Arohanui

Posted on by

AROHANUI

Designed by Andrew Donovan & built by the Lane Motor Boat Company in 1966, as launched she was LOA 45′. Beam 13’8″, Draft 3’5″. In 1991 the Salthouse yard lengthened her to 48′.
When launched in the mid 1960’s Arohanui was leading edge in terms of hull design, you can see the influence of the USA Hacker marque in her hull. As a comparison – the Salthouse yard were turning out the likes of Trinidad at the same time.
Her interior fit out & styling was the best money could buy & amazingly she has survived almost ‘as-original’, refer to the photo of the bulkhead storage layout. Her original condition was one of the key factors the helped Fiona & Rod Marler make the final purchase decision.

As launched she had twin 120hp Perkins installed, in 1993 these were replace with twin 300hp turbo Iveco’s – thats 600hp of zoom = 20+knots. A big step up from 7.5 knots Rod’s 1934 Arch Logan yacht, Little Jim will run out at 🙂 Now if you or a group of classic friendly buddies are looking for a classic yacht – Little Jim is on the market & to quote one of the saltiest yachties I know –  “is arguably NZ’s best classic yacht afloat in terms of pedigree, condition & sail-ability” view here http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/boats-marine/yachts/keeler/auction-795988279.htm

Now I have a few kooky interests in my life, one of them is marine instruments / gauges – the collection on Arohanui caught my eye, I tried to convince Rod to “pull those old things out & fit new digital instruments” but he saw through me on that 🙂

Arohanui was the cover / feature vessel on the April 1966 issue of Sea Spray magazine

Andy Donovan’s Original Drawings

22-10-2015 Update

Arohanui is currently hauled at Sandspit & in the shed at Lees Boat Builders where Greg Lees & his team of artisans are giving her a makeover. The standard of work is A+ & the yard have belong the go to location for classic vessel’s. The next project is outside on a swing mooring waiting patiently for Arohanui to slide out.

Discover more from waitematawoodys.com #1 for classic wooden boat stories, info, advice & news - updated daily - 14+ million views

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

16 thoughts on “Arohanui”

  3. Jane Donovan, was Andrew your Father? I met him in Bimini circa 1975 fishing with Edwin J. Gould, he became a dear friend and visited whenever he was in Hawaii 1977..Which of his daughters got married in Hawaii, I attended the wedding, she then went on to live in Australia.Best wishes Martha

    Like

  4. Pingback: Arohanui Relaunched | waitematawoodys.com #1 for classic wooden boat stories, info, advice & news

  6. Jane, great to have a family connection. My dad, Bruce Marler knew Andy well (and probably your father too). We’re really enjoying her and plan to give her a little TLC in the next month or so.
    Would be great to see more of Brian’s work…

    Like

  7. Brian Donovan did most of the designs credited to Andrew Donovan. Uncle Andy had the copyright though. Dad was a hopeless business man, unlike his older brother.

    Like

  8. James, that’s a message comeing a long way from home. I feel like I’m shouting down the post at you : )
    The simplicity of the timber with the neat old instruments at the helm are is an inspiration for the Laughing Lady. Hi to Katy.
    Taking a couple days off to work on ‘ that Harold’s ‘ boat.
    But she’s not far from mind as you see…
    Pam

    Like

  9. Very nice. Really liking that interior and general proportions of the house. Ditto on the vintage instruments and constellation compass. Sounds like she might give laughing lady a good run for her money too!

    Like

  11. A special part, of that special & beautful classic group, which includes Tom Pearce’s CACHALOT, Colin Dennes’s VALHALLA ONE, the one time Seager owned RAEHUTAI & of course the this AROHANUI, –(perhaps if one were a little pedantic, she could be II, III, IV, V, or whatever) as there are several that I know of, that were built before her, including the Mc Geady built boat in the 1950s, for Tucker Bros, & there is another one again c 1950s-60s on the this website & I’m sure Harold knows of a few more as well. — nevertheless a beautiful boat & a lovely name — KEN RICKETTS

    Like

  12. OMG! Not another yachtie going to the dark side.
    Judging by the glint in Chairman Marler’;s eye as he unleashed 600hp under the harbour bridge on the sea trial I think Little Jim could be sitting sadly unused for a while.
    If you have to go to a launch, Arohanui has to be the most stylish way to do it. A great ship Rod. Better trade your seaboots for some slippers, felt of course.

    Like

  13. Note that Andy Donovan’s brother Brian did the nice drawings. He was a competent designer in his own right.

    Like

Leave a comment