Mincarlo Lowestoft - Historic Trawler Museum — Local services in East Suffolk

An absolute gem of a visit aboard the Mincarlo, now lovingly berthed in Lowestoft Harbour. This isn’t just any old boat – she’s the last surviving Lowestoft sidewinder trawler built in the town and one of the finest maritime relics still afloat.

We were lucky enough to be guided by Barry – an ex-trawlerman with the perfect combination of wit, warmth and deep sea knowledge. Barry brought the boat – and its history – vividly to life. From the mechanics of the sidewinder trawling method to how they fixed the nets (spoiler: it’s not with duct tape), he had us fascinated from start to finish.

Barry painted a vivid picture of daily life at sea – and somehow made even engine rooms and cramped berths feel like part of a grand adventure.

The tour took us through the engine room, crew quarters, the skipper’s cabin, and the wheelhouse. Every corner of the vessel has a story, and Barry knows them all – though he’ll tell you some are “best left for port.”

Highly recommended if you're visiting Lowestoft – a funny, insightful, and genuinely memorable experience. Long live the Mincarlo…...

Amazing to be taken around by a fisherman that worked on this ship during it's hay day. The boat is fully accessable for the able boddied but as you might imagine made for function and not comfort so ladders to clib etc to gain access to cabins, engine room and fish storage areas. A big thank you for your time showing me and my wife around. Sorry for all the questions, it was fascinating and you help us to imagine what it must have been like! I have told so many people about this already - it is great to see a live museum. I would have loved to hear that engine run. ...

Thanks to the volunteers who showed us (and the dog) around this painstakingly restored trawler. It's very fitting that the Mincarlo is still afloat and in its birthplace, the last of the ships built in Lowestoft. You will see fascinating stories brought to life by a mixture of renovations, media articles, and museum exhibits. Free to visit, but do leave a donation as this type of local history, maintained and displayed by volunteers who really care, deserves to...