DOLPHIN V
The above photos of the 43′ launch Dolphin V were sent in by Bruce Ryrie, who had recently been aboard her in Westhaven.
Designed and built in 1963 by K.E. Swanson, Queen Charlotte Sounds, South Island. She is carvel kauri construction and powered by a Detroit 6v53. And thats all WW knows about her.
The size and location of the exhaust stack indicates a sizeable engine and possible work boat pedigree.
Hopefully someone can enlighten us as to how she ended up in Auckland.
Discover more from waitematawoodys.com #1 for classic wooden boat stories, info, advice & news - updated daily - 14+ million views
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
waitematawoodys.com #1 for classic wooden boat stories, info, advice & news - updated daily - 14+ million views 
Hi Lew- email the photos to the address below and I will add to the story. Many thanks Alan H
waitematawoodys@gmail.com
LikeLike
Our extended family owned the Dolphin V from about 1965 to 1973 having bought it from the original owner. She was kept in Paramatta and completed many fantastic trips to the Sound with our families – often sleeping 11 for weeks at a time. I believe she was built at Swansons yard in Picton across near where the Echo finished her days. At that time she had a Ford 100 engine. When sold she was reengined to work with a barge out of Paramatta to Mana Island. She was put into survey at that time.
She was similar in design and layout to many of the Swanson boats but one of the biggest they constructed. Originally fitted with a tall mast stepped on the forward cabin.
Latter a raked mast was mounted on the main cabin.
When we first had her she was moored in Browns Bay in Paramatta but at nearly 6 ft draft this area became unsuitable. Also lowering a large mast every time to get under the bridge was a challenge. She was then moored in front of the Mana Cruising club before the marina was built. We also had a mooring in Double cove near Picton for the summer months.
Lew Henderson
I would add some photos but dont seem to be able to.
LikeLike
Dolphin V , Owned by M and J Henderson 1960ish /then Ron Carson that used her as a workboat at Paremata servicing Mana Island,when it was used as a quarantine area.Originally she had a Ford 6 , but was replaced by the 6V 53
LikeLike
Pingback: CLASSIC LAUNCH – DOLPHIN V – A Peek Down Below | waitematawoodys.com #1 for classic wooden boat stories, info, advice & news – updated daily
Many Detroits have substantial diameter exhaust pipes, as backpressure can be an issue with them, because of their 2cycle engine design & type,.
Back in 1947 when Roy Swales fitted a 6-71 GM Detroit to his LINDA, which replaced her Lowes Knight petrol engine, Roy S fitted her with what almost looked like a funnel, on the waterline out her port side, — refer image I took in 1948 in earlier post. — KEN R
LikeLike
She didnt have that flying bridge when i listed her in Westhaven in 83
LikeLike
Don’t know about “K.E.” Swanson, but she was designed and built by Bob Swanson, who (IIRC) was still at Blackwood Bay then, before he moved his operation to what had been Ernie Lane’s site at Picton. Can’t recall what she was originally powered with, but that “upper excrescence” is not original equipment. I’m sure Dick Hall will be able to tell us the full story.
LikeLike