Category Archives: A Peek Down Below

The Story Of Ruapani

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THE STORY OF RUAPANI

Built in Wellington in 1929 by B.J.L. Jukes in Balaena Bay. Jukes had built in 1926 two sister ships – Vagabond and Nereides. Ruapani was commissioned by the NZ Govt Tourist Dept for use on Lake Waikaremoana, to carry passengers from Hopuruahine to the Lake House Hotel. 

When the hotel closed in 1965 she was sold to Peter Ash’s company – Waikaremoana Launch Services. Ash replaced the original 40hp Thornycroft petrol engine with a Perkins 84hp diesel and operated her on the lake for another 11 years.

In 1976 Ash sold Ruapani to her first private owner, Noel Tong, who sold her in 1984 to her present owner – Ken Menzies, that woodys is 38 years ago, very impressive.

Menzies initially kept her on the lake, but in 1990 trucked her to Evans Bay, Wellington (his new home). The move was a very lucky break for Ruapani as Menzies engaged well known Wellington boat designer – Bruce Askew to undertake a major rebuild / restoration of Ruapani. The work involved redesigning the above deck area to a style similar to Nereides, below deck the engine was shifted aft to accommodate two large cabins forward. The change to salt water necessitated upgrading a lot of her ‘hardware’ and the addition of freshwater tanks – life on the lake equaled a permanent supply of fresh water.

These days Ruapani is berthed in Picton Marina and is a wonderful boat for cruising the Marlborough Sounds. Ken Menzies commented that Ruapani was maintained very well by the original launch master Frank Smith and she remains in sound condition after 92 years.

The gallery of photos above date from when Ruapani was on Lake Waikaremoana in the early 1930s, thru to approx 2004. The top photo is a recent shot and perfectly shows what a magnificent woody Ruapani is. And a lucky woody to have had 38 years of continuous ownership at the hands of a devoted owner.

The photos were shared with us by Ken, and the details I have extracted for numerous WW comments and newspaper clipping.

A Helping Hand Needed

Alice Morrison is the owner of the classic woody launch – Taurima (WW link below) which is currently in Tauranga. Alice has been trying for months to move her to Whangaroa, or at least Whangarei but due to weather and availability she has not yet been able to. So woodys – anyone out there that could help Alice relocate Taurima? Alice is prepared to pay, but is short on intel on who could / would do this. You can comment in the WW comments section or contact Alice direct at alice.morrison3@gmail.com
https://waitematawoodys.com/2017/02/13/24919/

Mana-Nui Down Below

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Mana-Nui Down Below

The motor-salier Mana-Nui has made two appearance on WW before (links below), resulting in us getting an insight into her past and recent-ish refit. Today we getting a better look down below, thanks to her owner sharing the above photos taken during a recent lift and wash. 

Mananui
Mananui

Yesterday I was at the Lake Rotoiti Wooden & Classic Boat Parade (North Island) – so many photos to edit, tomorrow’s WW story will be a goody. 

Sad to have to advise that the South Island (Nelson Lakes) Lake Rotoiti Antique & Classic Boat Show for 2022 has been cancelled. Another covid casualty 😦

In my eyes their promotional posters (below) are the best woody event posters in the world – simply stunning.

Worldwide Classic Boat Show

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Regular visitors to this site will be familiar with my enthusiasm for the uber cool website – offcenterharbor.com (screen grab above), last year the crew behind OCH during CV-19 lock down pulled together a world first, an online virtual woody boat show and today I can advise that its on again in 2022. With a slight twist – this year access is complimentary thanks to the generosity of the OCH founders. Details below

And because I couldn’t not give you a woody treat today – check out this link to a great OCH video, it is one of my favorite videos, I’d be a little embarrassed if I told you how many times I’ve watched it 🙂 Its titled ‘Live Well: The Cruising Smack STORM BAY with Tim Phillips‘

So woodys mark your calendars — the second annual Worldwide Classic Boat Show is almost here, and friends of Waitemata Woodys are invited to CLICK HERE to register and get a COMPLIMENTARY PASS to the entire Show!

The Show is a completely online event from February 18th-27th, which means you can enjoy this gathering of the world’s best classic boats from wherever you are (without leaving the comfort of your favorite chair). 

More details about the Show are below, and…

You can CLICK HERE to GET YOUR COMPLIMENTARY PASS while they last.

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?

Our friends at Off Center Harbor have used the power of the internet to put nearly everything in the world related to classic/wooden boats on one big interactive Google map…


WHAT’S “ON THE MAP” AT THE SHOW?

  • The Map – Everything related to classic boats is on one interactive Google map
  • Boats – Over 1,000 of the world’s best classic boats (with photos and details)
  • Organizations – Explore festivals, boatbuilders, clubs, museums, schools, etc.
  • Live Presentations – Inspiring presentations featuring experts on a variety of topics
  • People – Connect with other attendees anywhere in the world (right on the map)

YOUR BOAT COULD BE IN THE SHOW:

You can submit your own classic/wooden boat to be in the Show! Again, the Show is entirely virtual/online and will be open February 18th to 27th at ClassicBoatShow.com, and…

You can CLICK HERE to GET YOUR COMPLIMENTARY PASS while they last.

Enjoy the Show!

 Calliope – 19′ Very Rare Chris Craft Runabout

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CALLIOPE  – Chris Craft Runabout

Calliope was built in 1951 and is a rare breed – the Chris Craft company introduced the 19’ RR (Racing Runabout) model in 1948. They were powered by a big block M series engine, as is Calliope with her Hercules 336 cubic inch (5.5L) straight 6, 158hp MGL engine. They were and still are today highly desirable craft, the production ‘hotrods’ of the day. And in their day they were the fastest Chris Craft built. Calliope these days exceeds 70 kph.

Calliope, a two owner boat, was restored in 2006 having spent most of her life on Lake Weston, Connecticut, USA. In 2008 she was judged 2nd in her class at the prestigious Lake Tahoe Wooden Boat Festival.Calliope sits on a brand new alloy tandem trailer.
Imported into NZ by a serious collector who is running out of space so has made the call to pass Calliope onto a new owner.Interested parties, initially to contact waitematawoodys@gmail.com


What Would You Do If You Owned Calliope

You would attend events like this weekends classic and wooden boat parade at Lake Rotoiti (Nth Island) and I’m sure be judged best woody there. So woodys if you are anywhere near Lake Rotoiti this Saturday at 11am, park the car and take in the annual parade – over 75 classic boats will be mooching around the lake. Best viewing spot is the reserve (good parking and grass bank) just down from the Okere Falls Store, State Highway 33. Movie below from the 2021 Parade

Lady Ngaio

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LADY NGAIO  

WW has been following Lady Ngaio for several years, check out the 2016 story here https://waitematawoodys.com/2016/07/04/lady-ngaio/

Built c.1928, rumoured to be by Collings & Bell, Lady Ngaio is 28’ in length with a 7’4” beam. Back in 2000 Moon Engines re-powered her with a 90hp Ford Diesel engine, so she should have good turn of speed. The launch has been very lucky to have remained in the same family for the last 30 years, this constant ownership is reflected in her presentation.

Mapu

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MAPUA

The 1930 woody – Mapu would be one of the most traveled classics around, as a result of her length – 23’ and 7’ beam she is able to be trailer-ed. That has resulted in her cruising from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island and inland e.g. both north and southern Lake Rotoiti. Her recent tme appearance stated she was designed by Eric Cox and built by Colin Wild. Powered by a 22hp two cylinder diesel engine.

Current owner has had Mapu for 22 years, are we able to learn more from her past life?

Input from Denis O’Callahan – Mapu was owned by my father Robert (Bob) O’Callahan from the late 1930s to mid 1970s..I have a copy of the original plans by Eric Cox dated 29 September 1927, showing a large open cockpit. The original engine was a 2 cylinder Kelvin sleeve valve. She was built for HA Adams ESQ and I understand she was used to service a property at Kawau so there was no accommodation. My father built a cabin over the cockpit, added outside ballast and a mast and sloop rig to make her into a cruising motor-sailer. These were removed in later restorations. The photo below shows Mapu with her war time number, 490, at the Needles Eye, Birkenhead, where Jim Young later had his boat shed. I believe that might have been me in the cockpit.

ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND BOATING – UPDATE

1. The Mahurangi Regatta is still on – But

• No activity on or off the water at Sullivans Bay • The launch parade to and around Sullivans is cancelled. Interested launches can join a ‘follow the leader’ (Jason Prew – My Girl) launch tiki-tour around the harbour. Starting off Scotts Landing at approx. 10am • There may be a launch log rally or similar during the day – details on the day ex Jason Prew. • No prize giving or band at Scotts Landing on Sat night – but nothing to stop people going ashore to casually catch up with friends, just need to keep any ‘group’ under 100 people.  • So pack the chilly bin and see you ashore from 4.30pm >>>

2. Kawau Boating Club – Sunday

• The club will be operating under RED conditions , so only seated dinners, no standing at the bar or outside AND Vax Pass required – so good luck with getting a table – some of us will casually meet up on the lawn near Lidgard House. Again bring your chilly bin – 5pm >>>>>

Korawai Heads North

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Cabin Boy – Jacket = 1995 – Cap = 2021
Tapui
Wild Duck
Russell Waterfront

KORAWAI HEADS NORTH

Following on from yesterdays story, I’m just back from sliding up the coast to Russell in the Bay of Islands, delivering the 37’ Owen Woolley built launch – Korawai, to her new owners BOI home. After a few unexpected hiccups we eventually departed Gulf Harbour marina late Thursday afternoon, first stop Kawau Island. Had to sprint to hit the Kawau Boating Club before the kitchen / bar closed. Awoke to perfect conditions so dropped the RNZYS mooring at 6.30am and pointed the bow North – 11 hours later we rounded Cape Brett and eventually dropped anchor in Otaio Bay for the night. Saturday we picked up a friends mooring at Russell and hit the cafe for a coffee. The owner / skipper immediately re-fuelled, collected his better half and was off for a few days cruising. Sad to see the boat head north but, her new owners are a cool creative couple that will spend the time and $ to return Korawai to the condition she deserves. The new owners first thing when he stepped aboard was remove the ‘rocket-launcher’ fishing rod holder from the cabin top and toss it in the marina dump bin – so that bodes well for the future of this woody 🙂 We will follow the boat as the rolling restoration happens. As we rounded Cape Brett I got a great view of the lighthouse and ex lighthouse keepers house – 24 hours later my daughter and friends were doing the 32 km walk to the same spot – the sign says 8 hours in and 8 back, they did it in 4 hrs (each way) but split with an overnight in the now Dept. of Conservation controlled house. The report was its a stunning but tough walk, included a few photos.

Spotted a few woodys once we had made it into the bay – 
• Mike & Robbie Quilter’s Salthouse designed – Tapui • Wild Duck, the 1932 JB Jules built ex flying boat tender • Marline, the Warne family 35’, 1950 launch, designed and built by Leone Warne. Video below of the family heading out for the day, on Saturday – love the jetski being towed 🙂

SCROLL DOWN TO YESTERDAYS STORY FOR INTERIOR PHOTOS OF KORAWAI

Korawai – A Peek Down Below

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Korawai – A Peek Down Below

Korawai has been somewhat of a mystery boat on the classic scene, very really seen out and about in recent years, now thanks to tme, we get a peek down below. I can report she has sold and has new owners – more on that tomorrow 🙂 At 37’ she enjoys a very spacious cabin. Built by Owen Woolley c.1962.  Forward motion is from a Ford 120hp diesel, that sees her cruising at a comfortable 8 knots and topping out at 9.5 knots – I have seen an out of water photo and she is very flat aft, so a nice Hino transplant should see her moving along at a few+ more knots.

Read see more on the launch at these WW links https://waitematawoodys.com/2018/07/16/34705/
https://waitematawoodys.com/2021/01/09/korowai/

Mystery Lidgard Launch

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Mystery Lidgard Launch
A question – why are so many mystery launches, Lidgards?
Todays woody is double diagonal kauri with f/glass on outside, and is 26′ in length with a beam of 8’ and draws 2’. The engine is a Ford 60hp diesel. Thanks to Ian McDonald for the tme heads up. WW would like help to uncover more on her past.

Arahi – Update

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ARAHI – Update

The 34’ ex workboat Arahi last appeared on WW back in May 2020, link below. Now thanks to tme we get to have a better look at her. Arahi started life in 1940 as a survey boat for the Auckland Harbour Board,finishes up c.mid 1970’s. We know she spent time at Great Barrier Island. After a refit in Auckland she was transported to the Wanganui River in 2019, where she still resides but is looking for a new owner.

A very sweet wee ship and topped off with a 4 cylinder Gardner (4LW) diesel engine, that sips approx. 4L an hour.
There must be a buyer out there for such a salty classic vessel.

Link to 2020 WW story. https://waitematawoodys.com/2020/05/27/arahi-2/

Heading north today on a delivery – to Russell, hopefully I’ll snap a few photos on-route.