Is This The Future Of Woody Boating?
Normally on Boxing Day you would expect a boatbuilders yard to be very quiet – but if your were anywhere near Greg Salthouse’s Greenhite yard on the 26th Dec you would have witnessed a very special event. The yard launched two sister 10m weekender boats – ARIHI and GRACE.
Below is the story behind these two stunning launches, as told to me by Delayne Salthouse –
“Nick Peal has been with Salthouse Boatbuilders for over 38 years, and in that time construction methods have morphed and developed to achieve better this, faster that, lighter these or more efficient those. While those improvements are important and incorporated where needed, for the likes of Nick there is nothing better than getting back to the beautiful basics of a traditional build.
You can imagine the excitement when the yard received a brief to design & build two traditional looking 10m craft that would reclaim some of the classic lines and charm of New Zealand’s coastal cruiser. This is in sharp contrast to the imported ‘plastic creations’ we see so many of in New Zealand boating in these days.
The concept plans and line drawings were done by Chris Salthouse, from these Nick has crafted Arihi & Grace utilising double skin ply, with solid timber keelson and gunwale, The boats were then heavily sheathed with double bias glass to make a robust, strong and lightweight boat.”
They are powered by a Hyundai 270hp stern leg, will cruise at 25-30 knts, and top out at around 37 knts. There is a huge super king front island berth + quarter berth with ample saloon seating that can also be a berth. Head, shower, simple cooker, fridge, large cockpit. PLUS Trailerable !!!
The boats are very easy on the eye and I have already had people asking me – who, what, where in terms of the designer / builder.
Well done Greg, Delayne, Chris, Nick & the team at Salthouses – I think you are onto a winner here.
The Launching
Arihi Splashes
Grace Splashes
Photo below sent in by Steve Finnigan – lots of zoom used on the camera/phone
Grace
FYI – I have been advised the price is yet to be finalised. Will update when known.
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Both are moored on N pier Westhaven for those who may wish to admire their elegant lines.
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Hi Alan, so what is the difference between these and a plywood vindex or for that matter my double diagonal kauri, no fibreglass Pelin Mascot? Like the vintage car clubs the wooden boat movement needs to attract a younger membership. Don’t count me I am 69yrs old!! Cheers
Simple – Looks 😄 AH
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Now you’re just being silly – what next Vindex’s? no, no, no.
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I want one. How much are they? Tim
Sent from my iPhone
I have asked for someone else – will let you know. Alan H
>
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Excellent news. Some more post 2000 new Woodies……Or are they the new millennials?
Great effort guys. Like the large cockpit space and the overall look.
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Suppose my balsawood core, wooden keel Salthouse Corsair Mk2 qualifies as well then?
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