Category Archives: A Peek Down Below

CLASSIC LIDGARD LAUNCH MONTEREY GETS A BIRTHDAY

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2013

CLASSIC LIDGARD LAUNCH MONTEREY GETS A BIRTHDAY

The 1946 Lidgard built 32’ classic wooden launch MONTEREY has been a regular member of my boating inner circle over the last 20 years of classic boating. 

MONTEREY changed hands last year and over winter has been getting a refresh down below. Relax the above photos may appear a tad ‘refrigerator’ in colour but most of the timber trim and furnishing have been removed so the next photos we share she will look smarter.

Monterey is currently hauled out at the Slipway Milford for a Jason Prew Paint Job (JPPJ) and removing the decades of built up antifoam from her bottom. While out some of the systems and thru-hulls will be upgraded.

Very happy to see MONTEREY getting the TLC she deserves and hopefully more photos soon.

Two of my favourite MONTERY photos from the past below ❤️ (The stern signage was ex me having a quiet day in the studio)

UPDATE – Final coats of the Jase Prew Pint Job

CLASSIC 21’ LAKE SPEED BOAT 

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CLASSIC 21’ LAKE SPEED BOAT 

Todays woody is a tad left field for WW, would be interesting to see what see looked like on launch day. For a longish time its been a lake boat and thats probably the best home for her. 

Lots of ‘upgrades’ but still a looker and would fly with that 140hp Yamaha hanging off the stern. Must have been a beast when she had the twin 350hp V8’s ✔️

Built in 1957 by Jack Cropp she is 21’4” in length. A few areas that need some TLC but reflected in the price – $9k. Thanks to Ian McDonald for the heads up.

And woodys, as I have said many times – trailerable classics are the future of our movement.

CLASSIC SOUTHERN WOODEN LAUNCH – PONTIAC (REREMOANA)

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CLASSIC SOUTHERN WOODEN LAUNCH – PONTIAC (REREMOANA)

Back in July 2018 we ran a story on the 1910 classic wooden launch – PONTIAC, at the time we generated an enormous amount of intel on the vessel – link belowJul 2018 – https://waitematawoodys.com/2018/07/09/pontiac/

Now thanks to Ian McDonald’s eagle eye spotting a tme listing we get a greater look at PONTIAC.
What we have learnt is PONTIAC was built by McPhersons, Frederick St, Dunedin, for a publican in Pt Chalmers. She was originally named REREMOANA. Built of single skin carvel kauri, 33′ long and with a 8’3″ beam.The current engine is a BMC Commander 4 cylinder diesel that gets her along at8 knots. 

Amazing only 2 owners in that last 90 year – one 30 years and the other 60 years.

CLASSIC 42’ LAUNCH MARGARET ANNE – 4SALE

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CLASSIC 42’ LAUNCH MARGARET ANNE – 4SALE

Todays classic wooden launch – MARGARET ANNE has been a hidden gem on the WW site – lots of reference to her in other stories but we have  not had a chance to do a deep dive.MARGARET ANNE started life in 1960 with the best possible pedigree – designed and built in Tauranga by the renowned boatbuilders – Oliver & Culpin (launch day photo below)As with so many of the O&G craft she started life as a big game fishing launch and plied her trade in the Bay of Plenty and later the Bay of Islands. In my experience the best looking craft caught the most and biggest fish, so MARGARET ANNE has an impressive log book recording her catches. 

She fully retains her original aura, character and pedigree. At the same time, a careful integration of modern systems and technology ensures the very latest in comfort and safety.

Because MARGARET ANNE is finished without exterior brightwork (varnish), maintenance is both affordable and a breeze.

Some specs – 42’ when launched (now approx. 45’) she has a 12’6” beam and is constructed via carvel planking, and is powered by a Ford 135hp diesel engine.Sleeps 8 (2x double berth cabins) + exterior shower / head.

MARGARET ANNE is an elegant classic with pedigree and class, and yes she is for sale – after nearly 20 years of ownership her owner has asked the Wooden Boat Bureau to find her next custodian. 

So, if you’re looking for an exceptionally well built and maintained classic launch with plenty of life left in her, MARGARET ANNE is it.  Given the current market, her owner is very realistic with the  price expectation.  Genuine buyers only to initially contact myself at the email below for more details and to arrange a viewing.  waitematawoodys@gmail.com

NOTE TO KEYBOARD LOOKERS –  stick with trademe for your vicarious boats for sale entertainment
MARGARET ANNE is presented ready for cruising this summer

MARION / MARIAN – EX WOODEN WORKBOAT CONVERSION

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2020
2025

MARION / MARIAN – EX WOODEN WORKBOAT CONVERSION

Back in December 2020 we ran a story on the ex workboat – MARIAN, at the time it was for sale and sadly all we learnt was that MARIAN was built by Alf Saunders, is 50’ in length and powered by a 6LX 110hp Gardner. We had no interior photos but were told that the conversion from workboat to pleasure craft had begun.Link to that story here Dec 2020 https://waitematawoodys.com/2020/10/16/marian-ex-work-boat-conversion-project/

Now fast forward to last night and when I was searching the WW files I opened one and found another file included. It was labelled MARIAN. How this does happen occansionly , something gets saved to the wrong place – Ill blame a lack of sleep 🙂

So woodys I’m very embarrassed to admit that back in January (2025) IWW was contacted by Charmaine and Dallas Hands, who advised they had recently purchased MARIAN and were looking for more information on her.
They commented that she has had a partial conversion to pleasure boat but is in need of extensive work after being abandoned. They also mentioned they had information that her correct name is MARION not MARIAN, since finding an old photo onboard, see below.

So woodys can we help with more intel on the vessel.

CLASSIC WOODEN MOTOR SAILER – TAIMARINO – A Peek Down Below

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CLASSIC WOODEN MOTOR SAILER – TAIMARINO – A Peek Down Below

Last Wednesday we ran story on TAIMARINO – Link here https://waitematawoodys.com/2025/10/29/can-we-learn-more-about-the-classic-wooden-boat-taimarino/

As a result of Wednesdays story Dean Wright pointed me in the direction of the photos you see today. Same name, now slightly different e.g its been sliced in two – now TAI MARINO.

What we have learnt is that she is 40’ in length, built c.1968 by Kingfisher Boats in Tauranga, originally for game fishing.Kauri carvel planked hull.

Currently powered by a 120hp Ford (Lees) engine that gives her a cruising speed of 8 knots.

CLASSIC 1950’s WOODEN SPEEDBOAT 

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CLASSIC 1950’s WOODEN SPEEDBOAT 

Todays woody is looking for a new home and I suspect someone with deep pockets. The c.1950’s speedboat is 16’6” in length and built with triple kauri plank and mahogany plank deck. From the photos the hull appears to be in good condition, probably due to being in storage for the last 30 years.

Currently powered by a Ford flathead V8 engine (not running). Its stated that ‘in her day’ she was capable of towing skiers at 40mph.

So woodys – anyone looking for a project – has Lake Rotoiti written all over her 🙂
(Thanks Ian McDonald for the tme heads up)

CLASSIC WOODEN BAY OF ISLANDS LAUNCH – MARLINE GETS A REFRESH

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CLASSIC WOODEN BAY OF ISLANDS LAUNCH – MARLINE GETS A REFRESH

Today’s woody story features the beautifully built MARLINE — a 1949/50 ex-game boat crafted by Leon Warne, and remarkably, still in the same family after three generations.

Now owned by Leon’s son, Ken Warne, the custodianship torch has been passed to Ken’s son Kennedy Warne, who’s been spending countless hours alongside the skilled team at CMC Design Boatbuilders in Opua, giving MARLINE some well-earned TLC.

MARLINE arrived at the CMC Design workshop in late April 2025. As Sian Steward from CMC Design explains, Leon’s master craftsmanship remains front of mind in every decision as they carefully upgrade and refresh her. While she was in impressive condition on arrival, she’ll leave looking that little bit sharper — the perfect birthday present as she celebrates 75 years afloat.

Relaunch is set for December 2025 — just in time for a well-deserved Bay of Islands summer.

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH IRENE GETS A REVAMP

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CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH IRENE GETS A REVAMP

Not often I start with an apology– yesterday at Kawau was a wee bit of a cock up. I missed the prize giving. I’ll be polite and say things got ‘Lost In Translation’.

I was working on intel supplied eg prize giving was according to the notice of regatta was Sunday but it was held on Saturday……. Never mind 😄 sorry to the woodys that turned up 😢

During the week WW was contacted by Karl Reynolds the owner of the 1927 Dick Lang built 31’ classic wooden launch – IRENE. IRENE last appeared on WW back in April 2016, link here https://waitematawoodys.com/2016/04/27/irene-2/

Karl purchased the vessel in March 2025 and has been undertaking a refit, The work started with a good clean in the hull and then Karl and his father managed to complete the following in the 15 days they had IRENE hauled out.

• New larger hatch to remove engine through and lifted height to give me head room at helm

• Bulk heads installed to add support to hull and cut out to reduce visual impact 

• New Ford engine with heat exchanger sitting on its mounts awaiting gearbox and alignment 

• Closed in stern to keep birds out 

If you are undertaking a woody project , please share the work with WW, readers love seeing word-in-progress.

1912 WOODEN EX WHALE CHASER BALAENA – GETS A REVAMP

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1912 WOODEN EX WHALE CHASER BALAENA – GETS A REVAMP

BACK IN AUGUST 2022 WW ran a story on the classic ex whale chaser – BALAENA, built in 1912. The 2022 story, linked below, featured a Country Calendar programme profiling the Marlborough family that had owned the vessel for 64+ years. https://waitematawoodys.com/2022/08/20/balaena-110-year-old-ex-whale-chaser/

Fast forward to yesterday and Steve from {the} Cafe Cart in Waikawa sent in today gallery of photos of the classic wooden launch.

BALAENA is looking very well cared for and great to see her kept in very close to as built presentation.

Anyone able to tell us who did the work and what’s she is powered by these days.

Full weekend details in the downloadable PDF file below, which includes the entry (free) form for the sailing events. 

LABOUR WEEKEND SPRING SPLASH (2)Download