James W. Elwell (pilot boat)
James W. Elwell was a two-masted Sandy Hook pilot boat built in 1867 for New Jersey and Sandy Hook pilots. Built by John A. Forsyth at Mystic Bridge, New London, Connecticut, she was designated pilot-boat No. 7. The vessel measured 90 feet in length, 22.6 feet in beam, and 8.4 feet in depth, with about 74 tons of displacement and roughly 1,050 square feet of sail. She could sail at about 15 knots.
Owned by the Pilots' Association, the Elwell was commanded by Captain Charles E. Warner during her active years. The boat’s cabin and fittings were crafted with fine woods, reflecting careful construction.
Her notable events include a trial trip on April 2, 1867, from New York City to Sandy Hook with many guests aboard, where she demonstrated speed and seaworthiness. On October 9, 1873, she raced in the Cape May Ocean Regatta and finished fourth among the pilot boats; the event offered a $1,000 prize.
On January 29, 1871, the British bark Kate Smith went ashore off Little Egg Harbor. Eight crew members and Sandy Hook pilot Joseph Hussey from the Elwell, No. 7, were aboard when the vessel sank.
In November 1875, the James W. Elwell ran ashore at North Beach Haven, New Jersey and was abandoned. The hull remained buried in the sand, and the owners declared a total loss, though valuables were salvaged.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 20:40 (CET).