











BONITA
Todays double ender 36’ woody launch just popped up on tme (thank you Ian McDonald) and is just such a looker. Home is Waikawa Bay in the Marlborough Sounds. Currently only set up with two berths, she is crying out for a full conversion to pleasure use.
Power is via a 80hp Ford diesel, that according the the tme story has a wee oil leak.
Who ever choose the colour scheme and name font as a good eye. I hope I have the spelling right?
Can we learn more about the boat?
INPUT ex Dick Hall – Correct name ‘Bonita’. Built 1923 by Ernie Lane in Picton as a typical sounds passenger boat with two cockpits both forward and aft of the wheelhouse. Originally powered by a 12hp Kelvin benzine engine. Modified for fishing in 1959 for the Guard Brothers of Port Underwood. Lately used as a pleasure boat by various owners.
INPUT ex Richard Neighbour – Bonito (launched Bonita) 1926, sister ship to Mariner (Shakespeare Bay- Queen Charlotte Sounds) I have emailed the history up to 2016 as given to me by Beth Gordon (original owners daughter). Bonito is a lovely old girl. My wife and I hope to find a suitable owner that will maintain her for many years to come as we have moved from Marlborough and don’t get back as often as we hoped to. Bonito has many years left in her yet, with much credit to the Ruffles family (previous owners of 40 years).
Richard & Helen – current owners.
Pingback: The History of Bonita | waitematawoodys.com #1 for classic wooden boat stories, info, advice & news – updated daily
More details added. Alan H
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Correct name ‘Bonita’. Built 1923 by Ernie Lane in Picton as a typical sounds passenger boat with two cockpits both forward and aft of the wheelhouse. Originally powered by a 12hp Kelvin benzine engine. Modified for fishing in 1959 for the Guard Brothers of Port Underwood. Lately used as a pleasure boat by various owners.
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Bonito (launched Bonita) 1926, sister ship to Mariner (Shakespeare Bay- Queen Charlotte Sounds) I have emailed the history up to 2016 as given to me by Beth Gordon (original owners daughter). Bonito is a lovely old girl. My wife and I hope to find a suitable owner that will maintain her for many years to come as we have moved from Marlborough and don’t get back as often as we hoped to. Bonito has many years left in her yet, with much credit to the Ruffles family (previous owners of 40 years).
Richard & Helen – current owners
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BONITO. Don’t for gods sake stuff up her good looks with some yuppie conversion.
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Very similar to my ‘Ariana’ (previously ‘Glenrowan’). Maybe they are sisters? Listing says Lanes 1923. Anyone know more?
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looks like the work of a self taught sign writer
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The person who chose the font has a good eye ? If you cant read it correctly it is not a good font. Small things like that have caused disasters at sea. Cheers Keith
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Get a load of food, some turps (Malt, beer or whatever) to ward off the cold. Warm clothes, wet weather gear, fishing rods, sleeping bag/s, cedar bucket Take some good books and an amiable crewmate and your conversion is done. Off you go!
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Bonitto, I think.
Conversation?? 😉
Thanks John. Alan H
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