Mayflower II Restoration

Before the Restoration

Originally built in Brixham, England between 1955 and 1957, Mayflower II represented the friendship between the United Kingdom and United States after World War II. She was gifted to Plimoth Patuxet Museums where she remained an educational, interactive exhibit (that occasionally sailed) at Plymouth Harbor for the next 60 years. However, after more than half a century in Plymouth, Mayflower II began showing signs of major deterioration. In 2017, Mayflower II was hauled away for a three year long, multi-million dollar restoration, as preparation for the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrim's arrival in Plymouth.

“Mayflower II is 64 years old and for a wooden vessel that’s very, very old. To put it in comparison, 400 years ago when the Pilgrims were coming over, a ship like this lasted maybe 25 years, maybe 30, before it was essentially cheaper to throw it away and build a new one. So, for us to keep this one going for 60 years and to try and preserve it for another 60 years, it really needed this major retrofitting.”

– Dylan Perry, Maritime Artisan and Engineer

Restoration at Mystic Seaport Museum

Mayflower II underwent an extensive restoration at Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut. Most of the ship's hull needed to be replaced as the 60 year old wood was rotting and leaking in various places. Live oak from Belle Chasse, Louisiana was used to replace much of the wood, as it is stronger, more rot-resistant and has naturally curved shapes ideal for ship building. Other specialty woods included white oak for the planks, Purpleheart for the deadeyes, mast partners and mast steps and Mora for the channels. Further repairs included improving the rigging, fixing the generator, the pipes, the ballast and more. On the right are several photos of the restoration process.

Interviews with Mayflower II's Artisans

Restoring Wood on Mayflower II

restoring_wood.mp4

Dylan Perry, Maritime Artisan and Engineer for Mayflower II, discusses the importance of replacing the rotting and damaged wood during the restoration.

Fixing the Rigging

rigging.mp4

Donald Heminitz, Marine Repair Supervisor, discusses why Mayflower II utilized polyester ropes for the rigging rather than the traditional hemp ropes for the ship's restoration.

Mayflower II Homecoming

This video was released to signify the completion of Mayflower II's three year long restoration at Mystic Seaport. Mayflower II and her crew sailed for 21 days from Connecticut back up to Plymouth Harbor, although the first two weeks were primarily for sea trials and sail training of the mostly inexperienced crew. The ship also had to dock every night for the crew to depart and sleep in their own hotel rooms due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles and immense, unprecedented challenges, Mayflower II returned safe and sound to Plimoth Patuxet Museums on August 10, 2020, where she remains as an interactive exhibit for guests.

Want to show support for the continued restoration of Mayflower II? You can donate now to Plimoth Patuxet Museums' annual fund. Gifts of all sizes are accepted and encouraged!

Donate Now!

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