Redesigning the Pilgrim 40 Trawler / Canal Boat / Coastal Cruiser

I have become real intrigued with this vessel design, after only discovering what it was back in Aug 2012.




There is a very nostalgic look to this design, and it is VERY live-aboard friendly with its layout. I've lived aboard two different boats on two occasions in my lifetime, and now I'm considering it again, But at my age (74 now) I've come to appreciate certain comforts I would like to have on a vessel. This 40 footer appears to have a nice size galley, a more roomy than most head/shower, a nice saloon/living room, and a very nice covered aft deck.




It reminds me of an older Elco or ACF that I once sought to buy for living aboard back in my college days.,....or even of the Trumpy/Mathis houseboats,...or of a few European canal boats that I've also admired

It has a single 6-cyl diesel engine for power. I've always considered the in-line 6-cyl engine the BEST configuration for a 4-cycle engine. Some of them will run forever as they are inherently the best balanced, and they can give excellent economy.

I just missed buying one of these vessels this past Sept that I thought was in very good condition. Then again I missed a really good buy on one up in Boston several months ago. Turns out there were only about 40 of these vessels built between 1983 & 1989. And even while there have been numbers of inquires as to if any more will ever be built, there appears to be no plans for the production to be resurrected.
http://pilgrim-trawlers.wikidot.com/history

So my thought processes turned to; ….what would it cost to build such a vessel,....what would I change if I were to build such a vessel,...are there like-minded individuals out there that would be interested in owning such a vessel, etc??

This exercise in 'Redesigning the Pilgrim 40' may turn out to just be a mental exercise. It may never happen in reality, but it will be an interesting mental project.

http://pilgrim-trawlers.wikidot.com/

 

...from another forum

 

Let me correct an impression some of you have about this 'redesign' I have in mind, before things venture off into never-never land.

I like the looks of this vessel VERY much just as it is. I am NOT proposing to change the looks of this vessel's topsides/superstructure.

Some of the changes I want to look at are:
1) the construction method and materials
2) possibly a minor length increase to expand the owner's stateroom
3) an adherence to the KISS principle for onboard systems
4) etc

If you look back thru the evolution of this vessel design you will find a number of changes that were made to the original design over the short span of its production. One most notable one was a change in the layout of the galley and the head arrangements. I think it was a good change. There was also a transom door added on later models....good option.

I want to study the details of this vessel design in more detail, and make subtle changes where deemed advisable.

Again I emphasis I am not looking to 'modernize' the vessel in the looks department. It pushes all of the right buttons for me there.

 

"an adherence to the KISS principle for onboard systems"

EZ to create for a knowledgable owner , but at 40 ft too many folks prefer electronic gegaws to a well found vessel.

Manyseem to prefer a roomiaran with visible volume to concepts like the ability to switch fuel filters and/or fuel tanks or check the batts with out descending into the engine spaces underway..

 

Define what you are seeking from a vessel design.

Perhaps you will find some answers in this attached PDF. I will just list a few of the headings,...

Where Has The Pilgrim 40 Come From?

The Pilgrim Concepts and Philosophy

Character, Style, and Grace,...What We Call Pilgrim Class

Pilgrim Comfort, Inside and Out

Pilgrim Safety, Reliability, and Performance

Pilgrim Ease of Handling

Pilgrim 40, Practical and Efficient

Pilgrim 40, Economical to Run and Maintain

Pilgrim Quality Construction

To Whom the Pilgrim Concept Appeals