SENTOSA
photos & ‘details’ from Pam Cundy
The photos above are of the 28′ double-ender Sentosa, that was recently hauled out at the Whangateau slip getting some DIY repairs & a lick of paint. Her owner, Bill Freeth would love to find out more about her background. Bill has had her for approx. 6 years & understands that she was kept at Panmure for 10-12 years. Bill bought her from Waitakaruru (Thames) way. Talking to an old Kaipara Harbour Master he thinks she may have been one of two built on the Kaipara.
She has just been re-powered with a Sole 44hp (a Spanish marinised Mitsubishi motor), previously she had a huge American landing craft motor in her. There is some speculation her original name was Golden …….. something – Golden Spray ??
Any of the woodys out there able to shed some more light on Sentosa’s past?
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She is on the bottom, sunk (at last) recently. Very sad – owner needs a kick in the bum
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To take the lines takes time so which boats become the worthy ones to record?
The reputable boat builders / designers only? Work boats were thrown together quickly by fisherman and the like, their designs stood the test of time and efficiency and are just as worthy. I feel to look after the old classics that enter my circle of various type and that’s more than I can cope with.
P
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This is a hobby-horse of mine. Accidents happen, and not every classic boat gets an owner willing to preserve or restore her, so it would be very good indeed if (at a minimum!) the lines were taken off old boats wherever possible.
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Wonder if the landing barge engine was one of the 8 cyl., inline Chrysler Royals, they used 4 of in 2 lots of 2 in some of those landing craft in WWII — she would almost have taken off with one of those. — KEN RICKETTS
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Hi Bruce. We bought her from a Brian Hieatt of Howick back in 2005 and she must have remained on that mooring, or one nearby, till that time, when we brought her up to Whangateau. He told us that she had once been owned by
someone who had previously kept her up one of those creeks near Waitakaruru.
Rgds Bill Freeth
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Hi Harold. spoken with Mr. Morse who now lives Farm Cove. Has owned a number of boats, including Golden Spray, but she was a 38 footer, built of Cedar in Australia.. Originally powered with 2 Buick 8 cylinder and was used to get the harbour clear for the takeoff of flying boats Sydney. He still wants to have alook at photo which will send.
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That was a word in season. Thankyou.
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Mmm haveing thoughts on doing this with these small traditional craft but only as a back up as shouldn’t we be doing all we can to preserve the real thing. I like your line of thought though.
Pam
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That is a very sweet looking hull. Is anyone taking the lines of these hulls when they are hauled out? Might be slow to document, but a treasure trove in the future. I can see a new build to that hull design.
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We had a launch moored next to this boat in the Tamaki opposite the Panama Road ramp, from 1981 to 1989. She was called Santosa at that time. Regards Bruce Pullan
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Ok, have passed a message on to Bill. (via pigeon)
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Possibly GOLDEN SPRAY owned by R.G. Morse of 15 Riverlea Ave., Pakuranga in 1966. Ring Morses (use Morse Code)
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