Category Archives: Boat Sheds

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.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CLASSIC LAUNCH LADY JANE

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WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CLASSIC LAUNCH LADY JANE

Back in August 2025 we ran a story on the launch LADY JANE that after a submariner incident was being auctioned off. Link here to that story 

We understand she did sell but to whom we do not know.

(edited – the wires out shorted / lost in translation – all too hard AH)

Over the break woody Barrie Abel sent in the top two photos of LADY JANE.

In the second photo we see Brian Harkin and his team at Pine Harbour after they did an awesome repair on her bow after storm damage 15 or so years ago. 
So woodys and update / news on the whereabouts of LADY JANE.

Barrie also shared the photos below of his classic launch – MATIRA, hauled out at the CLEVEDON CRUISING CLUB yard for some TLC. Lucky man to have access to a shed 😉

MATIRA – 2019 @ CCC

CLASSIC 1955 WOODEN RUNABOUT – LITTLE HONEY UPDATE

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CLASSIC 1955 WOODEN RUNABOUT – LITTLE HONEY UPDATE

Back in March 2025 WW ran a story on a1955 17’ Mason Marlin runabout named LITTLE HONEY that owner James McConnell was restoring – link to that story here – https://waitematawoodys.com/2025/03/17/little-honey-1955-classic-wooden-runabout/

Over the xmas/ny break James sent in photos above and commented that after managing to dislodge the transom on the 2nd voyage after the initial rebuild, he had now completed the repair.

James pulled the transom back the 1/2 inch it had moved when the motor hit the submerged log.  Cut the buckled veneer off, cleaned it up and epoxied it back in place followed by 8 coats of varnish.

He then put 4 threaded rods from the transom to the next structural point as he felt the motor put a lot of load on the transom.  Lastly a layer of fibreglass tape along the bottom of the transom just in case.

In James words itt’s a goer now and the new perma-trim meant no need for a new prop”