Author Archives: Alan Houghton - waitematawoodys.com founder

Unknown's avatar

About Alan Houghton - waitematawoodys.com founder

What is Waitemata Woodys all about? We provide a meeting point for owners and devotees of classic wooden boat. We seek to capture the growing interest in old wooden boats and to encourage and bring together all those friendly people who are interested in the preservation of classic wooden vessels for whatever reason, be it their own lifestyle, passion for old boats or just their view of the world. We encourage the exchange of knowledge about the care and restoration of these old boats, and we facilitate gatherings of classic wooden boats via working together with traditionally-minded clubs and associations. Are you a Waitemata Woody? The Waitemata Woodies blog provides a virtual meeting point for lovers of classic and traditional wooden boats.
 If you are interested in our interests and activities become a follower to this blog. The Vessels Featured The boats on display here (yes there are some yachts included, some are just to drop dead stunning to over look) require patrons, people devoted to their care and up keep, financially and emotionally . The owners of these boats understand the importance of owning, restoring and keeping a part of the golden age of Kiwi boating alive. The boats are true Kiwi treasure to be preserved and appreciated.

What’s Happening With The Percy Vos Shed?

Posted on by
6

Screen Shot 2018-07-14 at 7.25.08 AM

What’s Happening With The Percy Vos Shed?

If I had $20 for ever time I have been asked that question, I’d be buying the Ngapipi Rd boat shed that appeared on WW yesterday.
It would be an understatement to say that the shed is a project that has had a few false starts, in fact a well known waterfront identity is on record as saying he would walk naked up Queen St if it was ever completed. In fairness to them – I think they were referring to it being a working classic wooden boat yard.
So woodys I was a little relieved the other day to come across an article by Vicki Holder on the Ray White weblog, its dated February 2018 so hopefully what was reported is still on track.
I was even more upbeat when I saw name Rod Marler popping up early in the article – Rod is one of good guys, calls a spade a spade & does what he says he will. The man comes to us from an impeccable yachting bloodline, with his family having owned one of our finest classic yachts – the 1905 Arch Logan – Rawhiti. Rod himself has owned & raced the 1934 Arch Logan designed yacht – Little Jim & these days skippers one of the smartest classic motor launches on the Waitemata. An ex chairman of the NZ Classic Yacht Association & a true waitematawoodys fan (see photo below).
Nine to Five (more like 7>7) Rod is director of design & place at Panuku Development, now that is a fancy sounding title & I can hear going “whats he actually do?” – well the answer is a hell of a lot, lets just say that if it involves Auckland’s waterfront, Rod will have rubbed up against it.
Back to the Vos shed, owned by Panuku – now one person can’t deliver a project the size of the Vos Shed but Marler has what it takes to pull together the many interested parties & funding streams to make it happen – there is talk about a summer of 2019 completion date, fingers crossed that this time it happens – I’m sure at some stage there will be the opportunity to contribute to the funding, I’ll let you know when.
Read the article at the link below + some great photos.
Woody, Baden Pascoe has published a great book, titled ‘Launching Dreams – Percy Vos & His Boys, its a must have / read if you are a true waitematawoody. Check it out here   https://waitematawoodys.com/2013/11/20/percy-vos-the-boats-his-boys/ . I think you can still buy copies – Baden can you confirm & if so – where & how?
IMG_1094

New Home for Waitematawoodys

Posted on by
5

Screen Shot 2018-07-13 at 2.49.12 PM

New Home for Waitematawoodys

Yeah right, first I need to find a spare $1million (diary note- buy Lotto ticket)
On ww before we have had a peak inside some of the boat sheds on Ngapipi Road, Orakei, tall very nice but all very practical, but OMG this one has to be the ultimate boys shed.
And oops I forgot to say – there is a classic Hacker Craft included in the price, see below.
(thanks to Peter Loughlin for the trademe listing heads up)
Screen Shot 2018-07-13 at 2.47.33 PM
Screen Shot 2018-07-13 at 2.47.45 PM

A Spirit of Tradition Woody

Posted on by
3

Screen Shot 2018-07-13 at 3.15.37 pm

 

Screen Shot 2018-07-13 at 3.16.57 pm

A Spirit of Tradition Woody

The above launch was built in 1983 but looks 50 years older, so she makes the cut on WW. Her trademe listing (thanks Ian McDonald) describes her as a 37’ Jorgenson Quicksley launch, with a beam of 10’7” & draft of 4’3’.

Hull construction is 1 3/8” kauri plank and the zoom zoom comes from a 100hp GM Detroit diesel.

Home port is Nelson so she comes with all the fruit, including the mandatory diesel heater 😉 Anyone able to put a name to the launch?

Input from John Wicks – Cna’t for the life of me remember her name, but Jorgensens built her for one Cdr. “Sankey” Critchley who lived just outside Blenheim and had a bach at a bay known as Longbeach in the Grove Arm of Queen Charlotte Sound.
Cdr Critchley had previously owned the Albert Strange yawl “Sheila II” which he bought from Adrian Hayter after the latter had sailed her out from the UK.

Anyone Looking For A  Winter Project?

I have been contacted by Mike Renner who inherited a pond yacht (photos below) from his father, who died over 50 years ago.  It’s 1.2 metres long & Mike suspect it belonged to his grandfather.  It’s been hanging in the garage for years and it needs a new home.

 Mike’s grandfather and father were very keen boaties.  His grandfather owned several yachts, including ‘Rogue’, and at one stage owned 32 parts in ‘Waitangi’.  He migrated to launches in later years, including Zane Grey’s ‘Otehei’.
Mike commented that the hull looks is good order & there is a mast included.
So Woodys – it would be a shame for it not to have another life somewhere? Mike can be contacted at  mike@merel.co.nz
 
Ps – looking at the photos I was relieved to see a good stack of firewood in the background 😉
014

 

20-07-2018 Update – I understand the model has found a new home with Greg Lees at his boatyard – I look forward to seeing it finished 🙂

 

 

Wellington Whale Spotting on A Woody

Posted on by
2

36667903_10156006636558171_8096534371147710464_o

 

36645598_10156006636943171_4927994640197484544_o

 

 

Wellington Whale Spotting on A Woody
I’m sure most of you will have seen the TV coverage of the Southern Right whale – nick named Matariki thats decided to adopt the Wellington Harbour as its new home.
The Uivel family, owners of the stunning 1928, Joe Slattery built, now Wellington based woody – Mataroa, ventured out last week for a peek, never expecting the close encounter they got, seems the whale likes woodys.
Also included above are some nice shots of Mataroa in Clyde Quay boat harbour.
Photos ex the camera of Sue Dorrington & thanks to Rob Uivel for the on-board video and Bryan Saul for the Drone footage (link below)
You can view more photos of the re launch of Mataroa at the link below. Or just WW search the name, there is a lot of photos / info on her. Named Kenya, when launched.
Big tides yesterday – I suspect this old woody in the Milford Creek has had a few tides thru her 😉 See WW comments section for info on the yacht (named Ra Kesha) ex Geoff Brebner (heyday photo added below)
37042566_10216426510636340_5264957944377638912_n

Devonport Waterfront Woodys

Posted on by
5

IMG_1226

IMG_1228

Devonport Waterfront Woodys

Lurking around the ‘Devonport Locals facebook’ page the other day I came across these stunning b/w photos of Torpedo Bay on the eastern end of the waterfront, beneath North Head.
The top one is captioned 1893 residences of M. Murchie, Tailor, Garrybrook and Jeffery. Keen to ID the yachts hauled out, talk about VIP parking.
The 2nd photo shows a wide view of the bay, possibly 1925. These days a sea wall & numerous breakwaters have returned sand to the foreshore.
Correction – they transported sand from else where, the breakwaters have retained the sand, seem to recall the local tribe getting a little prickly about the sand coming from another area……………..

Input ex Harold Kidd

Malcolm Murchie’s (a tailor) house was “Lochiel” early address just “Beach Road, Devonport” later 59, then 60 King Edward Parade or just King’s Parade. I have been through the Directories looking for yachtsmen who may have parked their boats in front but failed to link any. My (highly tentative) guesses are (from left) Capt Parker’s rowing cutter VOLUNTEER which was used by the Naval Volunteers at Devonport, later with an engine, an early 2.5 rater GLORIANA? ROGUE? and LULU, the double-ender. Robin Elliott should chime in now.

PS I suppose the lkeel yacht could be the Jeffrey brothers’ KESTREL, but she wasn’t launched until December 1893 and they lived at Maraetai. However it is likely that she was kept in Torpedo Bay as she came ashore there in a blow in 1897 and Arch Buchanan (who lived a few doors to the left) looked after her. Come to think of it the boat could well have been one of Arch’s Logan-built boats, at this era the 5 rater ARIEL or slightly later the 5 rater YVONNE.

PPS Not ARIEL

The right hand yacht is MERRY DUCHESS and the date is nearer 1900.

 

Looking for a pulpit rail for your classic yacht?
I don’t normally do ‘bits for sale’ –  but the owner of the piece of bronze below – Andy Winter is a good guy & has helped a lot of woody owners out. So here goes – 1x bronze tube pulpit rail off Andy’s old Spencer Salient.  He is open to offers – details below:
Andy Winter c/o The Engine Room (9) 480 2248 or email: andy@theengineroom.co.nz
20180711_120634_resized

Korawai

Posted on by
7

Unknown-3

Unknown-5

Unknown-2

KORAWAI
Yesterday we ran a story on Jim Greenaway. Jim & wife Lesley owned Korawai in Tauranga from about 1973 to 1981 / 82.
Jim’s main trade was a cabinet maker but he was also a semi-pro boat builder and did a lot of work on Korawai – new galley, teak deck, etc. The family spent many weeks aboard her – including five weeks or so at a stretch every summer at Mercury Island.
Korawai was built by Owen Woolley in 1962 for a F. Niel of Bridge St, Panmure. She is a sister ship tp Taree. Previous owners include Beau Farrell. I photo below I took in January, 2010, anchored off Oneroa, Waiheke Island. (details ex Harold Kidd & Colin Pawson)
Do we know where she is now?
Screen Shot 2018-07-12 at 8.09.07 PM

The story of Jim Greenaway – A Rather Productive Kiwi Boatbuilder

Posted on by
1

KI 1

KI 2

KI 3

KI 4

KI 5

The story of Jim Greenaway – A Rather Productive Kiwi Boatbuilder

I was sent the profile of Jim Greenaway by his son Rob, who penned it. I recommend you read it, it’s a great read.
How I came to be sent the story is classic WW,  Rob was mooching around the web & found an old article I had done on the CYA forum (in the days b4 WW) on a launch named Korawai & Rob tracked me down.
Tomorrows WW story is on the launch. There will be some great photos dating back to the mid >late 1970’s, make sure you check it out.

Mystery Woodys at Kawau Island

Posted on by
5

Screen Shot 2018-07-07 at 3.18.47 PM

Mystery Woodys at Kawau Island

The caption on the above Tudor Collins photo, ex Auckland Museum (via Lew Redwood fb) states that the photo is dated 1936 & possibly / probably Mansion House Bay, Kawau Island.
Interested in ID’ing the closest launch to the shore. At first glance I thought Tasman, then Rehia but the shape & number of portholes is all wrong – what say the Woodys?
The dark hulled vessel behind, could be one of the early pilot boats – Ferro?
And any clever yachties able to ID the small yachts – mullet boats?
Input from Robin Elliott

NOT Mullet boats but 18-foot V-class. See endless posts and publications over the last 20 years (puts hobby horse back in stable)

From what I can make of the name on her transom, the light coloured hull looks to be Vaalele, V-78, built by Charlie Hardman to a Ralph Goodwin design in 1936.She was one of the four Auckland 18-footers that travelled to Sydney for the first World’s 18-footer championship in 1938. Charlie Hardman kept Vaalele until 1939 when he sold her to S.H. Bailey.

The darker boat is a bit later and looks to be quite new. She’s marconi rigged and could possibly be another Charlie Hardman / Ralph Goodwin boat, Vindex, V-35 built in 1939. Marconi rigs were not common in the V-class but by 1939 the more competitive yachtsmen were moving away from gaff.

From other photos I have seen, she was painted a dark colour, either black or royal blue and was marconi rigged. Vindex was laid up in 1940 and In 1944 he sold Vindex to Keith Atkinson who was working at Lidgards with Hardman.

If this is the case then that would date the photo to the summer of 1939/40, with the two Hardman boats cruising in company, and also explain the patriotic display of the Union Jack from the wharf,

15-07-2018 Update from Steve Pople (current owner)

Steve sent me the 2 b/w photos below (ex NZ Herald) of RF as launched – what a stunner, just about perfect from any angle. Steve confirmed Ken Rickets comments re being lengthened (by 6′). RF is currently in the very capable hands of Dave Patterson of Leader Boats in Pakuranga undergoing a total refit. I will updated the restoration story with new photos.

Royal Falcon 1934 Martin boat 1

Royal Falcon 1934 martin boat 2

ARGO – Mason Marine Clipper 26

Posted on by
Reply

 

image001

Clipper Argo 0

argo

ARGO – Mason Marine Clipper 26

In recent years there has been a resurgence in the restoration of the Mason Marine motor boats. Aside from being very smart craft, the ability to pop them on a trailer & take them home, cuts out the savage marina costs. Her owner has had her since 1993, in later years she was always a project to be completed but life got in the way.

Todays deep vee Clipper 26, Argo, & is for sale on trademe, she looks a little tired after sitting out in the weather for years but the bones are their. Her looks are deceiving. Her hull has been tapped her out and she sounds good. Internal wood work needs a lot of attention.

Although the Clippers originally never had a flying bridge, one was added with hydraulic steering top and bottom.
This boat comes with a 6.4 GMC Diesel motor (not converted) Volvo stern leg plus the standard bits and pieces that were on her originally.

The photos of her in her original glory are from Pete Miller’s web site. Got to love the photo from the “old times” checking for fuel leaks whilst the character n the background has his smoke.

Argo had a wide beam of 9’6” & interesting construction of strip plank cedar glassed on the exterior and ribs on the interior. Fuel consumption must have been fierce with twin 283cu inboards  originally, later replaced by a 440cu Magnum 4bbl and she had a third with a 440 cu Magnum with a 6 BBL carb. But then fuel was dirt cheap in those days.

So Woodys anyone looking for a project?

Mystery Launch 12-07-2018

Posted on by
2

36692316_2096435660678631_3820746702579564544_n

Mystery Launch 12-07-2018

Lots of stick & rag in the above photo, ex Lew Redwood fb, its dated Jan. 1948 & the caption reads ‘Trans Tasman Race’.
What interests me today is the name of the launch in the foreground of the photo – looks familiar with that unusual shaped, raised wheel house. Looks slightly automobile in design.
Who can ID her?