MYSTERY AT LAKE TAUPO  – IS MOTORBOAT SUSIE BELLE  COMING OR GOING + Labour Weekend Classic Wooden Boating Info

On a recent trip to Taupo to check out his flotilla of lake boats, Jason Prew spotted SUSIE BELLE on the back of a transporter. Given the heavy rain, JP wasn’t able to ascertain whether the launch was arriving or leaving Taupo. Anyone able to confirm if there is a new owner and where she calls home these days.

From the 2024 story we learnt that SUSIE BELLE is 34’ in length, designed by Don Brooke and built by Gary Wheeler. The built year is 1986 and whilst we understand built from wood, , plywood + there is a very thick layer of paint aka f/glass. Power is via a 60hp Isuzu diesel.

INPUT ex TREVOR COPPOCK – I spotted Susie Belle passing Wynyard Point on 17 September with a “For Sale” sign on her rails.

INPUT ex PAUL DRAKE –  Photo is at Motuoapa. Not previously seen at Taupo, so she is either coming or simply passing through.

03-10-2025 UPDATE ex Jay Brosnahan (Jays Towing & Boat Haulage) has advised SUSIE BELLE is sitting on his transport trailer atm and she will be getting dropped into Motuoapa Marina (Taupo/Turangi) next week to live.

04-10-20225 update ex JAY BROSNAHAN – Haul Out

07-10-2025 Splash day at Motuoapa

BOATING THIS LABOUR WEEKEND – Join Us At Kawau Island 

Labour Weekend (Oct 24>27) is fast approaching so time to lock away cruising plans. After the success of last years inaugural Waitematawoodys Classic Boat Parade at the Kawau Boating Club Spring Splash Regatta weekend, WW is pleased to confirm that we are again partnering with KBC and the Ponsonby Cruising Club to make the holiday weekend extra special.

We encourage all skippers to take part in the weekend – whether entering your yacht in the weekends races or cruising to Kawau to enjoy the Island / KBC vibes.

The Waitematawoodys  Classic Boat Parade will take place on Sunday 26th with a start time of 11am off the KBC clubhouse jetty. As with all things WW related we make it easy eg no entry paperwork, just rock up on the day. Link to 2024 WW event here  – https://waitematawoodys.com/2024/10/29/kawau-island-spring-splash-regatta-review-70-classic-wooden-boating-photos/

If you haven’t visited the KBC in recent years you’re in for a treat, it is truely a stunning waterfront venue with hospitality + food and beverages unmatched in NZ.

Full weekend details in the downloadable PDF file below, which includes the entry (free) form for the sailing events.