CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – IMANOTA > MARION D > JOAN

Todays 45’ woody comes to us via a James Donald fb post. 

The launch was built in 1918 (launched Dec, thank you Harold Kidd for the intel) by Bailey& Lowe, named IMANOTA.

James grandfather, J Donald bought the launch in May 1921 and changed her name to MARION D. 

When launched she was powered by a 3 cyl. Twigg engine. James commented on the stern on photo that illustrated how beamy the vessel was.

Some time later her name changed again to JOAN, as she is known today. These days JOAn is powered by a Gardner engine.

The colour photo of JOAN I took in Nov 2014 at anchor in Isslington Bay, Rangitoto Island.

The link below is to a June 2018 WW story that as well as an amazing gallery of photos from her past, there is produced a 10 page diary/log from a 1932 Bay of Islands big game fishing trip – its a great read.

The photo below of the angler is most likely to be James grandfather.

WW June 2018 Story https://waitematawoodys.com/2018/06/29/marion-d-joan/

04-11-2024 Input ex Steve – I have that rod and reel, A Hardy Bros 7 inch Sea Silex and the Tanekaha rod my Grandfather said his father made himself. I am searching for history on James Donald OBE, My Great grandfather.
I have found out this reel was made from 1925 to 1927 and it was his first reel. That photo has to be post 1925 at least