A Model Of Ernest Hemingway's yacht PILAR

COOK, C. (AMERICAN, 20TH CENTURY)

Details

A Model Of Ernest Hemingway's yacht PILAR
Cook, C. (American, 20th century)
The hull of the model is built up in plank on bulkhead with black painted topsides and a green painted bottom. The model is fitted with cabin top and bridge which are of mahogany with a green deck and canopy. The model is fitted with a number of details, including: anchor, anchor windlass, forward companionway hatch, horn, portholes, search light, wheels, fishing chairs, ladders, flagstaff, nameboards, and other details. The model is mounted on a mahogany base.
21½ x 8½ x 20 in. (54.6 x 21.5 x 50.8 cm.)

Lot Essay

The Pilar was custom built for Ernest Hemingway by Wheeler Ship yard in Brooklyn, NY in 1934. She was hull #576 and had principle dimensions of 40 LOA, 12 Beam, 3.5 Draft, and she was powered by two independent engines. One, a 75 HP Chrysler for cruising and a 40 HP Lycoming for trolling. She was built up of white oak frames and planked in white cedar. She had a double state room, head, two bunks, and a dinette. She was built for a price of $7,500, and Ernest Hemingway took delivery in the spring of 1934. He immediately took her to Miami, where he made a number of modifications, including a flying bridge, a lower transom, and a transom roll bar. She had a top speed of 16 knots. Hemingway worked her hard for 26 years, catching numerous trophy fish along with his mate Carlos Guiterez and many celebrities. In 1960, Pilar fell into hands of Castro, and in still in his possession to this day.

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