Baldrick The Steamer
A 16’ Clinker built steam engine launch, built in 1953 by Percy Vos Ltd. Auckland
Converted to steam and completely refurbished by Don Penn from 1999 – 2006.
LOA 16’ LWL 15’.3” Draught 1’.7” Beam 5’.9”
Boiler:- A coal fired VFT ( Vertical fire tube design} by Graeme Wilkinson.
Boiler:- A coal fired VFT ( Vertical fire tube design} by Graeme Wilkinson.
Construction: Planking and Keel – heart kauri. Stem –Pohutukawa natural crook.
Timbers – bent mangaeo. Fore and aft decks – teak
Timbers – bent mangaeo. Fore and aft decks – teak
Currently for sale on trademe http://www.trademe.co.nz/a.aspx?id=548696749
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She was built by Percy Vos for John and Jean Skeates to hand written instructions of Mr Skeates. She was first launched as Ngaku in the Ohau Channel, Rotorua in January 1954. The Skeates kept her until October 1978.
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When Don got the boat (wasn’t called “Baldrick” then of course), she had an 8hp Stuart P55 M. I am current caretaker of the dear old thing -number 28570. Hopefully the fact that it has been in fresh water so far, it should free up from her present seized state. A Stuart engine of that age may have cast iron pistons and one may have stopped adjacent to the exhaust port and have some rust on it.
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