The port side of a ketch with the typical dimensions and lines of a Brixham trawler is seen in the foreground on the beach in St. Ives' drying harbour, with a further vessel of similar dimensions under construction partially visible behind it. The vessel in the foreground may have been brought to St. Ives for maintenance/repair, being apparently complete in respect of rigging, paintwork, etc., or may have been built there. Three poles are laid against its topsides to keep its keel upright. Over 20 men are shown variously facing the trawler's keel and away from it. In the foreground are two small St. Ives boats, one with the small transom of a gig, the other beamier and semi-inverted as if for repairs to planking.