Full hull model; Rigged model; Bag of parts

Scale: not calculated. Bag of parts from full hull model of the 'Smokey Joe', a sailing pilot cutter. Bag of hoops.

In and around many ports, harbours, and navigable waters, local regulations make it compulsory for vessels over a certain size to embark a pilot, an expert navigator of that particular area. Before ships were fitted with radio, pilots would wait near the points of entry into the designated area in pilot cutters from which they could be picked up by incoming ships and into which they could be dropped off by outgoing ships. In the days of sail, pilot cutters were cutter-rigged like the one depicted here. The name ‘Smokey Joe’ may be fictitious though it is a traditional name for vessels in the US.

Object Details

ID: SLR2631.4
Type: Full hull model; Rigged model; Bag of parts
Display location: Not on display
Date made: 1800-1900; 19th century
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall model: 909 x 810 x 428 mm; Base: 62 x 628 x 220 mm
Parts: Smokey Joe; Service vessel; Cutter; Pilot cutter (Full hull model; Rigged model)