Category Archives: 44′>50′

Ngapuhi (Waihou)

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NGAPUHI ( > WAIHOU)

DOES ANYONE KNOW A ROSS DIXON (or Michael Adams) previous owners of the launch Menai – if so could you ask that they contact me on waitematawoodys@gmail.com

Ngapuhi was built by Brian Lane in 1952-3 as a towing launch for Lane & Sons (Timber Millers) at their premises in Totara North, Whangaoa Harbour. Originally named Waihou. Purchased by Northland Port Corporation in 1963 her name was changed to Ngapuhi & she served as the pilot boat for the Whangarei Harbour Board for 35 years.

During 1983-4 an extensive refit was carried out when a larger aluminium wheelhouse was added. The original 2x GM471 engines were replaced with new 6LXB Gardners, propshaft angles modified, and larger rudders made to suit the new engine installations.

Has been in current ownership since 1998 during which time was chartered back to Northland Port until 2000 & kept in SSM survey for 16 passengers until late 2013 when the SSM regulations were changed.

While based in Whangaroa her owners have completed numerous trips to the Three Kings, Waitemata, Gt Barrier, & also used to view the racing the last time Team NZ hosted the America’s Cup in Auckland.

Details below:

Length 13.84m Beam 3.70m. Draft 1.07m. Reg tons 22.

Engines 2x 6LXBM52 Gardner 1984. Diesel Engines governed to 1500RPM, 127 HP continuous rating.

Gear boxes Twin Disk 1.45-1

Fuel Capacity 1400 litres Water capacity 200 litres

Max speed 11 knots at governed rpm. . Cruising speed 8-11 knots. . Fuel consumption approx. 25 l/h @ 11 knots, approx. 18 l/h @ 8 knots.

Hull construction. Carvel plank Kauri over laminated frames of 70x40mm @ 250mm centres.

Other features. Icom VHF, Furuno GPS plotter/sounder, walk in engine room with fan forced ventilation. F’ward and aft cabins, galley, separate toilet with holding tank, wash down pump, 2x sets of fixed manual & electric bilge pumps & other safety equipment to meet previous survey requirements. Currently 3-4 berths, easily expandable to 6-8.

Thanks to Ian McDonald for bring the tme listing to the attention of WW.

Classic Woody Weekend At Patio Bay – 60+ Classic Wooden Boat Photos

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The Big Winner On The Day – the Duder Family on Spray – 1st Across the Line
A visitor from Hawkes Bay

Classic Woody Weekend At Patio Bay – 60+ Classic Wooden Boat Photos


As you will have come to expect, the first weekend in December sees the CYA hosting the annual Patio Bay weekend, for some reason in recent years its morphed into a potpourri of events – these days its – the CYA Xmas party, a cake competition, a motor boat poker rally and what it always was – a yacht race down to the bay for a old school waterfront BBQ. A little busy these days but it seems to work 🙂

This year was the first visit since the ownership of the property changed hands from the Woolicott family (100+ years) to Mike Mahoney. It was comforting to hear Mike talk of their feature plans that include continuing the event.


New to the programme this year was a poker run rally for the CYA launches. Skippers collect a playing card from 5 collection on route and then play a round of poker ashore to determine the winner. The event was sponsored by The Slipway Milford. Winners below:

First Across The Line – Gay Dawn – Mark & Pricilla MacDuff – Burnsco voucher + wine

Poker Run Winner- Kumi – Hayden & Linda Afford – COMPLIMENTARY SLIPWAY MILFORD HAULOUT + 4L ANTIFOUL PAINT + WW T-SHIRT

Biggest Oops (involuntary swim) – Lucinda – Jason Davies – WW T-shirt

Shoddy Boat Handling Skills – Lucille – Alan Good (wife name withheld as she was innocent) WW T-shirt
A great time was had by all and special thanks must go to everyone that helps pull the weekend together. To me it always signals the start of summer boating.

Yacht Race Results https://classicyacht.org.nz/patio-bay-mark-foy-race-results-2020/


Mahurangi Cruising Club Year Book

Most WW readers will be very familiar with the annual Mahurangi Regatta – the biggest gathering of wooden boats in NZ. The MCC also put together a year book that is a one of the best boating reads each year and perfect for on the boat over xmas. So woodys, if your looking for a self present (always the best) or being asked what you want from the kids – at $20 for 108 pages it’s a steal.

Pre-order a copy here  ngairehopwood@gmail.com Or pick up a copy in store or on-line at BoatBooks

Luana + Patio Bay + Woody Calendar

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LUANA
Luana is a very special woody, in a lot of people eyes, the best looking afloat, sadly these days she calls the Bay of Islands home so we do not get to she in the flesh. Recently woody – Glenn Martin snapped the two yard photos above of Luana hauled out for some TLC at Opua – nice to see you are looking after my boat Rick 🙂 She has made numerous appearances on WW, just type her name in the search box to be wowed, but if you are lazy, this link will give you a gander. Enjoy. https://waitematawoodys.com/2013/04/22/luana/


Woody Weekend at Patio Bay – This Saturday – Be There


If classic wooden boats are part of your life, you will know the significance of the 1st weekend in December – its Patio Bay Weekend – the CYA celebrate the end of the year with yacht and launch racing down to Patio Bay, Waiheke Island. This year we also have a twist to the launch event – included is a ‘Poker Run’ – where entrants collect playing cards at 5 locations on route and later, ashore, play a game of cards to win cool prizes. Post racing, the real fun begins – the best old school boatie BBQ ever happens ashore. Probably 2nd only to Mahurangi Regatta weekend for the number of classic wooden boats anchored in a bay. Also back this years is the cake day competition – two prizes  – looks & taste. If you have just arrived from another plant – click this link to see last years gig.   https://waitematawoodys.com/2019/12/02/classic-wooden-boat-waiheke-island-party-50-woody-photos/

If racing is your thing – check out the CYA events calendar for details. https://classicyacht.org.nz/events/patio-bay-cake-day-race/
If you are a cruiser – just slide down to the bay anytime after 2pm-ish. The BBQ (everything BYO) normally kicks off around 4.30pm. BBQ’s for cooking available ashore. Note: to be eligible for the prizes you must be a paid up member of the CYA. If you are not, don’t let that stop you attending 😉

The Perfect Woody Stocking Stuffer

Every year the Lake Rotoiti Classic & Wooden Boat (Nth Is.) crew produce a very cool calendar showcasing some of the woodys that attended that years event – I have had a sneak peek at the 2021 edition and its very sharp + only $15 – a steal 🙂 Copies available here, but be quick, they sell out every year zea.rachel@gmail.com

Wooden Boat Yard Mooching

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Wooden Boat Yard Mooching
Hobsonville woody John Wicks sent me a bunch of photos yesterday from this home marina at Hobsonville. It reminded me that I had snapped a few myself on a recent visit, nice to see that the woodys had moved along and should be re-floating soon.First up the Athol Burns designed, Barney Daniels built – Taotane, which John commented – was being brought back from the almost dead. Then we see the very regal Lady Crossley, the 1947 Colin Wild motor-lunch, out of the shed after a lick of paint and varnish.Lastly above the 48’, 1948 Lidgard built Ranui , in for a paint job, and wearing my Wooden Boat Bureau cap – I have to remind you that she is for sale and ready for summer cruising. More details here

https://waitematawoodys.com/2019/07/08/ranui-a-peek-down-below/


Things are getting a tad posh at The Slipway Milford, when I hauled out the other day, instead of a ladder, a set of stairs was waiting for me – much appreciated 🙂

Haunui Restoration

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HAUNUI – RESTORATION
In between the CV-19 lock-downs one of Auckland’s most beautiful classic wooden motor launches changed ownership – the Colin Wild designed and built 1948 launch – Haunui was sold by Owen Cashmore. In a previous life Haunui was owned by Harry Julian. Haunui was almost immediately hauled out at a private yard and master wooden boat builder Paul Tingey was engaged to return Haunui to her glory days. I showed her new owners over her ‘cousin’- Trinidad and they accepted the challenge to equal her presentation. 

As can happen when dealing with 72 year old wooden artifacts, on close (pulling boards off) inspection the old girl had a few issues, so the decision was made to undertake a total refit, including engine. Haunui is single screw, but has a smaller auxiliary engine > shaft > prop on the starboard side. I believe an electric unit will replace the small diesel. The Gardner sadly is coming out, fyi – prior to going into Haunui, rumour is it came out of a Sydney Harbour > Manly ferry, so was very run in ;-). Her owner has told me they will restore the engine over time but the process involves utilizing a foundry that will have to custom cast the parts that are needed. In the meantime Haunui will receive a new heart transplant. 

As you can see from my photos above, the refit is on a rather grand scale, but Mr Tingey is the man for the job.
We will follow this project and keep you updated. As always, click on photos to enlarge 😉

The photos below are dated 2014, ex Rod Marler, and show Haunui hauled out at Orams yard in Westhaven. 

Woody Classics Weekend – Riverhead Tavern Lunch Cruise

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Woody Classics Weekend – Riverhead Tavern Lunch Cruise
Saturday night in Auckland was evil, rain, thunder and lightening – up and down several times during the night, each time thinking – Sundays woody cruise will be cancelled. But once again the weather gods smiled on us and half way up the river the sun came out and stayed out all day. Saturday nights weather scared a few boats off making the trip but most decided to join in via car.

A very pleasant afternoon was had in the Tavern’s Boathouse, which we had reserved for the group. Wonderful to catch up with everyone and to welcome several newbies to the group.Hats off the Jim and Karin Lott who made the trip up the river in their 38’ Stewart yacht – Mokoia. Make a note yachties – sub 2m draft and you are all good 😉

You will notice from the upper river photos that after all the rain, the water was very muddy – worst I have seen it – makes you wonder about all the farm land ‘converted’ to high density housing in the area. When we first started woody trips to the Tavern, most of the surrounding land was either forestry or pasture.


Took a detour on the way back into the viaduct, almost feel embarrassed asking the bridge control to raise the bridge for Raindance 🙂 , to check on the John Spencer / Classic Yacht & Launch gig at Kairanga Plaza, Wynyard Quarter – scored a VIP berth, thank you Tony Stevenson.Not as many photos as normal , for once I spent most of the afternoon chatting, special thanks to Chris Miller who grabbed my camera a few times and snapped some goodies.

WIN A COPY OF ‘THE JOHN SPENCER STORY’ 64 PAGE BOOKLET

All woodys that answer the following question correctly, go into the draw for a copy of the above – As always, entry ONLY VIA EMAIL to waitematawoodys@gmail.com

Q – “What was the longest yacht John Spencer designed and built”?

Entries close 8pm 09-11-2020

The Best of Colin Wild + Herreshoff Steam Launch

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The Best of Colin Wild + Herreshoff Steam Launch
The top two photos of the Brooke families 1927 Colin Wild launch – Linda comes to us via Mitchell Hutchings fb ex the Williamson Family Collection. Linda at the time was moored at Herald Island.

The bottom photo I took today of Wirihana tucked up in Chris McMullen’s shed for her winter TLC. Wirihana is another of Wild’s big motorboats, built in 1933.


It was great to see that CMcM’s Herreshoff steam launch (below) is coming along – engine installed 🙂

Wooden Boat Yard Visit – 50 Photos

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New Zealand Wooden Boat Yard Visit – 50 Photos

Yesterday afternoon, Auckland based woodys got to rub shoulders with an impressive collection of classic wooden boats at one of New Zealand’s leading wooden boat yards – the Peter Brookes ‘Brookes Boatbuilders’ complex in rural Waimauku, West Auckland. I have been privileged to visit numerous times but every visit is a treat, where else would you see over eight classic yachts and launches in varying stages of restorations.


I’ll let the photos tell the story, if I have a photo mixed up, let me know 🙂 – enjoy – remember as always if you click on the photos they will enlarge 😉


Amakura II – 1936 Colin Wild, 52’ Bridgedecker


Impala – 1960 Fife, Teak planking 


Matia A23 – 1939 Lidgard, 50’, triple skinned kauri


Kenya II – 1940 Lidgard, 50’, triple skinned kauri. Gardner 6LXB


Pilot Cutter – 50’ 


Kotiri – 1897 Logan


Ladye Wilma B26 – 1895 Logan Bros, 43’, triple skinned kauri


Katrina II K100 – 1944 Bob Stewart, K-Class

Beaulieu River Wooden Boat Gathering

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Beaulieu River Wooden Boat Gathering
Today we join the crew over at classic yachtTV when they attended the Beaulieu River Wooden Boat Association get-together at Buckler’s Hard, UK.

It is a great read with stunning photos and words from the very talented Emily Harris. Clicking on most photos will enlarge them. Enjoy 🙂
Hopefully a lot of you will be afloat today enjoying the public holiday.

LINK TO STORY HERE http://www.classicyacht.tv/journal/an-invitation-to-beaulieu?fbclid=IwAR0t3bb2r60BESnqE44izKexo6HXSu5mVDSIROjHFPGvmCAd59Q5J7DyZyU

CLASSIC WOODEN BOATS FOR SALE

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Buying or Selling a Classic Boat
Without sounding too much like the late Jacinda Ardern (“be kind”) – when people ask me about classic wooden boat ownership, I normally say that owning a woody has a positive effect on your life i.e. you end up forging a life you don’t need to escape from.

So woodys in the interest of your mental well being listed below a sample of some of the boats that are currently berthed at the virtual Wooden Boat Bureau Sales Marina. There are others for sale, some owners request privacy. To read more about the Wooden Boat Bureau – click https://waitematawoodys.com/2019/12/01/wooden-boat-bureau-advice-for-buyers-and-sellers/
The Wooden Boat Bureau is uniquely placed to offer impartial, up-to-date market information and objective advice to both sellers and buyers. So if you are looking for a wooden boat or considering selling – email us at waitematawoodys@gmail.com

Or call Alan Houghton 027 660 9999


SELECTION ONLY

NGARUNUI 🔻 48′ 1959 Jim Young- Asking Price TBA

Learn more – https://waitematawoodys.com/2025/12/08/classic-wooden-launch-ngarunui-a-peek-down-below-now-for-sale/

MARGARET ANNE 🔻 45′ 1960 Oliver & Gilpin – Asking Price TBA

Learn more – https://waitematawoodys.com/2025/11/10/classic-42-launch-margaret-anne-4sale/

WAIKARO🔻 33” 1978 Roy Parris – Asking price TBA

Learn more – https://waitematawoodys.com/2025/08/11/waikaro-exceptional-classic-wooden-boat/

VANESSA🔻 49′ 2005 Robbie Roberts – Asking price TBA

Learn more – https://waitematawoodys.com/2024/10/23/ready-to-unwind-this-summer-classic-motorboat-vanessa-ticks-all-the-boxes/

MANURERE🔻 43” 1937 Miller & Tunnage – Asking price $136,000

Learn more – https://waitematawoodys.com/2024/06/03/manurere-a-peek-down-below-4sale/

ROMANCE II🔻36′ 1919 Bailey & Lowe – Price by negotiation

Learn more https://waitematawoodys.com/2023/11/20/quick-classic-launch-4sale-romance-ii/

KURANGI🔻35′ 1960 Builder tbc- Asking Price – TBA

Learn more https://waitematawoodys.com/2023/10/06/kurangi-2/

ANTARES 🔻36′ 1949 McGeady / Supreme Craft – Asking Price – $55,000 $45,000

Learn more – email waitematawoodys@gmail.com

RESTLESS 🔻40′ 1920 Alden/Tercel – Asking price – TBA

Learn more https://waitematawoodys.com/2023/03/19/restless/

MAHANUI 🔻42′ 1977 T Atkinson – Asking Price – TBA

Learn more https://waitematawoodys.com/2022/10/28/mahanui-gets-a-refit-and-is-ofs/

ALLERGY🔻 58′ 1985 Denis Ganley / Pete Culler – Asking Price – $110,000

Learn more https://waitematawoodys.com/2022/10/21/allergy-aucklands-most-livable-woody/

TUAHINE 🔻 43′ 1957 Dickson

KIARIKI 🔻 40′ K CLASS, 1959 Designed by Jack (John) Brooke and built by John / Jack Logan and John Salthouse – Asking Price $60,000 Learn more https://waitematawoodys.com/2021/10/18/beautiful-classic-cruiser-racer/

TAWERA 🔻 >50′ 1935 Logan – Asking Price – on application Learn more https://waitematawoodys.com/2017/04/16/tawera-1935-logan-a18/

SOLD – Selection below, some names withheld at seller / buyer request:

ADONIS     45′ – Owen Woolley – 1965 launch

AROHANUI            48’ – Donovan/Hacker – 1965 launch

ATHENA     25′ c.1950 Couldrey launch

AWARIKI 32′ 1967 Owen Woolley launch

BALLERINA    28′ – Lidgard – 1951   launch 

BONDI BELLE 45′ 1901 CHARLES BAILEY JNR.

CAPLIN     35′ – Anderson & Sons (UK) 1937/8 -Gaff Yawl yacht

CASTAWAY            33’ – Dick Lang – 1947 launch

CENTAURUS         42’ – Bailey & Sons – 1967 launch

KAILUA                  36’ – Salthouse – 1960/1 launch

KOKORU               39’ – Jack Morgan – 1960 launch

KOTARE                 24’ – Kingfisher Boats – 1954 launch

LADY ADELAIDE    35’ – Dick Lang – 1922 launch

LADY PAMELA       59’ – Pelin Warrior – 1986 launch

MAHANUI               42’ – Keith Atkinson – 1977 launch

MANA-NUI 39′ 1913 Harvey & Lang

MATAROA 36′ Joe Slattery 1928 launch

MONTEREY 33’6” 1946 Lidgard bridge-decker launch

NGARO                   45’ – Lidgard – 1953 launch

PIRATE                    42’ – Leone Warne – 1938 launch

POCO LENTO         33’ – Roy Parris/Bagnall – 1979 launch

RANUI 48’ 1948 Lidgard

WAIKARO                33’ – Roy Parris/Bagnall – 1978 launch

WAIMIGA                 36’ – Robertson Boatbuilders – 1968 launch

SEA FEVER 34′ Salthouse – 1958 launch

SEQUOIA 36′ 1938 Lewis McLeod launch

SHALOM                  48’ – Keith Atkinson – 1973 launch

SILENS 38′ Harvey & Lang 1912 launch

TARANUI 36′ 1965 John Gladden Motor-salier