Category Archives: 35′

ABANDONED MYSTERY WOODEN LAUNCH – IDOLON

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ABANDONED MYSTERY WOODEN LAUNCH  – IDOLON

Todays wooden launch photo comes to us from John Dawson , who spotted it on the NZ Cars, Boats, Motor bikes ….. fb page.John commented that Mitchell Hutchings had commented he took the photo but could not recall the date or location, but suspected maybe the Coromandel . 

I also have a suspicion that it may have made an appearance on WW before, but the lack of intel hinders a WW search.

Anyone able to shed some light on the photo .

INPUT ex GREG PHILPOTT – The boat is IDOLON. Built by Francis Arlidge in Russell for Brian Baker. She was about 38ft and powered by a Chrysler 6 petrol. Photo was taken in Russell.

UPDATE – Appeared on WW on March 2024 https://waitematawoodys.com/2024/03/07/idolon-where-is-she/

A SPIRIT OF TRADITION CLASSIC LAUNCH – FAULTLESSLY PRESENTED 4SALE

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A SPIRIT OF TRADITION CLASSIC LAUNCH – FAULTLESSLY PRESENTED 4SALE

If you used the WW search panel you would not find many Pelin Empress motor launches on WW, but there would be more than you would find Vindexs 🙂

Todays 35′ launch, ELYSIUM fits very comfortably into the Spirit of Tradition category.

Built in 1980, 10.6m in length and powered by a 225hp Ford Lehman SP225 turbo diesel engine.

Her owner, a good friend, has ELYSIUM for sale along with her Gulf Harbour marina (note – marina not for sale separately)

The sale is brought about due to health reasons, always sad for an owner but more often, a buyer gets a better boat i.e. most boats sell at the end of an ownership period and their condition reflects deferred maintenance.

There is a tongue-in-cheek saying amongst trades people that goes like this – “the builder has the worst maintained house in the street” – well ULYSIUM’s owner is a marine engineer and he destroys the saying. In terms systems, fittings and maintenance you would struggle to find a better boat. I do not have the room on the page to narrate her extensive fit out. To see and read more go to her trademe listing https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/boats-marine/motorboats/listing/6173940295

HAD A WEE OOPS YESTERDAY – NEED MORE COFFEE

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HAD A WEE OOPS YESTERDAY

I HIT THE WRONG KEY RE WHEN TODAYS STORY WAS SCHDULED TO APPEAR – SO YESTERDAY YOU GOT 2 IN ONE DAY.

SO FOR THOSE THAT MISSED THE SECOND STORY – 2 OPTIONS 

1. CLICK HERE https://waitematawoodys.com/2026/10/13/classic-wooden-launch-kalamere-uncovering-her-story/

2. JUST SCROLL DOWN 🙂

And for those that can’t be bothereddoing either – sit back and have a coffee

THERE ALWAYS HAS TO BE A WOODY PHOTO – From memory I think Nathan Herbert took this one of RAINDANCE on route to the Riverhead Tavern. But Jason Prew commented I must be wrong as NH would never be out in those conditions 🙂

RAINDANCE

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH OM0KOROA RE-LAUNCHED

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CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH OM0KOROA RE-LAUNCHED

During the week WW was contacted by Lyndon Chambers the owner of the 36’ classic wooden launch – OMOKOROA, which was re-launched on September 8th. after a 3 year 7mth refit. The woody has appeared numerous times on WW and probably holds the record for the most name changes in her 106 year history –  PHENELLA > WANGANELLA > KOTUKU > OMOKOROA. She was hauled out and relaunched at the Shelly Park Cruising Club in East Auckland.

Links below to the the most recent WW stories, whereto can read about her former times.

April 2024. https://waitematawoodys.com/2024/04/25/omokoroa-april-2024-update/

June 2024 https://waitematawoodys.com/2024/06/20/om0koroa-phenella-wanganella-kotuku-omokoroa/

The b/w photo below is from c.1950’s.

CLASSIC 1914 WOODEN LAUNCH – MAKORA 

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CLASSIC 1914 WOODEN LAUNCH – MAKORA 

The classic launch MAKORA made an a appearance on WW back in Dec 2024, thanks to a 4sale listing. There was a lot of intel at the time but thanks to Harold Kidd we learnt that MAKORA was built by in 1914 Chas Bailey Jr in 1914 for Fred Alison of the Devonport Steam Ferry Co.

Her original power was twin 9hp Andersons (Christchurch built) for which Bailey was the Auckland agent. These days she is powered by a 40hp, 3 cyl. Fordson Dexter engine that gets her along nicely at 7 knots at 1600rpm.Her specs are 35’x9’6″x4′.

Link to 2024 WW story here https://waitematawoodys.com/2024/12/17/classic-1916-wooden-craft-makora/

Todays photos of MAKORA where sent in one of my woody spotters and we see her hauled out at DOCK5 for some TLC.
Keen to learn if she changed hands in 2024 and where she has been since.

SPIRIT OF TRADITION LIONEL JEFCOAT WOODY

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SPIRIT OF TRADITION LIONEL JEFCOAT WOODY

During the week WW was contacted by John Spooner concerning his 35′ yacht – GLOWWORM. Built in 1971 by master boat builder Lionel Jefcoat to a Cox design.

As we can see from the photos GLOWWORM is a very salty looking vessel and wouldn’t be afraid of the odd blue water wave, probably GOOD THING GIVEN HER HOME PORT IS WELLINGTON.

Check out the stove, would be very cosy down below at anchor.

Do we know anything GLOWWORMS past.

CLASSIC MOTOR SAILER – ASTROLINDA + 4Sale

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CLASSIC MOTOR SAILER – ASTROLINDA  + 4Sale

Todays classic wooden motor-sailer ASTROLINDA has a magnificent provenance – designed by Athol Burns and built professionally by Morgan Boatbuilders  of Picton in 1966 (named MANUTAI when launched)                                                                                                Built of carvel construction, 34’6”, with kauri hull and decks, mahogany cabin sides and ply deck-head. Put simply an elegant classic with pedigree and class, she fully retains her original aura, character and pedigree. But at the same time, a careful integration of modern systems and technology ensures the very latest in comfort – auto pilot, cabin heater, furling headsail, hot shower, + extensive systems upgrade, sleeps 4>5.

ASTROLINDA has benefited from a succession of caring owners that have all maintained her in consistently exceptional condition.

 Her current owners have enjoyed her for approx. 10 years, during this period they have undertaken the following projects – (overview only) –

• Powered by a Ford 80hp 4 cylinder diesel engine – fully reconditioned • New fuel lift pump, new starter motor, new alternator, reconditioned raw water pump • New Maxwell RC10 anchor winch installed with remote control • New 12 volt batteries installed • Mast removed and all rigging stripped off > mast paint stripped/sanded and repainted with 8 coats of paint, halyard winch fitted > mast fitted with new wiring and new riding  and steaming lights plus new deck floodlights. Rigging checked, reassembled and mast reinstated • New Simrad  radar + chart plotter/sounder + / VHF (AIS capable) installed  • New 1 KW transducer installed • New 12/230 volt fridge fitted • New 80 m x 10mm galvanised anchor chain  fitted • New gas detector and electric solenoid safety on/off valve installed

ASTROLINDA is a practical classic motorsailer that is fun to use and with the use of low maintenance materials is easy to maintain.  An inspection will showcase the quality of materials, construction and craftsman ship evident throughout and attest to the fact she has been well loved and cared for by her owners, past and present.

Now offered for sale to the next generation of cruising sailors and their families. ASTROLINDA should be a must-see for anyone in the market for a well-maintained, classic sailing yacht on which to have their own adventures, whether that be as a floating bach in the Picton or relocated to the northern cruising grounds.Interest parties wanting to learn more about ASTROLINDA to initially contact waitematawoodys@gmail.com

Possibly when launched

Click images below to enlarge

CAN WE PUT A NAME ON THIS CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – SAGA

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CAN WE PUT A NAME ON THIS CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – SAGA

Today’s woody has us scratching our heads — can anyone put a name to this classic?

We’re told she was built in 1946 by Bailey with a kauri hull, and measures 35’. Power comes from a 146hp Perkins T6354 diesel.

A recent appearance on tme — thanks Ian McDonald for spotting her — suggests she has benefited from a number of systems upgrades and maintenance work in recent times.

At under 15k, she could represent a very affordable ticket into the world of classic wooden boating.

If you recognise the boat or know anything about her history, drop a note in the WW comments section. Home is Opua, Northland.

INPUT ex NATHAN HERBERT – her name is SAGA https://waitematawoodys.com/2022/11/06/saga-a-peek-down-below/

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH STERLING GIRL RISES IN PRICE

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CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH STERLING GIRL RISES IN PRICE 

It seems the southern woodys haven’t quite received the memo about the classic wooden boat market reset.

Back in 2018, while wandering the Picton waterfront, I had to be practically dragged away from the 1913 bridge-decker STERLING GIRL.

Back then, she ticked just about every box for me — 35 feet, Bailey & Lowe, ex-workboat, a wood fire and, best of all, a Ford Model T steering wheel/helm. (Yes, I know… I’m shallow.)

And in my eyes – absolutely drop-dead gorgeous.

At the time, STERLING GIRL was priced at 26k, which seemed pretty fair value. Fast-forward seven years and she’s apparently still looking for a new custodian — but the asking price has risen to 29k

Perhaps she has been re-powered or received some serious TLC along the way. Or perhaps there’s simply now a broker involved and a commission to accommodate…

The real challenge may simply be geography. For a northern-based woody enthusiast, getting STERLING GIRL relocated could add a significant chunk to the purchase price.

Seven years later, I still think she’s a stunner.

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – PRINCESS

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CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – PRINCESS

Today woodys our classic wooden launch is named PRINCESS and we know little about her other than in November 1911 she won the RNZ Yacht Squadron race to Matiatia, Waiheke Island.          

The top photo appeared in the December 30th 1911 issue of The NZ Yachtsman magazine.

The other photos ex the Auckland maritime museum via Lew Redwood were probably taken by a Robert Stewart and were in an envelope marked ‘Princess? / Sceptre’.

Can we confirm her name and learn more about her.

HAROLD KIDD INPUT – Bailey & Lowe built PRINCESS in December 1910 for themselves (Walter Bailey and Bill Lowe) as a showpiece for their firm. She was 35ft loa and had a Sterling 18/25hp engine for which they were the agents. PRINCESS was the model for their 35’x8’x 3’6″ tuck stern single skin launches that found their ultimate version in the raised-foredeck ROMANCE II. They sold her to Dr H D MacKenzie in 1916 She was later VANESSA and KAIPARA PRINCESS. and was derelict in 2012 on TradeMe.