giant jigsaw project.

A lot of trees! 

New keel and oak frames going in….you need a lot of oak trees.

New keel and oak frames going in
New keel and oak frames going in

This is going to be a seriously tough ship…

Imagine Steam Bending those hull planks at the bow.
Imagine Steam Bending those hull planks at the bow.

 Deck beams and bulwarks supports – all massive timbers.

Deck beams and bulwarks supports - all massive timbers
Deck beams and bulwarks supports – all massive timbers

The Deck 

As the deck goes in the commissioning skipper gets an idea of the size of his or her command. Gulp.

The deck goes in
The deck goes in

 Launch Day for a big girl –  Pilgrim of Brixham

Launch Day
Launch Day

More Stories

hannah and sophia are re training as boat builders

04/01 Boat building

How 2 women funded a 40 week boatbuilding course

The 40 week professional boat building course at The Boat Building Academy is something many of us would like to do, but it is

Read More
Sabbatical - Setting Sail into a Rejuvenated Future

03/01 People stories

Our Theme for 2025 is PEOPLE

People with passion and hope Whether you are looking forward to 2025 with excitement or trepidation, there is a vital ingredient that we all

Read More
Larke Pass

30/11 Educational

Namaste from Nepal

A trek above sea level As a follow up to the article on the similarities of the trekking and expedition company Jagged Globe and

Read More