The idea
MV Wearmouth was successfully recovered to Sunderland by road in March 2023 and we are now starting a multi-year project to renovate her to seagoing status. Wearmouth was a Pilot Boat on the River Wear for 40 years before being sold on. Sunderland Maritime Heritage has recovered her to the North East Land Sea and Air Museum (NELSAM), Washington, Sunderland, where she will be stored while we work on her
We anticipate that the first year of activity will cost us around
£ 10,000. This crowdfunding project is looking to raise £ 6000 and will provide multi-skilled project work for older men including those with autism, dementia and mental health issues.
She is fundamentally sound but will require much work to the wooden hull and electrics in the first year . In later years we will also be required to fully clean, restore, service and overhaul the Gardner engine and update certain aspects of the boat to meet current Maritime regulations, mostly electronics.
What we'll deliver
- Restoration of the 39ft wooden hull
- A full rewire of the boat to current marine standards
Why it's a great idea
The project will require significant effort from our Volunteers. It will enable them to continue to exercise their multiple skills in a friendly, non-pressured environment. New volunteers will be welcomed. Most of our Volunteers are over 60 years of age with a significant percentage having autistic, dementia, mental health or othe rhealth issues. Our project work encourages physical activity and provides a strong feeling of self worth.
Steps to get it done
- Place safety scaffolding around the boat to protect Volunteers
- Commence work on restoring the wooden hull
- Commence work on a complete re-wiring of the vessel
Sunderland Maritime Heritage operates from its Church St centre on Mon, Wed and Friday each week 10.00 to 14.00. We aim to preserve and maintain the history of River Wear shipbuilding while providing meaningful work for our 100% Volunteer workforce. Sunderland at one time was the biggest shipbuilding town in the world.
