MAUREEN II
One of the many woodys that contacted WW for a copy of Chris McMullen’s docking tips was Mike Empson, owner of – Maureen II, a Matangi, built c1967-68 by Brin Wilson. Maureen II is 100% kauri, 36′ long and weighs approx. 9 tonnes.
Mike has been in touch with people connected to the Brin Wilson yard and been told she may have been built for someone connected to Ross Reid Contractors – that woodys is all Mike and wife Ann know about her, so would love to uncover more information on the vessel.
Mike has commented that he believes these boats were originally built with timber masts and timber lifeline stanchions, but Maureen II has had retro-fitted aluminium mast & boom, plus stainless lifeline stanchions. It has roller-boom reefing and a roller furling headsail.
Power is via a Ford 4-cyl E592 industrial stationary engine, marinised when new, by Lees Marine, fresh-water cooled. These engines were also used on the UK 4-cyl Ford Trader trucks, in the mid to late 1950’s and also on Fordson Major tractors.
Transmission is through a Parsons Marine-o-matic HG4 Mk 2 hydraulic transmission and she has a 1.75” bronze prop-shaft which is 11’6″ long. She is set up with dual station steering, which comprises a truck steering box with a long under-floor shaft, connected by chains to the two steering stations; one inside and the other in the cockpit.
WOODY WET SUNDAY TREAT
As you know I’m a big fan of the website – Off Center Harbor, the site is probably best known for jaw dropping boat tours and in-depth how-to series, but the OCH lads also know how to slow down and soak up the scenery. Given the craziness of the last 5 weeks I have found myself trolling the OCH online library more than ever, looking to a cure to my boat less blues. I have some favourites that I would be embarrassed to say how many times I have viewed 🙂
Last week one that popped up again was the OCH lads doing an early morning mooch around the fleet at anchor at last summers Eggemoggin Reach Regatta in Maine. The stunning classic woodys are basking in a golden glow at dawn after the previous days racing and partying. It reminds me very much of Saturday morning at our own Mahurangi Reggata.
Chatting with Steve Stone from OCH, I mentioned the comparison as Steve was at the Mahurangi Regatta in 2019 and Steve kindly offered to supply a link to the ERR video – view it here CLICK HERE
Early in the lock-down the OCH guys put together a special deal for waitemata woodys to help us out while we are boat less. Well the good news it is still on offer – so if you haven’t already joined up, do it today – link here 8-week membership with full access to the entire website for just $5 NZD. They’re also including an optional upgrade to an annual membership at the end of the 8 weeks at 50% off.
Woodys, signing up to OCH will be the 2nd best woody thing you have done – after discovering WW 🙂
waitematawoodys.com #1 for classic wooden boat stories, info, advice & news - updated daily 
Hi Jeanettybo. Did you have any luck with the history of Maureen II. You forwarded the post to contact Ross Reid’s daughter?
Mike E
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Hi there,, I have forwarded this post ,.to the daughter of Ross Reid,,,keep you posted,,, Maureen was Ross’s, wife’s name ,,they also owned a launch..Maureen of course…you have featured that vessel previous.. Great site,,’ yachtie from way back’ Regards , Jeanette
On Sun, 3 May 2020 at 12:16 AM, waitematawoodys.com #1 for classic wooden boat stories, info, advice & news – updated daily wrote:
> Alan Houghton – waitematawoodys.com founder posted: ” MAUREEN II One of > the many woodys that contacted WW for a copy of Chris McMullen’s docking > tips was Mike Empson, owner of – Maureen II, a Matangi, built c1967-68 by > Brin Wilson. Maureen II is 100% kauri, 36′ long and weighs approx. 9 > tonnes. Mike ha” >
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Great video except for the guy at the start wearing a backpack in a dinghy!
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One of Brin Wilson’s sons often peruses the site so he may be along soon, you could have timber or alloy masts but I have never heard of timber staunchions on a Matangi
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she looks more like a Camelot, 39′, with her longer main cabin and 3 windows
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I believe this is the vessel that Ross Reid built following the sale of Maureen R to my father in 1962. See Post of 27.8.18 Maureen R -Moana Roa
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The original modern day Matangi, (not the one built in the 1800’s), was called MATANGI, & belonged to Ted Cooper, who designed & built her, as I recall, after he sold the AWARUA, probably in the mid later 1950s if my memory serves me right. — KEN R
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