Category Archives: Boat Sheds

WHAT DO ALL THESE CLASSIC WOODEN CRAFT HAVE IN COMMON

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MARLINE
KORAWAI
OTEHEI
ALMA G II
LADY CROSSLEY

WHAT DO ALL THESE CLASSIC WOODEN CRAFT HAVE IN COMMON

As I have noted recently on WW the classic wooden boating scene in the Bay of Islands is experiencing a re-birth. Seems one in three woodys the Wooden Boat Bureau has sold in the last 2 years has headed north. And recently the woody skippers have been organising events to show case the woody movement in the B.O.I. – we like that.

At the recent Russell Tall Ships Regatta on the Friday prior to the sailing regatta there was a Classic Launch Parade that had 13 woodys participating. Post the parade one of the skippers pointed out the % of woody craft that owed their good looks to time spent at the CMC Design – Boatbuilders Opua yard. So I did a count and in recent times and in no particular order the following woodys have been under the care of the talented crew at CMC Design – LADY CROSSLEY, KORAWAI, OTEHEI, MARLINE and ALMA G II.

Now they aren’t the only boatbuilders up north but they seem to get the cream of the work. When you factor in haul-out yard costs in the greater Auckland area, a wee road trip on one of the specialist boat haulage trucks isn’t the budget stumbling block it once was.

If todays WW story reads like an ad, I suppose it is, I’m passionate about seeing our classic fleet get the TLC they deserve.
Check out the CMC website – some great work-in-process photos on their work + its not all boats, some stunning architectural  and commercial wood work.  https://www.cmcdesign.co.nz/marine

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH NGAHI GETS SOME TLC

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CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH NGAHI GETS SOME TLC

Dropped into the Slipway Milford earlier in the week and the timing was perfect – the Dick Lang built launch NGAHI was being hauled out for some TLC and system improvements.

In previous WW stories there has been a lot of debate re the boats provenance, would be nice to confirm the builder and put a year to launching.

The Slipway Milford had a full quota of woodys on the yard – the JB Brooke designed and built yacht – GLEAM, now back in the Brooke family armada. 

Along side NGAHI is the 35’6” Lane Motor Boat Co. 1945 launch – HANI (Wanda II) getting some serious TLC.

Both GLEAM and HANI are on display at next months Auckland Wooden Boat Festival, no doubt the marine chandlers are doing a good trade in varnish at the moment 🙂

SERIOUSLY……………… During a peek down below on NGAHI I spotted some VERY dodgy fittings – refer below. No seacocks and single jubilee clips the only thing between floating and joining the submariners club……………. you’d like to think this wasn’t a ‘professional’ installation.

UPDATE – That was quick, looking more fitting of an ocean going craft 😉

CLASSIC WOODEN CRAFT OUT WEST

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CLASSIC WOODEN CRAFT OUT WEST

Recently Glen Martin was riding through Helensville on his bike and stopped at the cruising club for a beer and pulled the camera out.                         Given that some are daytime and some night it must have been a few beers – hopefully not riding the bike post.

Interesting mix of craft and condition. Nice to see one of my favourite woodys – ARAHI, has relocated over to the west coast. More on her here https://waitematawoodys.com/2022/12/19/history-of-arahi/

HELP NEEDED -CAN WE ID / LEARN MORE

Recently on WW Grant MacKinnon posted the comment below (edited), Grant has just supplied photos of the items – so big ask but maybe someone can help confirm or end Grant’s speculation.

“We are doing a long walk around the South Island by beach and coastline and come across all sorts of things washed up. Recently we found an old ships spar or something, washed up on the beach between Fortrose and Tiwai Point, Southland. It has old style wooden pegs and lashed-lugs(?).

We need some help with its identification, if anyone knows who and how to find out please? It is very old. I went back and got it as my family were Meiklejohns and the first boat they built on arrival at Omaha was the “Pioneer” which wrecked at Fortrose in 1883. It would be exciting if it was off that. Thank you, any pointers would be very much appreciated.”

REMEMBER – LAKE ROTOITI CLASSIC AND WOODEN BOAT PARADE THIS SATURDAY –  Details here  https://www.woodenboatparade.co.nz/wooden-boat-parade/

IT’S NOT  WOOD BUT IT TICKS ALL MY CLASSIC BOXES

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IT’S NOT  WOOD BUT IT TICKS ALL MY CLASSIC BOXES
While at Rakino Island on Saturday, the magnificent craft seen above was at anchor. Woody boat chat told me that she was a tender to a SUPER Superyacht visiting NZ from some TLC and maintenance.  I missed seeing the superycht but a quick ChatGPT search answered my questions on STARGAZER (home port Georgetown). Check out the size of the props – zoom zoom 😉

“The classic yacht tender Stargazer — the 23 m (approximately 75 ft) chase boat/tender built to support a large sailing superyacht — was built by the Dutch shipyard Claasen Shipyards in collaboration with Vitters Shipyard. 

  • The vessel was constructed at Claasen Shipyards in the Netherlands, with Vitters Shipyard working together on the project. 
  • It was designed by Hoek Design Naval Architects, who handled the naval architecture, structural engineering, and exterior and interior design. 

This collaboration marked the first new-build project between Claasen and Vitters, resulting in a classic-lined, aluminium-hulled motor yacht used as a tender for transporting guests, serving as a diving platform and providing extra accommodation.”

INPUT ex GRAEME FINCH – photo beow of the ‘mothership’. Given the 75′ length of the tender, I assume somewhere there as a ‘supply ship’ that transported the toys.

REMEMBER – LAKE ROTOITI CLASSIC AND WOODEN BOAT PARADE THIS SATURDAY

 Details here  https://www.woodenboatparade.co.nz/wooden-boat-parade/

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH WAIREKA RELAUNCHED

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CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH WAIREKA RELAUNCHED

Back in Sept 2025 we ran a story on the 1974 Chis Robertson built launch – WAIREKA, at the time she was hauled out other owners yard (D&D Boatbuilders, Waipapa) for some TLC.         Link here to that story https://waitematawoodys.com/2025/09/11/bay-of-islands-classic-wooden-launch-waireka/

Just before xmas WAIREKA  was popped back in the water (Bay of Islands) looking stunning. Looking forward to getting some interior photos ………… hint hint 🙂

16-02-2026 UPDATE – A sneal peek at the interior – floor coverings to come.

WHAT BECAME OF THE WOODEN LAUNCH – HOPAI

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WHAT BECAME OF THE WOODEN LAUNCH – HOPAI

Back in mid 2024 the owners of the 32’ Chas Bailey Jnr, 1926 built bridge-decker launch – HOPAI were looking for someone to step up and take over the rebuild of the vessel.

The rebuild had been an ongoing project for an extended period and her owner was unable to complete the project. I believe her hull has been f/glassed…..

Does anyone know what happened to HOPAI, hopefully now in the care of someone finishing the work, or is she still in a shed in Kaukapakapa.

REMEMBER SAT 7TH FEB – LAKE ROTOITI CLASSIC & WOODEN BOAT PARADE 

Details here  https://www.woodenboatparade.co.nz/wooden-boat-parade/

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH ALMEDA GETS A REFRESH

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CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH ALMEDA GETS A REFRESH

 On Friday I point the car north for a quick trip to Sandspit Marina for the relaunch of the 36′ classic wooden launch ALMEDIA.
Some background – built by Alan (Snow) Waters in approx. 1972, designer unconfirmed but most likely by Walters himself with design leanings to John (Jack) Brooke.

Single skin strip plank hull and decks appear to be 2 layers of tongue & groove. She is powered by a 6 cylinder Ford. Home has been the Matakana River for 25+ years. Owner Kim needs a medal for his work ethic, the dock chat was that it was the speediest haul out and work schedule seen at the yard. Started on Dec 22nd 2025 = 4 weeks turnaround.  Possibly helped by the self imposed rule ‘ No Beers Till Launch Day’ 🙂                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Pre launching I caught up with Gregs Lees and his team at Lees Boatbuilders, Greg reports a healthy calendar of work to start the year, so thats good news for the wooden boating movement.

UPDATE FEB2026 – nice to she her out and about, at anchor in Bon Accord, Kawau Island. Photos ex Angus Rogers

REMEMBER TO PICK UP A COPY OF THE 2026 MAHURANGI CRUISING CLUB YEAR BOOK – 4SALE AT THE PRIZE GIVING – ONLY $20

WHERE IS THE MOTOR-SAILER SOUTHERN BELLE TODAY

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WHERE IS THE MOTOR-SAILER SOUTHERN BELLE TODAY

Todays woody story features the 35’ ketch rigged motorsailer- SOUTHERN BELLA, launched in 1960. She featured in the August 1961 edition of Sea Spray magazine.

In the top photo we see her preparing for launching at the Devonport Yacht Club. In the Sea Spray article , below, they described her as amateur designed and built by Barney and Peter Soljak (father & Son), alongside they Devonport home.

When launched she was powered by a 50hp BMC Commodore Diesel engine + a 4.5hp Lister auxiliary engine. 

(Story and photos ex Sea Spray magazine via Ken Ricketts)

Southern Belle and Raiona B.O.I. – date unknown

Back in 2019 in another story, DYC related, Chris Leech commented at SOUTHERN BELLE had suffered fire damage and been restored. Chris supplied to photos , the first hauled out at DYC and afloat post repairs. Can we learn more about what happened and what became of SOUTHERN BELLE after this.

CLASSIC LAUNCH – RAMOE – NEEDS SAVING

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CLASSIC LAUNCH – RAMOE – NEEDS SAVING

At the end of last year WW was contacted by the owners of the launch – RAMOE, who advised that the planned restoration had stalled and the tough decision had been made to find a new owner to take on the project.

Back in 2022 we ran a story on her (link below) + below undated photo  https://waitematawoodys.com/2022/03/31/ramoe-a-project/

We believe there is a newish Volvo Penta 75hp engine fitted, so that addresses the big $$ item.

Any woodys looking for a project in 2026.

Screenshot

MYSTERY 20’ SOUTHERN CLINKER WOODEN BOAT

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MYSTERY 20’ SOUTHERN CLINKER WOODEN BOAT

Last week WW was contacted by a Christchurch based gent named Mat Pascoe regarding a 20’ clinker craft he had just acquired.

Mat was hoping that the WW readers could help either confirm what he has been told about the craft and / or learn more.

Mat advised he purchased the old girl for $1, with the intention of getting her floating again. The lady Mat brought it off had no confirmed history, her dad was storing it possibly for someone and he passed away leaving the property it was at to her in his will and she wanted it gone asap.

At the time of purchase it was based in Kaiapoi. The river there was a working port up till the 1970’s  so Mat thinks maybe it worked out of there. The seller also seemed to think it came from Sumner, it could have been tied up in Moncks Bay but she said she was just guessing at something her dad told her years ago. 

As far as can be observed the hull is all native timber and it is all copper rove and rivets. The cabin may have been made later as it is possibly pine and plywood. Mat questioned if she may have been a fishing boat at some time. It’s fitted out with a single cylinder diesel. Possibly Dolphin brand but Mat can’t find any info on them making diesels. (Mat is by trade a diesel mechanic)
Mat has had a good dig around and scraped a bit of paint off in the places where you would expect a name would be and has not found anything. 

Mat is 100% she was originally open topped with maybe a small deck at the bow and stern. He can see a change in the wood work in these areas where the cabin has been fitted. Probably explains why it is so narrow in the beam. Mat commented that a lot of the center line is made up of short lengths of timber scraped together as we. It’s like it was just built from what was around.

So Southern woodys – anyone know more about the boat or recognise her.