In 1836, it probably took from six to nine months to build the original La Amistad. Being built in Cuba, winter weather was not a factor in its construction. The people building the ship, some of whom were probably skilled slaves, worked six days a week and many more hours each day than our modern shipwrights. No doubt there were many more people involved in the construction process, such as skilled work gangs who were brought in to do specialty work like caulking. Most importantly, the people who built La Amistad were building to satisfy a 19th century customer. The 19th century customer was looking for a cargo ship that would last six to eight years. Builders at that time did not have to contend with late 20th century specifications and regulations of the U.S. Coast Guard (watertight bulkheads and mechanical, plumbing, electrical and navigational systems).