Pieces of Eight was custom designed by its owners, a naval architect and the creative input of each crew member who helped build her. The ship was built in Virginia Beach to U.S. Coast Guard requirements and took 16 months to complete during the period November 2004 through March 2006. The ship is steel hull and 64’-10” in length, with a 23’ beam and 5’.0” draft. It is powered by twin John Deere Diesels, each 208 hp. The vessel is Coast Guard certified to carry 130 passengers and equipped with the latest life saving equipment including life jackets and ship-to-shore radio. Our Captains are all U.S. Coast Guard licensed.
The Vision
Pieces of Eight Pirate Cruise was the vision of owners Lori and David Braithwaite. The business was launched in May 2006 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. After two successful summer seasons in Virginia Beach, the Braithwaites made a decision to act on their long-term business plan to find a warm and tropical location where they could run year round. Today, Pieces of Eight Pirate Cruise is pleased to call Key West, Florida home and operates year round offering day and sunset cruises, private and special event charters, birthday parties and school field trips.
The Crew
Captain Devious Dave and First Mate Lootin Lori carefully chose each crew member based upon their charismatic pirate personas and enthusiastic interaction with children and adults alike. We are pleased to introduce the Key West crew including: Captain Devious Dave, Quartermaster Lootin Lori, Bang, Rusty Nell, Mr. Cutter, Jaded Jetty, Sir Sparrow, Mr. Flaherty, Jolly Roger Jenna and Lusty Lil.
The Grand Salon
Pieces of Eight provides full service amenities in our grand salon. While prowling the high seas with us, quench your thirst with complimentary soft drinks. Seasoned seadogs can belly up to our full service bar and order their favorite grog. Hungry you say? Snacks such as hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, chips and candy are also available for a small fortune. We also carry a boatload of pirate souvenirs for those who want to share the pirate loot once ashore.
Did You Know?
Pieces-of-Eight was a type of Spanish money, the most famous of coins associated with the New World. “Eight Reals” or pieces-of-eight known to pirates, were minted in the Spanish Main and sent back to Europe in huge quantities with treasure fleets. Pirates plundered many Spanish galleons in search of pieces-of-eight as a handful would have been worth a small fortune to any pirate.