1926 Collings & Bell Launch

1926 Collings & Bell Launch – MANAAKI

If the tme story supporting todays woody is to be believed she must have had several realignments – supposedly built in 1926 by Collings and Bell and one of the half-a-dozen boats built for the Zane Grey big game fishing fleet.  36’ in length and carvel hulled. Forward motion is via a 75hp Ford (Lees) diesel engine.

Can not read the name on the stern – can we ID the boat and confirm the above details. Would be nice to know what she has been up to over the years. I was commented that she had recently relocated to Auckland from Northland.

INPUT EX GAVIN BRADLEY – Yes, that’s Manaaki looking very much worse for wear. She was moored briefly inside the entrance to Marsden Cove Marina either just before or after changing hands in 2021and was looking reasonably loved at the time. And just to clarify, there were 4 boats built for the Zane Grey Sporting Club – Otehei, Manaaki, Zane Grey and Lorna Doone. Lorna Doone was wrecked at Peach Island in Whangaroa Harbour many years ago (1970’s?). The other 3 are still afloat. The bill from Collings and Bell for the 4 boats was 2000 pounds! Total. Refer below copy of 1927 balance sheet for the Zane Grey Sporting Club.


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5 thoughts on “1926 Collings & Bell Launch

  1. I owned Manaaki until 2021. Unfortunately the person I sold it to became terminally ill and sadly passed away later that year. The family relocated Manaaki to Auckland and subsequently put her up for sale (around the time these photos were taken). I’d love to know her location and hope she’s in better condition today.

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  2. I owned Manaaki until 2021. Unfortunately the person I sold her to became terminally ill and passed away later that year. The family moved Manaaki to Auckland, and subsequently put her up for sale, I’m unsure on Manaaki’s condition or location now. Would love to know where she is now,

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  3. Yes, that’s Manaaki looking very much worse for wear. She was moored briefly inside the entrance to Marsden Cove Marina either just before or after changing hands in 2021and was looking reasonably loved at the time. And just to clarify, there were 4 boats built for the Zane Grey Sporting Club – Otehei, Manaaki, Zane Grey and Lorna Doone. Lorna Doone was wrecked at Peach Island in Whangaroa Harbour many years ago (1970’s?). The other 3 are still afloat. The bill from Collings and Bell for the 4 boats was 2000 pounds! Total!

    Like

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