In short
- The ship is a full-scale reproduction measuring 106 feet in length.
- It was built in Brixham, England, and sailed to Massachusetts in 1957.
- The layout reflects the cramped quarters of the 102 original passengers.
In this article
The original Mayflower no longer exists. Plimoth Patuxet Museums operates the Mayflower II to recreate the historic 1620 journey. This 106-foot reproduction helps visitors understand the harsh realities of early transatlantic travel.
Is the Mayflower II the original ship from 1620?
No, the original ship is lost to history. The current ship is a reproduction built between 1955 and 1957.
Shipbuilders constructed the Mayflower II in Brixham, Devon, England. It arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, under sail on June 13, 1957. The ship serves as a floating living history museum.
How accurate is the size of the Mayflower II?
The Mayflower II is a full-scale reproduction. It measures 106 feet in length, matching historical estimates of the original ship.
Historians and naval architects worked together to design the vessel. Their goal was to match the dimensions and rigging of standard early 17th-century merchant ships.
How realistic are the passenger quarters?
The 'Tween Decks recreate the exact living conditions of the 1620 voyage. 102 passengers lived here for 66 days.
These cramped, dimly lit quarters sit below the main deck. The ceilings are low, and the wooden stairs are steep. It gives visitors a true sense of the difficult 66-day Atlantic crossing.
Does the ship accurately recreate the original navigation?
Yes. The Half Deck is the elevated rear area where the master of the ship historically steered the vessel.
Visitors can view this navigation area while exploring the open upper deck. You will see modern maritime crew working alongside historical role-players in this section of the ship.
Are modern elements present on the ship?
The ship maintains strict historical accuracy in its display. However, it relies on a modern maritime crew for safe operation.
While it is an authentic sailing vessel, safety standards require some modern maritime updates behind the scenes. The ship earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020.
How do interpreters enhance the ship's accuracy?
Costumed role-players portray actual 1620s passengers on the Main Deck. They stay in character during your visit.
These interpreters share realistic stories about their transatlantic journey. You can ask them questions about their lives, diet, and reasons for leaving England. They use 17th-century dialects and facts.
Questions travellers ask
Can you go inside the Mayflower II ship?
Yes. You can explore the main deck and the 'Tween Decks. The 'Tween Decks show the cramped quarters where the 102 passengers lived.
Does the Mayflower II still sail?
Yes. The Mayflower II is a fully functional sailing vessel. It originally arrived in Plymouth under sail on June 13, 1957.
How long does it take to tour the Mayflower II?
A typical visit aboard the ship takes between 30 minutes and an hour. This gives you time to speak with the costumed role-players.
