CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH MENAI RELAUNCHED

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CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH MENAI RELAUNCHED

Over the last 2months WW has been following  the 38’ 1937 Sam Ford built classic wooden launch – MENAI as she has been continuing her rolling restoration.

Very likely one of the longest projects since she changed hands in 2021. Her latest owner has continued righting the deferred maintenance and when she slid down the railway slipway at The Slipway Milford yesterday, MENAI was looking very smart. Probably her best in the last ten years.

Lots of discussion re whether the bow and side rails are reinstalled – owner and myself say yes, Milford crew say no.Time will tell. Photos below of her with and without rails fitted.

Lets put it to the vote below 👍 = no rails – 👎 = refit rails

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6 thoughts on “CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH MENAI RELAUNCHED”

  1. Safer with rails even though they were not OE back when she was built.

    Great to see Menai being well cared for. She was built for my father William Reynolds. She was operated on coastal patrol for the Navy by him during WW2 and was one of the first craft to respond after the RMS Niagara sank after hitting a German Mine. Towed some lifeboats into the Whangarei Harbour.

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  2. If Arnold Baldin, Horry Whimp, & Clive Menzies who owned her in the 1940s/60s, were looking down, they would not believe what has happened to the boat they all loved & looked after, but it was nothing like the beauty she has become today – she is absolutely stunning. (But better with the handrails)KEN R

    This comment has been condensed and edited for clarity. Alan H

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  3. Sort of saddened that the modern -convenienly set and then stowed- anchors necessitate an elongated spare man to stow. Remember how the ole fisherman used to stow neatly at the stemmed (and so did the plough for that matter.) That spare-man must add another foot or two to the WL on the marina fees.

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  4. Can’t seem to caste my rail vote. But YES – much better with those superior rails as in photo two.

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  5. Darker varnish looks great,,refit the hand rails,,,,I am a previous owner of Lady Karita Brian Simpkins

    Brian Simpkins Autos – +6421 932 757

    On Tue, 20 Oct 2026 at 00:14, waitematawoodys.com #1 for classic wooden

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  6. Yep. No doubt. A lovely boat. Always wondered why anyone would put an eggbeater on those Sam Ford boats. With that cut away skeg down aft, they would kick around beautifully and were most handy in a tight spot. And quieter.

    I watched her doing her antics way back when I was a kid and we were on the grid by the AMYC in the early ’60s. They skidded her round this way and that, put her in backwards and fore -obviously getting the hang of berthing her, I think she might have had a Ford V8 back then….. (if you want to procreate, you’re far better off in a Ford V8…..

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