CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – NAUTILUS 

Todays woody story is based on a note received from Stuart Junge, an ex classic yachtie who previously owned the 26’ Bailey Jnr. built classic yacht – LEXIA.

These days Stuart is a volunteer at Auckland maritime museum and along with several others skippers the 1913 classic launch – NAUTILUS  that operates out of the museum. 

Stuart has some concerns about the (his words) ’tales told of the vessel’. 

Now NAUTILUS has made many appearances and WW generated debate around her history. I have included below a past comment from marine historian Harold Kidd, who is the fountain of knowledge in your wooden boating community. My rule is unless there is rock solid proof of an opposing view – HDK is the single source of truth 🙂 

I have published Stuarts questions below – can we shed some light on her past and let Stuart sleep easier at night. 

• • What engine was she originally fitted with? 
• • Was she steered from the cockpit prior to the high cabin being installed?
• • Why was she lengthened, and by whom?
• • What was the period of service on the Diamond Harbour run?
• • When and why was the cabin deck-head raised?
• • I am led to believe she never carried wounded soldiers, only hospital ship staff. True or false?