Author Archives: Alan Houghton - waitematawoodys.com founder

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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.

Caprice c.1953

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Caprice out at Silver Bay Caprice

Caprice c.1953, under way, photo taken from the launch Waitangi. Owned by Roger Guthrie’s family. Second photo is of Caprice hauled out at Silver Bay, Waiheke Island for antifouling. The little guy in the photo is Roger Guthrie.

 

Atalanta (Rotoiti)

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ROTOITI (Atlanta)

ATALANTA  (Rotoiti)

Unsure of builder, approx. 40 ft . When Ken Ricketts first saw her in 1946-47 she was called Rotoiti & owned by a Larry Johnston owner of Johnston Blue Motors the airport transport bus service providers for Auckland & she was called the ROTOITI. He owned her from at least the mid 40s through to the 50s, he recalls she had a 6 cyl Kermath petrol engine. Kept in quite good condition & used fairly regularly.

Her original, “real” name, was ATLANTA, & it was not until Ken came in contact with her again many years later, in the 1980s, that he was told by the then owner, that they had removed all the old paint from the hull during a refurbishment, & discovered “ATLANTA” carved in to the tuck, in big letters about 1/2 inch deep. Unsure who changed it, or when the name was changed, but he feels by the look of her, she was probably built between 1933 & 1937, & it was probably changed in the later 30s or early 40s. Ken is pleased to say that the last time he saw her she was ATLANTA

Rotui

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Rotui

ROTUI

A Chris Craft, built circa 1938, 32 -33 ft originally had a Ford V8 petrol engine which is sure to have been changed to a diesel by now, & belonged to Alec & Linda Walker who lived in Landscape Rd Mt Eden & owned Regal Fashions in Karangpape Rd. They were a lovely friendly couple & owned her until the mid 50s. After they sold her, she diappeared off the radar. Ken Ricketts would love to know what ‘so happened to her. If anyone can help email kenpat@ihug.co.nz

Reremoana

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Reremoana

REREMOANA

We know very little about her, except that she is another example of the Couldry excellence of design & build, circa 1936-38 lived in Westhaven in the 40s & early 50s right next to Tiromoana,
Ken Ricketts took this pic c.1948

Last saw her a few months ago, entering Gulf Harbour, sadly the lovely varnish has gone — not looking outstanding, but still recognisable.

REREMOANA-2 11-10-13 REREMOANA-1 11-10-13

Update 12/10/2013 – Colour photos ex Ken Ricketts, on-the- hard at Gulf Harbour. It upsets me when I see what ‘enhancements’ can do to a beautiful design……………. 😦  AH.

Update 26/06/2013 Launch Day photo ex Papers Past ex Harold Kidd referral.

A rare photo of Reremoana below as launched in November 1938, as a 28 footer, prior to being lengthened by 6′ & having a wheelhouse & raised top added by Lanes in September 1939.
Read the comments section, lots more info there.

I have to say, these Couldrey launches are starting to grow on me 🙂

Launch day Nov 1938

12-01-2016 Photos below of her at Te Atatu Boating Club yard

07-08-2017 Photos below re-launched at TBC

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Sept 2017 Out again at Te Atatu – photos ex Ken Rickets

Rosalind

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Rosalind

ROSALIND

Pic courtesy Harold Kidd. Built in the early 1900s, Ken Ricketts knew this boat from 1946 to mid 1950s she lived in Judges Bay, by the groin just under the bridge right next door to his late fathers boat JULIANA. She was owned by an Oliver Brett accountant of Parnell, & had had the hull built up to a flared bow, probably in the1930s (a la MAVIS B) had a Redwing 6 cyl petrol engine & was hardly used disappeared off the radar after that would like any news.

Tainui

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Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 2.09.27 PM Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 10.39.03 AM Tainui Jan 09

TAINUI
Designed by Eldredge-McInnis in the USA (original design / lines above), built in NZ c.1960 with kauri planking on oak rib. Originally powered by a Chrysler Crown engine. First owner possibly the Montgomery family in Nelson. Previous owners include CYA member Mark McLaughlin, Michael Cooper & before him CYA members Sue & Mark Edmonds.
 
Info supplied by Mark Edmonds

 

 

Jane

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Jane

JANE

Built by Collings & Bell 1913. Hull shaped similar to the old whale chasers so she cuts a fine track thru the water. Any more details would be appreciated.

Currently for sale on trademe
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/auction-581375297.htm

Rehia

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REHIA.
A Colin Wild classic, built in 1938, & owned by Bill & Phyl Ryan of owners of H.J. Ryan Ltd ,manufacturing engineers, who lived in Hillsborough, & owned her for many years from about 1945. She was very much a part of Ken Ricketts life in the mid 40s & 50s & he was on her on many acasions — Bill & Phyl had 2 sons, Bob, & Jeff, who were his age & we were great mates.
REHAI had a 6 cyl flat head Buda petrol engine, circa 100 hp for very many years, which had an American, “Bendix,” gearbox & throttle control system, with just 2 tiny levers, — very rare in those days. She was always impecably kept & used regularly. Eventually the Buda was replaced with a 6 cyl Ford Diesel which she still has. She was sold by the Ryan estate on his death in the later 70s earlier 80s.
She is still absolutley original, & has never been “fiddled with,” & when last seen in Whakatakataka Bay a year or 2 go she was still “a picture of health & beauty”.
Story by Ken Ricketts, photo by Ken & Alan Houghton