MATUA

Mooching around Milford Marina yesterday waiting to meet someone and I spotted a woody that is new to my eyes – MATUA. Enlarging the photo I can read her home port as ‘Whangaparapara, Great Barrier Island’

What do we know about MATUA.

INPUT ex John Wicks – She’s a converted lifeboat, and a nice example of the type. In her previous incarnation she was one of the old island liner “Matua’s” lifeboats, hence the name. For several years she was here at Hobsonville Marina, in the ownership of the Redwood family. I don’t know who has her now.

INPUT ex GRAEME SAPWELL – a mate of mine Dave Cox bought her from marine haulage’s yard at Hillside Road, Glenfield back in the late 70s . It was then just an abandoned open life boat. He repaired the hull and built the cabin on it and fitted an old 2 cyl Dorman engine. It also was kept at Milford marina at the time.

Speaking of Milford Marina – there is a major make-over happening there – the days of the loose planked board walks that you had to climb ladders to access your boat at low tide are numbered. Totally new design that is up there with any of Aucklands other marinas, sadly I suspect the berthing rates will be going up, which could be the end of some of the tired old woodys currently residing there.