Woody Lake Boat Project

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Woody Lake Boat Project

I’m pretty sure this woody was a trademe listing for a very long time, so when I received a note from Rachel Jamieson from the Lake Rotoiti Classic & Wooden Boat group telling me Micheal Booth had bought an old wooden kauri 4 seater, carvel construction speedboat for restoration and attached the above photos –  I was so rapped that she had a new owner and her restoration would be completed.
 
I’ll let Micheal Booth tell the story 

“She  belonged to Andrew Lang the previous Harbour Master who now skippers in the Med. Andrew bought the boat in Rotoru and tracked the motor down in Rotoiti which he then restored. He had started restoration but because of his circumstances has elected to sell.

 I believe the boat was used by the Rangiheuia sisters on Lake Tarawera in the early days. It is of kauri construction and has an oregon ply transom. It is powered by an Austin 7 Thetis motor. Apparently the local historian knew of the boat but has unfortunately passed away. Andrew thinks this boat was designed by the  Logans and built by Lidgard. The boat is thought to be around 1934-36.
The boat builders I have taken it to aren’t convinced and wonder if the boat was of an American design but built locally. It measures 4850mm long, 1600mm wide and 1250 wide at the stern.”
 
Michael is wondering if anyone may some more information on the boat.
 

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6 thoughts on “Woody Lake Boat Project”

  1. Hi. I owned the above boat for a few years and sold it in Rotorua about 1996 complete with the Austin motor. To my knowledge, the sisters on Lake Tarawera is correct. She was sold to me as a Lidgard boat. I approached Lidgards who verified it was quite probably one of theirs but couldn’t verify if it was their design but thought it may have been.

    My understanding was it was a 1936 Austin motor and original with the boat. When I first saw the boat, I realized that I had probably ridden in her as a kid in the early 1960’s. It was then owned by Rick Short out of the Ohau Channel (Lake Rotorua) The twin cockpit configuration was the same back then.

    Great to see her getting the love and attention she deserves. I never intended to sell her before complete restoration but did so to purchase a 1920’s 21ft class race boat. (Very similar to Miss Masport) and with Mason and Porter connections, which sits in my garage awaiting my boatbuilding son’s attention and guidance. I will post photos at some time.

    Great job guys. Paul.

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  2. Pingback: Creme Brûlée – Classic Lidgard Day Boat | waitematawoodys.com #1 for classic wooden boat stories, info, advice & news – updated daily

  3. Hi if this is the boat i think it is it has been changed dramatically. She was a totally open hull with a small quarter deck and a soft top roof. Two of the previous owners used my boat workshop as a base at Lake Rotoiti. 1st Don Parkes now deceased. 2nd Karl Warr who is a fisherman based in Napier his vessel named Chips… I hope this helps.
    Tony Mitchell

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  4. Jack Logan built a few run-a-bouts like these. There was one in Whitianga. Looks like his style and normal high quality clinker work.

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  5. Never knew the Austin Thetis engine ever existed until now, & have now researched on Google & have learnt. — just shows we are never too old to learn, & we certainly never know it all. — beautiful looking wee engine & I bet it ticks over like a sewing machine. — KEN R

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  6. Hi Alan

    Thank you very much for circulating this information gegarding the boat. Hopefully something will come of it!

    Thanks again.

    Regards

    Michael Booth

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

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