CACHALOT
The name Cachalot has graced the stern of several whale chasers, this one if you believe the 4sale advertisement (back in 2021) was built c.1950’s by Jack Morgan. Sometime in the 1980’s her hull was refurbished (not my words) and then in 1998 the current cabin top was popped on. Being based down south, I suppose the design is best described as ‘fit for purpose’
Sadly several of these ex whale chasers with very efficient, speedy hulls, were ‘modified’ using the following items – a few sheets of plywood and a skill-saw. Certainly no marine/naval designer was engaged. Then on the other hand we have wonderful examples like – Primadonna.
Cachalot is powered by a 210hp 8 cyl. Caterpillar 3160 engine that gives her a top speed of 12 knots. Probably quite down on her working days.
Input from Cameron Pollard – Just shows how looks can deceive you all.
This is Cachelot 2. Built by Morgan’s as a whale chaser.
Originally had a V12 gas gobbler.
1 of 3 Cachelots.
1 was destroyed.
She was cut down the middle by the Wells brother’s. A huge undertaking but they made her over 3ft wider and raised the bow for commercial use.
Nothing fazed the Wells.
Rex Sellers fished her commercially for some time with a set of gallows on bak deck.
Had a gm and then worked thru a couple of cats.
After commercial use she was pleasurised into her current form. Photos below
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The original engine was a “Scripps” marinised “Lincoln V12”
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More details and photos added. Alan H
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Like Ken, I was expecting to see the the Catchalot which was owned by Tom Pearce as it reminded me of the following true story. It was in 1966 and I was on board the Pirate Radio ship Tiri with one of the other founders of Radio Hauraki, Derek Lowe. We needed to get back to the Auckland office to sort out some issues and a couple of guys in a fast launch offered us a lift back to shore. The boat was about 18 feet with a flat head V8 motor so in a short time we arrived at Ti Point.on the Whangateau Harbour where we tied up at the jetty alongside the Catchalot. Tom Pearce and Andy Donovan were on board and had been listening to our broadcast, so when they found out who we were they gave us a great welcome. After a few beverages the guys from the launch drove us back down to Auckland. The next morning Derek and I each found a 10 Pound note in our pockets.
Denis O’Callahan
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Just shows how looks can deceive you all.
This is Cachelot 2. Built by Morgan’s as a whale chaser.
Originally had a V12 gas gobbler.
1 of 3 Cachelots.
1 was destroyed.
She was cut down the middle by the Wells brother’s. A huge undertaking but they made her over 3ft wider and raised the bow for commercial use.
Nothing fazed the Wells.
Rex Sellers fished her commercially for some time with a set of gallows on bak deck.
Had a gm and then worked thru a couple of cats.
After commercial use she was pleasurised into her current form.
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I don’t think she was an ex whale chaser — simply not the right type of hull. — KEN R
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With that shape she would not be quick enough, those high windows remind me of 50s nz pubs so that those outside could not see those inside drinking….
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Have to say she doesn’t look like an ex-chaser to me; that raked stem and big shoulders……….!
Another “Cachalot” methinks.
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I was expecting to See the beautiful varnished teak CATCHALOT built for Tom Pearce liquor merchant, of Newton Rd, of Auckland, in the 50s/60s era– It was a complete surprise, shall we say, to see this second example, of the name — KEN R
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