Category Archives: Designers & Builders

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – ALMA G II Restoration Updates #3 & #4

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CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – ALMA G II Restoration Updates #3 & #4

We have been following the refit / rebuild of the1927 Collings & Bell classic wooden launch – ALMA G II for a while now, the last WW story was back in December 2023 Dec 2023 and I have a confession to make – Update #3 slipped between the WW cracks so today you get a two-4- one 🙂

UPDATE #3 from Sian Steward at CMC Design below – 

“So much has been going on in the last few months, the team have been working very hard and things are looking great.

After the long long months of initial work of bringing all the bones of the Alma G II back together and many coats of white paint in the hull interior we moved onto the next phase.

The hull has been double skinned with kauri planks, filled, fared and prepped for fiberglass. It was a shame to say goodbye to seeing all the beautiful original timber underneath, but a boat that floats is the ultimate goal.

It’s good to have all hands available for this aspect of the build, working together makes the tough job of glassing much more streamlined and quicker. No one wants to draw out glassing for too long and we are grateful it isn’t a regular part of our day-to-day job..

More full suited days in the hot hot heat bogging and readying for paint. This is where the restoration really looks like it is getting somewhere. We have been going since last April and these milestones are meaningful to both the workers and the boat owners.

The Alma G II has been carefully rolled once more and the whole process starts again on the port side.

From there, back to upright and some more detailed discussions on the interior finishes and fixtures. The owners are keen to honor the traditional elements of the boat and have been sourcing some really lovely items from navigation lights to the bench top surfaces.

Top coat paint colour choices are being made and we keep moving on…”

UPDATE #4

“Further updates on the Alma G II. We have layers of paint going on!   More hard work has been done in these last few months with the Lees engine going in, fiberglassing, long board sanding and bogging and fairing.  Real backbreaking stuff. Onward we go with paintwork and then the interior fit out. “   

LINKs TO PREVIOUS STORIES FOLLOWING THE PROJECT

WW May 2023 Story https://waitematawoodys.com/2023/05/01/restoration-of-alma-g-ii-begins/

WW Dec 2023 Story  https://waitematawoodys.com/2023/12/06/alma-g-ii-restoration-update-2/

DIOMEDEA – CLASSIC WOODEN GAME FISHING BOAT

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DIOMEDEA – CLASSIC WOODEN GAME FISHING BOAT

Woody Angus Rogers recently came across a copy of Sea Spray magazine from October 1965 which had the 36’ Andrew Donovan designed wooden launch – DIOMEDEA on the cover.  DIOMEDEA was built by the Lane Motor Boat Co.

The first thing that Angus noticed was how similar she was to her bigger sister the 50’ AROHANUI, also built by the LMB Co. and launched in early 1965. Which also graced the cover of Sea Spray in April 1966 (photo below).

DIOMEDEA was a magnificent build and spec’ed to the max – the article is an insightful read. Sea Spray magazine described her design / style as a ‘sport fisherman’, she had a beam of 11’11” and draft of 2’10.5”. 

When launched she was powered by a Caterpillar turbo D330 4 cyl. 180hp diesel that gave her a top speed of 14 knots.

On one of my trips (Oct 2022) to Whangaroa I spotted DIOMEDEA docked at the Whangaroa Game Fishing Club marina. In the photo, below, she appears to have lost the hothouse that was up top when Dean Wright photographed her in May 2016, also at WGFC. 

Oct 2022
May 2016
AROHANUI

HALVORSEN 21 – Classic Australian Wooden Boating

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HALVORSEN 21 – Classic Australian Wooden Boating

On one of my many scrolls thru the classic wooden boating online world I came across a story by Tad Roberts, an American yacht (the generic USA term for all boats) designer. Tad was talking about the iconic Australian boating marquee – Halvorsen. 

Several of their craft have appeared on WW, but Tad’s focus was on the Halvorsen 21’, and he advised that the craft were built from the late 1940’s and were available with both a broken and straight steer. Tads preference was the broken sheer version, commenting that ‘it carries a bit more strength of character’.

Else where on the story we learned that the 21’ launch had a beam of 7’3” and was originally powered by petrol engines of around 50hp.

Back in Nov 2023 WW ran a story on the Halvorsen boating dynasty, which included a wonderful video by Tony Mackay.                 LINK to the WW story here https://waitematawoodys.com/2023/11/04/the-halvorsen-story/

These smart looking woodys were years ahead of the market, and sadly we never had anything similar in NZ. If had and they were still around today – the Wooden Boat Bureau would be able to sell them in a flash 🙂

The colour photos above feature the launch – GLENORIE. The black and white photo below is of the Halvorsen yard in Neutral Bay, Sydney c.1936

SEA FEVER – Gets A Visit To  The Classic Wooden Boat Parlour

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SEA FEVER – Gets A Visit To  The Classic Wooden Boat Parlour

Earlier this year SEA FEVER the 34’ 1958 John Salthouse design / build wooden launch changed hands The Wooden Boat Bureau worked with owner Doug Reid to find a new custodian. The buyer ticked all the boxes on Dougs wish list, and if Doug is reading WW today I’m sure he will be very chuffed to see SEA FEVER getting TLC she deserves. (when launched her name was Onetaunga.)

I’ve commented many times that one of the reasons particular craft pass the half century mark is good old luck – luck in terms of having the right owners who value these classic craft, SEA FEVER has had a succession of good people caring for her and it shows.

In the next few days Jason Prew will be applying his skills to SEA FEVER and another one of our classic woody fleet will have a JPPJ (Jason Prew Paint Job)

SEA FEVER below in 2022 at anchor in Chamberlains Bay

No Names (and not SEA FEVER) – But the decal is a little OTT 🙂

RSVP – waitematawoodys@gmail.com

CLASSIC WOODEN YACHT TAIROA RELAUNCHED

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CLASSIC WOODEN YACHT TAIROA RELAUNCHED

During the week I received an email from Otto Schuttle with the great news that the Athol Burns designed 26’ cutter – TAIROA had been relaunched after her unfortunate 2015 accident. Read below- 

Back in June 2015 we ran a story on the yacht being swiped onto the rocks during a fierce storm in Wellington harbour. From the ‘news’ photos things looked grim but Athol Burns built his craft like the proverbial brick out house.

Thanks to the efforts of Russell Ward and family we received photos of TAIROA being salvaged. Then in Oct 2018 we received an update from her new owner (Otto) with some work in progress photo. 

Link below to the 2015 story – lots of photos and details  https://waitematawoodys.com/2015/06/20/tairaroa/

Otto’s note covers off the news and his happiness at finely getting her back afloat – I’ll hand over to Otto – 

“It was a tremendously emotional day for me on Saturday 27th July 2024 when many friends and family gathered at the Evans Bay Boat yard to see TAIROA relaunched.

This has been a long journey with a vast amount of research and learning ,many hours watching YouTube. Trying things and scraping them locating materials online to find it wasn’t exactly what I wanted or it didn’t quite fit. . at times things went wrong and had to be redone, or just pack up and go home and come back another day and have another go with fresh eyes and mind. OH and going to work when things were going really well on a project and wanting to get back to it. having to pack up and go away and wait for the glue, varnish or paint to dry,

She is now afloat in the Evans Bay marina looking as if she belongs 

I still need to have some sail modifications done to suit the furler, permanent mooring lines fitted to the berth and some interior work done but its a boat always work to do and things to buy don’t you just love BOATING”

Photos below from 2015 and 2018

2018

UPDATE: Todays story prompted two woodys to contact me re a photo of the yacht , not long after launching – the amazing thing was it was the same photo – below.
Brian Peet commented  – the photo was taken by my father John in the 1960s. Alby Bland was a member of the Glendowie Boating Club and he built the boat in his back yard. I used to walk past it everyday on my way to school. 
Russell Ward commented – the photo of her was when new. It was sent years back by the builder’s daughter. Fabulous ship. The spirit of Athol Burns.

Help Needed ID’ing This Wooden Boat

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Help Needed ID’ing This Wooden Boat

Todays photos another from the McLeod Collection at the Auckland Library Heritage Collection and comes to us thanks to Nathan Herbert.

The photo is just tagged Bayswater and has a 1900>1909 time period on it. It does look vaguely familiar but I couldn’t find any reference to the photo in the WW archives.

Can anyone help put a her to her.

What’s The New Must Have In Classic Wooden Boating

Answer bow thrusters  – the Slipway Milford is doing a roaring trade in retro fitting – hauled out for work that included a bow thruster – IONA II, SEA FEVER , PACIFIC

PACIFIC

CLASSIC LAUNCH – LADY CAROLE RESTORATION – UPDATE #4

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Mock up of potential new paint

CLASSIC LAUNCH – LADY CAROLE RESTORATION – UPDATE #4

Today co-owner Patrick Crawshaw walks us thru the latest work, different layout today, might make it easier to follow. 

The last couple of weeks have been focussed on getting the sanding finished for first coat and the wood work finished.  The forward hatch, which had been blocked up was re-instated. Tthe forward cabin, where the mast once was had been opened up to make way for a hatch. Two of the ribs had been cut into and this was compromising the strength. So, ribs were replace and the hatch filled in so that the mast can go back to its original location. 

The main cabin hatch (shown below) which is above the helm had to be moved inward to allow for the railings to match the other side – from front to back. At some stage, it had been cut too close to the port  side and so the railings had to start back behind the hatch which looked awful.  This is about the lines – again. 

The windows have been a complex and long process. Firstly, we had to find the old curved line which ran along the side connecting the forward cabin to the aft curve. 

We had to completely fill the existing windows in so that we could draw that line. Once that was drawn, we could then find out where the windows (from the photograph above) once were.  The filled in ply was then taken out and cut to the new window lines. Then they had to be rebated for the glass to then be glued in. Next week is the glass templates and once the glass is in, we will have to cut the trims to go around the windows… The windows have been the most complex part of the job with so many elements and stages to the process. It’s so important we get this right, as they are crucial to the lines of the boat, and we can only work off this photo and a few other tell tale signs.   

Rod holders…such fun getting the angle right so they are flush on to the transom.

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – TEINA

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Off Ponui Island – 1952
Westhaven – c.1950/59
Bayswater – 1922

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – TEINA

Yesterday we ran a ‘mystery’ photo of TEINA at Kawau Island, the winner of the name the boat quiz was – John Dawson.

As promised today we get a photo bomb of images of TEINA, all from her original owners – the McLeod family via the Heritage collection at the Auckland Library. Thanks to Nathan Herbert for the heads up re the photos.

TEINA was designed by Glad Bailey and built by Ted & Ray (maybe Roy) McLeod at Bayswater, Auckland and launched in Feb1922.

She was kauri planked and when launched powered by a 90hp Detroit 351diesel engine.

For a woody classic launch that was photographed as often as TEINA was its amazing that she has only popped up on WW once before. She was one of the boats photographed by John Bullivant on a tour of the Tamaki River back in Feb 2019. Photo below.

Would be nice to learn more about the period between 1960 and now + an update on her present location and condition.

Tamaki River – Feb 2019

NEW CLASSIC YACHT OFFERED 4SALE – $13k

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NEW CLASSIC YACHT OFFERED 4SALE – $13k

Todays woody isn’t really a project because all the hard work had been done, a buyer just need to decide on the finishing touches and they would be sailing this spring.The yacht was designed by Denis Brown and according to the plans is tagged a ’10.6m Ocean Cruiser Cutter’ and is a sister ship to – TAMARA that has been on WW, link here –  https://waitematawoodys.com/2017/06/04/tamara-sailing-sunday/ (photo also below of TAMARA)
FYI – TAMARA was built by Denis in the Bay of Islands and launched in 1990. He then sailed her to the States and returned a couple of years later.Her cruising pedigree is undeniable and there is a very interesting article in Wooden Boat November/December 1994 regarding Tamara’s trip, “The Evolution of an Ocean Cruiser”. Denis now lives just outside Hikurangi and is still sharp as a tack aged 90 years, what a life of experiences he has lived.

Todays yacht was built in a barn just outside Kaikohe over a period of 40 years by engineer Bruce Edge. Built from treated 28mm kahikatea, strip planked, concave-convex epoxy edge glued. Her deck is laminated timber. Unfortunately Bruce Edge passed away without seeing his yacht touch the ocean.
She is beautifully finished and there really is only cosmetic work, external paint, some internal paint, as well as a mast and rigging needed to complete her.Included is; 

  • main mast extrusion for the gaff rig
  • a steel keel and three ton of available lead for pouring before the keel is bolted to the Keelson
  • a Yanmar motor (condition unknown)
  • four brand new sails made by Willis sails –
  • lots of miscellaneous hardware 
  • two Murray winches for the inner headsail already fitted to the boat
  • a set of plans which Denis has kindly supplied. 

Her current owner (an experienced boat builder) acquired the yacht just over a year ago with the intention of completing her but life circumstances changed and how she is for sale.Her owner had two experienced boat builders check her over and they both commented she is very well built 

The location of the boat is just outside KeriKeri and has good access for transportation.
In terms of price, the owner is only seeking to recover costs to date and mentioned that $13,000 will see her change ownership. That woodys is a very fair price, so do not bother looking if you think a low ball offer will get the boat.
Initial enquires to Hamish at  vcstcere83@gmail.com

Sistership – TAMARA

CLASSIC BIG GAME LAUNCHES HAULED OUT

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CLASSIC BIG GAME LAUNCHES HAULED OUT

Todays photo popped up yesterday on a Bill McQuinn fb feed and shows the Orams yard in Whangarei. The photo is dated 1967.

From left to right the game boats are (1) ’something’ GLEN (Lance Reid has suggested MONA’s GLEN , Lew Redwood says MONS GLEN and Nathan Herbert commented that could be MONA’S ISLE (2) BLUE FIN (3) RUTH.

• Keen to confirm the correct name of launch #1 . From the chat on the fb page it would appear that boat #1 is Monas Isle / Rakanui Read more below –https://waitematawoodys.com/2017/06/17/rakanui-mona-isle-ii/

• BLUE FIN has featured on WW before https://waitematawoodys.com/2021/04/27/blue-fin-2/

• Very interested to learn more about RUTH.