Category Archives: Engines

CLASSIC MASON SPORTS CLIPPER RUNABOUT – RAROA

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CLASSIC MASON SPORTS CLIPPER RUNABOUT – RAROA

This 23′ woody recently popped up on tme and immediately caught my eye — helped in no small part by the great photography and those postcard-perfect backdrops.

Built in 1966, RAROA presents as a very well-sorted example of the Mason Sports Clipper style. She’s beautifully finished and comes with one very practical bonus – she’s trailerable. That means no marina fees and the freedom to tow her to wherever the water (and weather) looks best.

At 23’ she strikes that sweet spot between classic elegance and modern usability. 

Power comes from a Chevrolet blueprint 383 V8, pushing out a serious 405hp. Top speed would have to be well and truly off the dial. The engine alone reportedly cost around $50k, which tells you straight away this is not an entry-level woody.

This is a complete package that has the woody wow-factor.

INSIDE THE CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH WIRIHANA – What Powers Her

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INSIDE THE CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH WIRIHANA – What Powers Her

In the New Zealand classic wooden boating  world there is one designer / builder whose name that no matter who you speak to, is in their top three craftsmen – and that gent is Colin Wild. A quick search of his name in the WW Search Panel will result in a visual show case of NZ’s most striking classic craft.

One of Wild’s finest builds is the 1933 launch – WIRIHANA, a woody that has featured numerous times on WW in the last 10 years. Where ever she goes, I get sent photos from people seduced by her looks.

Aside from her wow factor, WIRIHANA is rather unique in that she is still owned by the third generation of the original owners – the Gould family. The family have had the wisdom to engage retired master boatbuilding icon Chris McMullen to maintain, skipper and use WIRIHANA for 18+ years. Today thanks to Natasha Gould, Chris McMullen and Ken Ricketts we get to uncover a side of WIRIHANA’s past not covered on WW previously – the engine room.

Her original engine was a slow running 4 cyl Kelvin with no reduction gear and  a petrol start. This engine also had a ‘day diesel tank’ fitted to the engine room wall with a gravity feed to the engine with the main diesel tanks aft, from which diesel had to be pumped daily, into the day tank, manually.

Chris McMullen has commented that all the  original associated equipment and day tank, associated with the Kelvin, is still in her today, although not in use, and has the Kelvin name on it.  

As covered on WW previously WIRIHANA was commandeered by the NZ Navy during WWII and when returned to Jack Gould (Natasha Gould’s grandfather) at the end of the war, Jack insisted that the NZ Navy replace the engine, because of the rigours of naval service.  Another reason for the replacement shared by Chris McMullen is probably the fact that reverse gear on the Kelvin had to be inconveniently operated by crew in the engine room. 

End result was the NZ Navy fitted a 6/71 165HP GM Detroit 2 stroke diesel, that had a hydraulic gear box that could be operated by cable. WIRIHANA retained this engine for a great many years and was eventually replaced in the early 2000’s by Rusty Gould (Jack Gould’s son), with a 180hp artificially aspirated 6 cyl. Scania diesel, which she still has today.  

One unusual feature of WIRIHANA’s engine room is the absence of an engine box / sound installation – Chris McMullen told me once , you get used to the noise and its a perfect place for drying towels 🙂

(photo credit – Natasha Gould, Dean Wright, Alan H)

CLASSIC LAUNCH – STERLING – Can We Help Out

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CLASSIC LAUNCH – STERLING – Can We Help Out

Todays woody – STERLING was built by Ernie Lane in Picton and launched in 1925. Lots of details and photos in this April 2019 WW story – link here  https://waitematawoodys.com/2019/04/03/sterling-2/

Last week WW was contacted by STERLING’s owner who advised they were in the process of getting her back up to speed for her 100th next year. They commented that with the help of a tame boat builder, they have removed the dodgy timber and replaced with good Northland Kauri, pulled the engine out and given it an overhaul, reconfigured the main cabin and will replace the very agricultural duck board and raise and reconfigure the aft cabin. Along with a full rewiring, she should be good to go for a wee while. 

That’s all good news put they have a wee problem – in pulling out the old 6 cylinder Ford Lehman, it was discovered that the cast manifold is beyond repair and are reaching out to see if there are any woodys that might know know where they can get a replacement.

So question today is – can we help out, someone must have one in a shed somewhere.

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – NGARUNUI – A PEEK DOWN BELOW + NOW FOR SALE

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CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – NGARUNUI – A PEEK DOWN BELOW + NOW FOR SALE

Today’s featured classic wooden launch is the impressive 48’ NGARUNUI, designed and built by Jim Young and launched in 1959. With a generous 12’ beam and 6’6” headroom, she’s a big, comfortable girl – in fact, she sleeps nine.

Constructed in kauri, 1 1/4” carvel-planked, NGARUNUI carries all the hallmarks of a serious long-distance cruiser.

Power comes from a 200hp Doosan L136T, and she’s backed up by a Yanmar 20hp auxiliary driving its own shaft and prop. Combine that with what I’d call a new ‘sail-assist’ rig, and you’ve got one of the best “get me home” configurations you’ll find on a classic wooden launch.

Yes, she is for sale, and her spec sheet is both extensive and impressive. Most WW readers don’t need every last detail here, but rest assured – it’s all there: autohelm, radar, bow thruster, 1200L fuel, 800L water, and a long list of quality gear. Full details reserved for genuinely interested parties.

So, two options today:

  1. Buy NGARUNUI now and be cruising the gulf this Christmas / New Year.
  2. Walk away, knowing she’ll sit quietly in the back of your mind – with the very real risk that someone else snaps her up first.

The owner’s price expectation is market-realistic, and NGARUNUI represents exceptional value for a vessel of this calibre.

CLASSIC WOODEN CLINKER – GYPSY – Why Are the Good Ones Never Nearby

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CLASSIC WOODEN CLINKER – GYPSY – Why Are the Good Ones Never Nearby

Doing a tme deep dive over the weekend and up popped the 22’ clinker launch – GYPSY. Sure its a project given the recent sinking but at current bidding (4 bids) its $10 and its reached its reverse price.

This 1970 woody comes from the very impressive stable of Lionel Jefcoat, a master craftsman. Read about the man here  https://waitematawoodys.com/2016/03/12/lionel-jefcoat-boatbuilder-wood-craftsman/
The story is the boat sank on its mooring (not totally submerged) due to a skin fitting failure caused by bad weather .It is sound condition with only a small amount of rot around cabin.the motor was running normally before it sank and was washed down and flushed out within a day of haul out. The photos of GYPSY out of the water were taken after the sinking.

Motor is a 10hp Kelvin P2 diesel. Home is Lyttelton, Canterbury.
Someone one in the Picton Clinker and Classic Boat Club needs to buy her, a perfect additional to the fleet.If she was in Auckland, it would be sitting in my drive by now.Auction close 7pm Friday night.

WW MERCHANDISE – IF YOU ARE THINKING OF ORDERING – DO IT NOW B4 STOCK RUNS OUT

SAVING A CLASSIC SEACRAFT RUNABOUT 

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SAVING A CLASSIC SEACRAFT RUNABOUT 

If todays woody was a car the all most blue blood link would double its value. Read below the story sent in by Philip Wilson. 

Philip is keen to talk to anyone with additional info about this boats history.

“Back in the 1962 this boat was commissioned as a new build by the Govt Internal Affairs Dept as one of 4-5 Seacraft boats to be used for a visit by the Queen Mother and her party to Lake Taupo. She was to have arrived by Sunderland flying boat and taken ashore in one of these boats and later taken out trout fishing. This visit was unfortunately cancelled I understand due to a health problem

The boat however was a new build, delivered to Taupo and was under the charge of the Head Ranger, Don Maine.

The boat was unique as it was the first hull built to a new modified design with a double skin bottom, a diagonal inner and a fore and aft outer skin rather than the original clinker bottom of the previous boats. This was to give the bottom additional strength to take the power of twin Ford Consul inboard engines.  This info has been confirmed in an email communication to me from Lionel Sands CEO of Seacraft.

How long the boat was in the care of the Ranger, I don’t know or its history until I acquired it.

I acquired this boat via Trade Me after a couple of year’s research to find it in 2005.

The actual structural restoration took 7 years of part time work with a lot of periods of nothing.

The original cabin and deck were too far gone to be reused but the parts made excellent pattens for the new cabin in Sappele Mahogany.    

Seacraft interiors were very spartan in the day so I adopted a configuration from my days at Fleetcraft Marine in Palmerston North.

The Ford Consul’s no longer existed so I decided to go out on a limb and after extensive research I opted for Toyota Starlet 1300 cc Fuel injected/computer controlled engines of 1996 vintage. These engines are coupled to Hurth 150 V drive boxes. 

Many hours were taken to marinize the engines and custom make all the necessary components to get this installation together.

However the end result is a craft that looks good, retains its original classic lines and is functional and has reliable engineering. The engines have been professionally tuned and adapted for marine use.

Late Nov 2025 I completed to final sea trial with the engines running very quietly and achieving 27 kns at 4500 rpm which is the planned max cruising speed.”

UPDATE ex ALAN CRAIG (Craig Marine) Alan has the other two boats referred to above. 

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

WOODEN CLASSICS TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT THE 2025 WHANGAREI MARITIME FESTIVAL – 60+ photos & videos

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WOODEN CLASSICS TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT THE 2025 WHANGAREI MARITIME FESTIVAL

Early Saturday morning I pointed the car north and arrived in Whangārei just in time to catch the soft early light — perfect for photography and well before the dockside crowds arrived.

Whangārei’s Town Basin really is the ideal setting for a maritime festival — easy dock access, great viewing angles, and plenty of nearby cafés and attractions. Add in the buzz of the Saturday markets and you’ve got all the ingredients for a standout event.

Wooden boat numbers were a little down on last year, but a few visiting commercial vessels — including Customs, Pilot boats, fishing craft and a pair of Waka — helped round out the fleet. From a public point of view, it was still an impressive line-up. Given the number of classic boats that have migrated north in recent years, it would be great to see more of the region’s wooden heritage on display next time around.

It was great to catch up with so many familiar faces — clearly the new highway was busy with Aucklanders heading north for the weekend.

All up, a thoroughly enjoyable day. Hopefully today’s photo gallery will inspire a few more of you to make the trip in 2026.

And there is always a few foody pix – hands down the best two seafood fritters ever – one mussel and the star – one whitebait. And a free KOWHAI coffee because she liked my WW t-shirt.

FYI – when I’m at an event I point the camera at what catches my eye , sometimes I miss a few boats but I like to think the photos are more like someone strolling the docks rather than someone trying to capture the whole caboodle 🙂

EX 1929 CLASSIC WORKBOAT KATIPO

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EX 1929 CLASSIC WORKBOAT KATIPO 

Seems these days there is a fb page for just about anything and everything – John Burland sent me a link to the ‘Memories of Abel Tasman National Park’ page. There I came across a  posting dating back to April 2023 where a Peter Campbell posted a copy of a Cody  Engineering advertisement from November 1951 , featured in the ad was the 26’ launch – KAIPO. At the time owned by Henry Cotton. She had a 8’6” beam and draft of 2’6”. We ran a brief story on her back in 2023 but didnt learn about, so we try again 🙂

Then we learnt in the comments section(ex Steve Thomas 2024) thatDon Thomas and Boxer Fanslowe purchased KATIPO from Nelson Fisheries mid 1950’s and was then refurbished by Dick Stringer in Nelson.. In another comment in 2024 a Lynda Gould advised the Don Thomas was her father and him and Boxer owned the boat in the 1950”s > 1970’s.

She was originally built by the Juke yard, Wellington and launched 1929.  The Petter 10hp engine was replaced around 1960 with a Ford Dexta 3 Cylinder, 32hp. KATIPO remained in the Thomas family until sold around 1998. 

She’s now sitting in Picton Marina and I believe with the same Dexta engine still going strong after 63 years service. Photo below ex Steve Thomas, taken around 25 years ago.

Do we know what became of KATIPO.

03-02-2026 INPUT ex JOHN BURLAND – Now located in Picton Marina on a pole mooring. Powered by Ford Dexter diesel engine and 4sale on tme.

A WOODEN BOATING TIME CAPSULE – 1913 NZ YACHTSMAN 

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A WOODEN BOATING TIME CAPSULE – 1913 NZ YACHTSMAN 

Yesterday in the post I received a package from Denis O’Callahan, past owner of MV TASMAN. Denis had recently been going thru his ’to good to throw out’ files and found a collection of old boating magazine from 1911, 1913,1938 and 1958 – after a quick glance I had to put them away before I wrote the whole day off 🙂

A couple of things did catch my eye – 

1. The above advertisement for the Central Boating Company, promoting the Hyde Propeller and Regal engine – which CBC were agents for. I assume the motor boat in the advertisement is named REGAL as a result of its engine and that it ran a Hyde Propeller – caption reads 15.38 knots, very impressive for the size of boat. But, back then there were very little home comforts aboard, so significantly lighter. Further on in the issue we learn that REGAL did have a 32hp Regal engine and her specs were 32′ in length with a 6’10” beam, She was also for sale, no price mentioned.

Do we know what became of REGAL

2. A boats for sale listing from 1913, see below. One of my pet frustrations with boat dealers is they never show / list a boats name, in fact even go as far as removing the name from the photos if the name is visible . The vessels name is an integral part of its DNA, equal to designer / builder / specs etc.

One can only assume the boat dealer is too insecure to publish the name. 

Well after reading the 1913 December issue of New Zealand Yachtsman seems the insecurity has been around 100+ years, after reading the listing I wasn’t able to put a name to any of the launch for sale descriptions. The reference to a race winner on the 3rd from top listing might make that one identifiable.