Can We Identify This Coulthard Launch
Several woodys have drawn my attention to this 24’6” launch thats recently popped up on tme. The listing states that it was designed / built by L G Coulthard in Onehunga. The build year says 1965 but Nathan Herbert has commented that Coulthard’s last boat was in 1959, this one resembles a build year c1930s. Nathan also as pictured above she will have had a new cabin since launching.
There is some uncertainty around the launches name – when her current owner bought her in 2006 in Auckland, her name was – Talofa and it was claimed she was originally built for the Mayor of Thames. Her name was subsequently changed to Kotare.
What we know – 24’6” in length, 8’ beam and draws 2’3” – powered by a 28hp 3 cyl. Vetus marine diesel engine giving her a top speed of 7.5 knots.
Current home is Kenepuru Sound, Marlborough Sounds, South Island.
J .(Jimmy) Mc McLaren Boatbuilders Onehunga
Recently contacted by a James H McLaren regarding his grandfathers boat yard, the yard was probably side-by-side with the L G Coulthard yard in Onehunga.The photo below shows the McLaren builders plate. James is looking for a surviving dinghy made by his granddad – Jimmy McLaren, James commented that they were his stock in trade.Can anyone help out eg have one for sale – any condition.
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I have tapped into a number of “knowledgeable Thamesites” about this launch and none of them have any recall of it either in connection with a Thames Mayor from the past, or with it in the marina. I would be interested if the person who made the claim of a Thames Mayor connection can come up with a name to follow up on.
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Les Coulthard must have built a few of these little launches using the same moulds. There was one exactly the same as this in Whitianga and it belonged to Bou Boyd who owned Coast Concrete. She was name Ranui.
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