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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.

Endeavour

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EndevourDSCN1419Endeavour

Endeavour – during her Kaipara motor-sailor days – was owned by Jack Matich and used for commercial fishing on the Kaipara. Now back in the hands of her original owners the Beachman family & on the Waitemata Harbour. Photo ex Zach Matich. Newer photo sans sailing rig.

Vivyan

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Vivyan

Vivyan (Kaipara photo) -Designed by Jim Young built by Alan Williams for Jack Stanaway. In photo she was owned by Royce Powell, now owned by Eric Williams. Prettiest launch on the Kaipara in Zach Matich’s opinion. Photo ex Zach Matich

Menai

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Menai

Menai
When I was recently out at the NZ Traditional Boat Building School I spied this old (ish) photo on the wall of Menai, the 1936 Sam Ford designed launch, taken prior to the wonderful restoration by the late Peter Smith. While she looks very smart in this photo she was very sick down below. Another one thats on my bucket list.

Matatahi

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Matatahi

Matatahi Waikawa Marina c.1991

Matatahi Waikawa Marina c.1991.

Maristella

Maristella

MATATAHI

A typical example of Sam Fords work built c.1938. In the1940s & 50s she had 2 x 4 cyl Ford diesels with a single side exhaust on the starboard side with both engines going in to a single outlet. Photo taken c.1954 in Mansion House Bay, Kawau Island by Ken Ricketts. Photo quality poor as taken from a 8mm movie but had to include her as she is a lovely looking launch.
Another one that seems to have disappeared off the radar so if anyone can bring us up to date that would be great.

Lillian

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LILLIAN
Built c.1948 , originally named Lillian A,  a previous owner has dropped off the “A”.  She was owned for many years at Sandspit by an Ahuroa farmer called Peterson & had a fairly chequered life, having sunk at her moorings once because of the failure of some fitting. Lillian had a Kermath petrol engine later up to the 70s or 80s replaced by a Ford Diesel. Like so many her age, Lillian has had a lot of alterations through the years, she is however looking very lovely & a credit to her current owners.