IONA
Iona is another classic that sits in the ‘Spirit of Tradition’ category, with a build date of 1984. Her designer Bruce Askew had a very good eye for turning out retro classics.
Iona measures 32.81’ & is constructed of kauri, & built in Wellington c.1984. She was sailed by the boat builder (not sure if it was Bruce Askew?) throughout Wellington and Queen Charlotte Sounds for a few years before being purchased by her current owner in 1987. Since then, being based in Picton, she was often seen cruising Queen Charlotte Sound.
Her zoom zoom comes from a 36hp Bukh diesel.
Her current owner has just, after 31 years of ownership offered Iona up for sale – when I look at her, a see Lake Rotoiti (Nth Island) all over her…………….
Given the length of ownership, her history is well known but there must be some cruising photos out there from her time in The Sounds 🙂
ONE MANS JUNK…………
……….ANOTHER MANS TREASURE 🙂
I was tipped off about the remains of a clinker dinghy heading to the dumpster – I thought maybe if I chainsawed the bow off, it would make a cool firewood shed but a Sunday morning inspection showed that unfortunately it was too far gone – but a bit of bin diving turned up a few nice bronze fittings that will be added to the big box off bits that someone will need one day 😉 + a couple of oar blades for the collection.
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.
waitematawoodys.com #1 for classic wooden boat stories, info, advice & news - updated daily - 14+ million views 
Hi love the comments regarding the Iona, built in Stokes Valley Wellington by Geoff Carr. Then taken to the Marlborough Sounds to the family bach.
LikeLike
Hi love the comments regarding the Iona, built in Stokes Valley Wellington by Geoff Carr. Then taken to the Marlborough Sounds to the family bach.
LikeLike
IONA arrived at Lake Taupo today. Will live at the new Motuoapa Marina.
LikeLike
SURPRISE was a crack 18 footer designed by Arch Logan and built by Arnold (Bill) Couldrey and Ben Mayall in late 1923 Sad to hear she’s a launch now but at least she has survived!
LikeLike
Glen
The fairleads are very small e.g 7cm long x 1.5cm wide x 2cm high. Suited to a dinghy not launch. Still interested? I’m interested in the launch you mentioned, Surprise V16, the same name & number are associated to a classic yacht. Send some photos & details & lets see what we can un-cover on her past.
email address is waitematawoodys@gmail.com
Cheers Alan
LikeLike
Hi Alan, Love your pieces of information. Any chance I could buy the fairleads shown in this picture? Am doing up an old launch – Surprise V16. These would be very handy. Thanks
LikeLike