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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.

Is There Money To Be Made In The Classic Wooden Boat Industry

Is There Money To Be Made In The Classic Wooden Boat Industry

Short answer yes – if you are good, own a railway slipway and fair in your costs.

The Slipway Milford smoko room wall of honour is a good indication of the woodys that have been for a ride on the Slipway railway 🙂

Would make a good quiz – ID’ing the boats but too busy / lazy doing nothing in a bay at the moment.

SPRAT – Workshop Update

SPRAT – Workshop Update

The 28’ David Bedham designed spirit of tradition launch that we featured on WW back in November 2023, link below  it nearing completion at the Slipway yard in Milford.

Will be a very smart and fast addition to the Waitemata Harbour, were her intended use is as a fast island commuter.

Looking forward to the sea trial report after the addition of a very smooth and quiet Yamaha 4-stroke o/board.                https://waitematawoodys.com/2023/11/18/sprat-spirit-of-tradition-orakei-hardstand-good-news/

2024 THE YEAR TO BUY YOUR CLASSIC WOODEN BOAT

2024 THE YEAR TO BUY YOUR CLASSIC WOODEN BOAT

I hope you all survived New Years eve, these days its always a struggle to last to midnight 🙂

I’ll make a new year prediction – 2024 will be least expensive time to buy a classic wooden boat for the next 5+ years. Prices were very deflated thur-out 2023 but they won’t stay like that – so if a classic craft is something you have on the bucket list – check out the link below. There are others that for privacy reasons do not appear on the list so if you are or are going to be in the market in 2024, let us know.               https://waitematawoodys.com/2020/10/16/buying-or-selling-a-classic-boat/

KAWAU BOATING CLUB – OPEN FOR BUSINESS

KAWAU BOATING CLUB – OPEN FOR BUSINESS

If the weather gods have been nice to me I’ll be in residence at KBC tonight- checked out the photos above of the recent (winter of 2023) refurbishment – the club / bar is looking its best ever. Big shout out to everyone involved.

BUT – these things come at a cost – so if you are cruising about Kawau _

1. Call in for a fizzy drink and /or meal – all welcome

2. Consider joining the club while you are there – we need your support.

Happy New Year Woodys 🙂

UPDATE – Dinner was very good. Scallops & Salad and the kiwi classic- fish & chips

HAZEL MAY – Update

HAZEL MAY – Update

The launch – Hazel May last appeared on WW back in Dec 2015, link below, lots of intel and photos there.

Today thanks to some dockside (Nelson marina) mooching we get a better look at Hazel May.

Quick overview ex Geoff Brebner – built c.1920, probably by T le Huquet.

CLICK ON THE YELLOW BANNER BELOW FOR TIPS ON NAVIGATING THE WW SITE

WEKA – 1

WEKA – 1

Woody Murry Deeble sent in the above photo of the workboat – Weka-1, that he spotted on his xmas/ny migration north. 

We have previously learnt from a Lew Redwood post that in a past life she was a cray-boat > snapper longliner working out of KAWAU ISLAND.

Previous owners have included Wilf Tech and Gordon Johnson.

Photos below ex Lew’s fb

A very smart, well proportioned workboat, you dont see many of those 🙂

MV GUNNER Update

MV GUNNER Update

The Lanes (Picton) built launch Gunner last appeared on WW in April 2021  https://waitematawoodys.com/2021/04/20/help-needed-iding-gunner-woody-involved-in-collusion-sinks/

On a recent mooch around Bayswater marina I spotted her looking rather smart – some one has spread some TLC on her – a very salty looking small ship, the canoe stern making her near perfect.

Photo below ex K Ricketts taken during her period doing survey work

A COOL WOODY BUSINESS CARD

A COOL WOODY BUSINESS CARD

Any boatbuilder that had a tool chest like the above you would have to feel confident having them working on your boat 🙂 I spotted the crest recently at Leader Boat Builders in Panmure. I’m sure a reader will comment on who the owner is.

Three Of Our Best Classic Wooden Launches 

Three Of Our Best Classic Wooden Launches 

Post the Slipway Milford’s year end bbq the yard kicked into gear as three of our finest classic launches arrived / left the creek – Gay Dawn (ex MCC Slip) after a Jason Prew Paint Job, Tasman after some TLC – or as Russell Ward says – in for a shave and some war paint. Then Rehia also for a shave and a very fast head replacement . Not often we see three lookers in one spot. 

Talking of spots, check out the photo below – someone really needed a pair of disposable overalls 🙂

Way too much eating yesterday, but we never learn.Santa did find me, but i now need a bigger boat.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

MERRY CHRISTMAS – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Wishing you and your family all the best for 2024. If your are afloat – safe boating and remember to email in any woody photos.

JOHN STREET RIP – sad to learn of the passing last week of John Street- one of the leading visionaries and supporters of New Zealand’s maritime scene. There wasn’t many boating activities that John had not rubbed up against.