18' Herreshoff Pilot #55 (1974) - PETUNIA

PETUNIA: 1974 Herreshoff Pilot #55

Petunia was launched in the Fall of 2023 following a 14-month restoration. She was built more than 50-years ago and advertised as “A handy and reliable motor vessel for work and leisure”.

She has a 13’ mast and hoist for setting lobster traps. The restoration included adding stick built wooden Pilot House above its combing cap with 6’3” of headroom. Construction was loose tenon joinery of laminated beams with a traditional canvas top over 1/4” Okume, silicon bronze fastners were used throughout. Four of the nine Pilot House windows open inboard with unique bronze hinges. The forward cabin house was cut down 7”, original windows were removed and replaced with bronze portholes.

Electrical circuits were rewired with 200 watts of solar. She’s powered by a Yanmar 2QM-15, has a full keel and cruises comfortably at 6-knots.

Phase 2 of the restoration was completed in 2024. A 19″ round escape hatch was installed above the forward cabin allowing quick access to mooring bridles and manual windlass. Herreshoff style Pilot House cabinetry and seating was added including a small galley up with a copper sink, single burner camping stove and a 12v cooler/freezer. A compost marine head was added. As was a potable water bladder. The single berth forward cabin was expanded to twin birth.

Work was done by me with help from volunteers at the Bayles Boat Shop, a not for profit organization in Port Jefferson Harbor, NY.

Phase 2 was completed in time for cruising the Long Island Sound in the Summer of 2024. Having a pilot house and accommodations made this now micro cruiser more enjoyable for my wife and I..