Restoration of MV LION
Lion was launched in late 1912 for use on Lake Wakaptipu for Hugh McKenzie of Lake Wakatipu, serving the family and owners of Walter Peak, Fernhill and Mt Nicholas Stations. When launched she was fitted with a 21hp, 3 cylinder Clifton engine.
Constructed from kauri planking to a canoe stern design, to handle the choppy and unpredictable conditions of Lake Wakatipu. Her specs are – Length: 38′,
Beam: 9′, Draft: 3′ & she is powered by a Yanmar 51hp. (Info ex Harold Kidd)
At one stage she operated as a charter vessel on Lake Wakatipu.
Lion has made a previous appearance on WW and can be viewed at the link below
The facebook link below shows Lion arriving at the boat yard prior to commencement of work.
In 2019 Lion changed hands and her new owners commissioned an extensive restoration / refit at the Graham Caird’s ‘Repair My Boat’ yard (formerly Southern Classic Boats) in Invercargill, South Island. All timber used in the project is either kauri or Burmese teak.
I understand that her new owners will be returning her to Queenstown and her new home will be the Frankton marina.
The gallery of photos above showcases the amazing work that some of New Zealand’s most talented shipwrights are doing – living in Auckland sometimes we get a tad myopic 🙂
Photos below – pre-restoration
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Wow I saw this amazing boat from a distance and
had to stop. I build timber boats in southern NSW and Lion is the most beautiful l have seen in NZ. Well done by both the owners and the craftsman who restored her.
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Pingback: Amazing Restoration of 1912 Classic Lake Boat – Lion | waitematawoodys.com #1 for classic wooden boat stories, info, advice & news – updated daily
Even the dunny is a work of art!
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Absolute dedication to ensure the owners have many years of cruising enjoyment but future generations will do so as well. An incredible achievement for an incredible restoration. I salute you. Colin. D.
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A wonderful photo collection….almost had to have a lie down after…such an extensive project! Would be great to have a commentary to back up the pics
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A lovely ship well worth restoring
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That is stunning! Thanks for the article.
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