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CLASSIC LAUNCH – FREYA – A Peek Down Below

Launch FREYA was built in 1963 is sits on the fence between a classic and spirit of tradition.

It has been commented that she is a ‘Banshee’ design (but shortened to 30’) from the yard of Alan Williams in Milford, Auckland.

30’ in length and powered by a 60hp Ford Parsons engine ( I suspect the word Parsons refers to the gearbox). Home is Nelson, South Island.

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terry on June 20, 2026 at 5:22 pm said:

She is a Allan Williams. I think she was built for the Blundell family and I thought she was 28ft long.The first Banshee was 30 1/2 ft and the 2nd was 32 ft

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KEN RICKETTS on June 20, 2026 at 1:24 pm said:

The only thing that confuses me is he rake ion the stem of this boat, which is not the norm., for the Shipbuilders kitsets. KEN R

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Alan Sexton on June 20, 2026 at 9:17 am said:

Parsons were indeed an engine mariniser

https://parsonsmathwaymarine.co.uk/parsons_engines.htm

Paragon were the gearbox suppliers.

Definitely a Banshee, Allen Williams built these in various lengths

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Alan Houghton - waitematawoodys.com founder on June 20, 2026 at 7:35 am said:

ex Ken Ricketts – Yes, I think that almost certainly the engine itself is a home conversion, & also in my experience, it’s nothing like any Parsons Ford conversion I’ve ever seen, & also, in my view, she is probably one of the many Shipbuilders kitset series of boats that were between 28 & 34 feet that were all built in the 1960s

The bow portholes were obviously fitted after launching as they are not in all the images– KEN R

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