5 thoughts on “Lady Eileen”

1. She was owned for about 8 years by Peter Walsh, purchased off Don Hunter, kept at Mcwing initially, then down to Pine Harbour. During his ownership, she was trucked to Peter’s factory at Mangere for a complete repaint, and he also recond one engine with new liners. Peter has a photo of her at anchor, pre-flybridge, date unknown, and also still has the original dinghy.

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2. LADY EILLEEN; was built for Gordon Hunter Quarry owner (Gordon Hunter Ltd Three Kings Mt Roskill,) who lived in Patterson Ave., Mission Bay, for many years, She as built by Shipbuilders Ltd & launched shortly after the Rakanoa in 1947, as noted above. She is a magnificent boat with a “bult in deadwood (keel) which gives her a lot of buoyancy & lift in the stern & she accordingly floats fairly high in the water. Interestingly she only has 1 large rudder instead of the more common 2 rudders, in twin engined boats, but nevertheless proved to be extremely maneuverable.

   I knew the Hunters well, & was on board a number of times, in the 1947-50 era, in particular.

   She as originally powered by a matched handed pair of 8 cyl in line Chrysler Royal petrol engines, i.e. the engines turned opposite directions & the 2 carburetors that were on each engine were all in the middle etc.

   Mrs. Eileen Hunter was a very gracious lady, in mid life, & insisted that Lady Eileen, had the entire aft section, except the cockpit, made in to a master stateroom & ensuite, complete with full size dressing table, (on which she kept her array of perfumes etc all the time, except when at sea), full size double bed etc. This was almost unique at that time

   L.E. when new, was moored at Okahu Bay for many years, later moving to Westhaven & was always immaculate, & used regularly, by the Hunters & when Gordon eventually passed away, she passed to his son Don, who then carried on where his father left off, keeping her just as perfect & unchanged, & she remained in the family at least well in to the 1980s.

   Don eventually replaced the Chryslers with 2 x 6 cyl Ford Diesels, but she still had the Chryslers well in to the 1960s or 70s. She was not sold, until Don was in poor health, & just could not keep her any longer.
   Harold Kidd & I went in saw him in his Suddley St Mission Bay home one day, not too long before he passed away, & it was obvious that L.E. was a much loved & important part of the family all his life.

   I have sent Alan H. a photo I took, Christmas 1948, in Mansion House Bay, with Gordon Hunter sitting in the doorway, of the open bridgedeck door, which he may add to the post — KEN RICKETTS

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3. Shipbuilders Ltd 1947

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4. Thanks for that John 🙂

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5. Lady Eileen. Currently resident on “G Street” = G-Pier, Westpark Marina, where all the best boaties dwell!

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