MYSTERY 1902 PILOT BOAT

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MYSTERY 1902 PILOT BOAT

Todays woody is very much a mystery boat – the photos were shared with WW by a potential new owner, not sure if the ownership transfer actually happened.

All we know is that its claimed she is a 1902 ex pilot boat. There is a nice hull beneath that more modern looking cabin addition. 

Reviewing the ‘duckboard’ addition that can be viewed in the photos, it does look vaguely familiar – one of the few negatives of the WW site is the search section works on exact wording eg if in a previous story I didn’t mention the words – pilot boat, it wouldn’t show a link.

So woodys can anyone enlighten us on this vessels past.

06-11-2024 UPDATE ex John Bullivant – an update on the boat in the storage yard, by the North Shore airfield. Still there, (now on its’ lonesome) and with a big for sale sign painted on the side. Haven’t heard anything more from the guy who was trying to buy it. Looks like a lot of work but maybe good for someone wanting an older style hull as a starter. 

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10 thoughts on “MYSTERY 1902 PILOT BOAT”

  1. Pingback: DANCER – 30’ STEAM LAUNCH  | waitematawoodys.com #1 for classic wooden boat stories, info, advice & news – updated daily

  2. Hi All

    Yes we have it stored in our yard in Dairy Flat. A guy called Jeff ( Didnt get his last name) agreed on a price to store it there. He never paid a cent and after numerous attempts of contact he has disapeared. We are selling it to recoupe lost income. We also have to relocate now and a lot of this has to do with the boat and not being paid.

    Still has entire running gear in it. Nissan diesel. Tiger prop. Large winch. 1000liter fuel tank etc.

    Open to offers above $3000.

    Contact Hamish Forbes 0274 818117

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  3. I think she is the FLORENCE (one of many) built by E.R. Lane of Picton in 1921 (62 pax) for Bowden & Co. Her first engine was a 30hp Ohlsson replaced by a Fairbanks Morse. Mervyn Kenny of Picton owned her later.

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  4. Florence II. She was here at Hobsonville for a couple of years a while back, owned by a Kiwi ex-pat named Officer (No, really!). Having finally got the go-ahead to bring his Italian wife here, she was diagnosed with cancer, so they decided to stay in Europe and Florence II was sold. I have no knowledge of what happened to her since then

    Don’t know anything about her being a pilot boat, but she was a commercial launch in the Marlborough Sounds way back when.

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  5. Hi everyone.

    I am said ‘potential’ new owner, currently determining legal ownership with my solicitor as the boat is on private rented land, of which the storage of the boat is incurring rent against the guy who had it put there but has done a runner, also owing Boat Haulage $2,500!!

    Chris is right that the current name is Florence II. It was brought down from the Bay of Islands a few years ago and sat in a farmers field until the guys who brought it down got bored with the project.

    Long story short, it has ended up where it is waiting for me to finalise legal considerations so I can give it a new home. 😊

    My digging around has born little fruit, but at its launch, it became part of the Wellington Harbour Board’s fleet.

    At the Boat Show two weeks ago, a lady on a stand I was talking (who I showed a photo of the boat) is certain is was down at Coromandel before it was taken up to the Bay of Islands. She has certainly done the rounds!

    Paul

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  8. This one has been around a while, the story, I mean. Is there a shred of evidence? A name perhaps?

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  9. Looks like Tattoo Ricks old boat as seen at Okahu hardstand for many years

    and prior to that on Newton road by upper Queen st. Pilot Boat ??

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  10. Hi Alan, funny that should show up, as I was about to take a telephoto pic of it from the road. It’s in a storage yard by the Dairy Flat airfield, and has been there for about 4 or 5 months. Thought the cabin was unusual. Couldn’t get a good look at it till now.

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