Category Archives: Launches

CLASSIC LOGAN WOODEN LAUNCH – MAXIE – NEEDS SAVING

Posted on by
4

CLASSIC LOGAN WOODEN LAUNCH – MAXIE – NEEDS SAVING

If we believe her tme story, the classic wooden launch – MAXIE, was built in 1903 by Logan Bros in Auckland. That makes her royalty in the NZ classic boating world – with a starting bid of $10k, someone needs to snap her up quick. Home is Lake Taupo.

What we know from tme is she is 32’ in length, and powered by a 75hp Ford 2701E diesel engine.

Back in 1985 she had some serious work done which included a new engine, new deck and new cabin. The hull is double skin kauri and in sound condition as is the cabin structure. The deck as seen in the photos has rot and is leaking and in need of replacement.

So woodys who is going to step up and take over ownership of this blue blood classic Logan launch.

UPDATE – I asked Harold Kidd if MAXIE was the real deal – answer below “Yes it is. She was built as LIGAR for H H  Harris of Pelorus but was sold to the Kennys at Picton then on to Wellington in the early 1920s renamed MAXIE. She was there for many years but has been on Taupo recently.She’s in the Logan book as unknown built for Harris in late 1903.”

INPUT ex PAUL DRAKE – Photo below of MAXIE at Paremata Wellington not long after her rebuild and before coming to Taupo – in the 1980’s?

03-02-2026 – INPUT ex PAUL DRAKE – Good news from Taupo. MAXIE (Logan Bros 1903) SOLD and was taken away for some extensive TLC. The intention is that, in time, she will return to Taupo in pristine condition. 

CLASSIC LAUNCH FEATHER GETS SOME TLC

Posted on by
1
Happy Owner

CLASSIC LAUNCH FEATHER GETS SOME TLC

Todays story is stepping over the self imposed Berlin Wall of classic craft – you see FEATHER has DNA dating back to 1912 when the Arch Logan designed 33’ DOREEN and then fast forwarding to the early 2000’s when Eric Knight started making the L33 fibre-glass replicas off a mould of DOREEN.

The concept appealed to FEATHER’s owner but he commissioned some tweaks – like forward motion from a 4-stroke outboard and an awful lot of at the time wonder material – think carbon fibre. End result was the very special craft we see today.

In the USA there is a new word appearing at some of the classic regattas – its ‘GLASSIC’, and is used to describe craft that appear to be old, wooden, classic craft but are made from f/glass. In my eyes a classic is wooden and always will be.

 I’m sure the fisheads that sit on the classic yacht association steering group will one day soon, in their hunger for dollars to fund their yacht races, tweak the membership criteria and allow GLASSICS to join up. Rest assured WW will stay pure 🙂

Back to FEATHER – after several weeks hauled out at the Slipway Milford getting some serious TLC that included a JPPJ* – she slipped down the railway slipway back into the Milford Creek on Thursday looking better than new. (*Jason Prew Paint Job) Photos & videos – Cam Malcolm, Jason Prew and Alan H)

SAD DEMISE OF CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – ILEX

Posted on by
Reply
1910 >1920 – original Deeming homestead and boat shed at Tapu Point 
1945 > mid-1950’s – Opua to Okiato vehicular ferry
1980’s
1990’s

SAD DEMISE OF CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – ILEX

WW has been contacted by Greg Philpott regarding the 1910 classic wooden launch – ILEX. Readers may recall Greg recently published a book titled ‘Boats of the Bay’ and he’s working on a sequel (‘First Boats of the Bay’). Greg commented that one of the craft to feature in the new book will be ILEX. I’ll hand over to Greg to tell the story ILEX.

“Ilex was the very first boat built by Scarlett Deeming at his boat shed at Tapu Point opposite the fledgling township of Opua. She was built in 1910 and was used by the Deeming family in a variety of ways – two of the key ones, firstly as the school ferry to take children to and from the Opua School and this operated from 1928 to 1939. Ilex was also the prime towing launch for the Okiato to Opua vehicular ferry which had been instigated by the military during World War Two and was then taken over by Jack and his son Selwyn Deeming from 1945 and continued to operate until A E Fuller and Sons took over around 1954 and Ilex was replaced by Miss Doris.

The history of Ilex then disappears until the mid / late 197o’s when brother Don and Max Lightband purchased the boat in Auckland and took her to Mangonui where they ran her as both a family boat as well as used for fishing charters. She appears to have been sold around the late 1970’s to the then owners of the Mangonui 4 Square (the shop over the water) – it is possible that Ilex was renamed Twilight at that time. 

Ilex then suffered a mishap when during a storm one night (date unknown) she was forced under the Mangonui wharf and had her topside totally destroyed. She was hauled out and placed on a property at Mangonui and restoration started. It looks like ownership also changed around this time. Eventually Ilex was acquired by Ken Wright who took her to his property at Kaikohe when he set about rebuilding her deck and cabin top – in the process adding a low flying bridge. She was then used as a family pleasure boat with much fishing engaged in.

In 2010, Ilex was sold to Warwick Moore who had her transported to the Maritime Museum at Paeroa. She was being worked on there when sometime between 2016 and 2019 she was apparently accidently knocked off her cradle by a worker at the Museum. She was subsequent destroyed by the Museum. A key part of New Zealand’s maritime history, at that time over 100 years old, gone.”

Greg would like to learn more of ILEX’s history particularly between the mid-1950’s and mid-1970’s. And also her time in Mangonui and her demise at Paeroa. 

So woodys can we help Greg with his search for more intel on the vessel.I’m also keen to get some photos of the final days at Paeroa.

MYSTERY WOODEN LAUNCH – ENTRY LEVEL CLASSIC 

Posted on by
2

MYSTERY WOODEN LAUNCH – ENTRY LEVEL CLASSIC 

Todays woody bridge-decker is only a classic because the seller choices to not record her name, nor builder (made not known). What we know is she is 32’ in length, has a beam of 8’3”, and draws just over 3’ and is built from kauri.

Forward motion is via a 4 cyl., 3.6L Fordson Major diesel engine.

Currently inWellington, previously Christchurch and Auckland before that. Given current tme bid of $1500 (reserve meet), could be a good buy given what appears to be a lot of worked / $$ done to her. (thanks Ian McDonald for the heads up)

Can we put a name to the vessel and maybe learn who built her and when.

RSVP TO waitematawoodys@gmail.com

CLASSIC WOODY FUEL TANKER + CLEVEDON RIVER BBQ CRUISE DETAILS

Posted on by
1

CLASSIC WOODY FUEL TANKER + CLEVEDON RIVER BBQ CRUISE DETAILS

When I first saw todays photo I thought it was Jason Prew’s launch MY GIRL loaded up for a xmas cruise. The photo was sent in by Barrie Abel (MV Matira) who spotted it on the wall at the office of Morton Timber in Clevedon.

You would have to hope those fuel drums are empty, but sometimes (fumes) that makes them more dangerous.

CLASSIC WOODYS CLEVEDON RIVER BBQ CRUISE 

And on the subject of Clevedon and the Wairoa River – todays the day we open the book for expressions of interest to come on the river cruise to the Clevedon Cruising Club for the annual waitematawoodys overnight dockside BBQ. This gig is one of the stand out events on the woodys calendar.

Those unfamiliar with the trip – check out this link to a previous cruise https://waitematawoodys.com/2022/09/19/woodys-classic-clevedon-cruise-report-sept-2022-50-photos/

We are always driven by the tides so this year its an early start – heading up the river at daylight – 6.15am. So we suggest leaving Friday late avo and anchoring in the bay. Many have done this in the past, makes for (almost) a leisurely start.

Normal plan – piloted Indian file cruise up the river, docking on the wharf, boats open for CBC members to inspect, evening BBQ at thecubrooms, leave early Sunday . Dogs welcome, but on a leash please.

For now – let us know – boat name, boat length, est. crew numbers email to waitematawoodys@gmail.com

RVSP TO waitematawoodys@gmail.com

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – MOOSE – RESTORATION UPDATE #2

Posted on by
Reply

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – MOOSE – RESTORATION UPDATE #2

Last Wednesday we did an story on the TCL work boatbuilder Alan Craig had done on the classic wooden launch – ALPHEUS. During the chat with Alan I nudged him for an update on the 28’, 1938, Collings & Bell built – MOOSE restoration, and today woodys we get to share what’s been happening in the Craig Marine shed.

Links below to the previous stories, including the extraction of MOOSE from her lake front boat shed.

WW May 8th https://waitematawoodys.com/2025/05/08/classic-launch-moose-a-sneak-peek/

WW May 26th https://waitematawoodys.com/2025/05/26/classic-launch-moose-on-the-move/ As seen in the gallery of photos Moose is well under way. Plenty of rib and rot repairs done and as Alan commented ‘undoing the sins from years of repairs’. 

With the likelihood of a new Yanmar engine, the old unit has come out. The plan is to try and use the existing V drive. 

As MOOSE will end up out on a Jetty most of the time, the cabin roof will be getting a protective layer of f/glass. Alan remarked that while it seems a shame to cover the nice tongue & groove roof, they want MOOSE to live on many more years yet.

Now that she is in a cradle the boatyard team can attack the underside and are starting work on an interior layout. 

DAVEY JONES NEW BOOK QUIZ WINNER – JAMES HUTCHINSON. Congratulations to James, for all those that missed out – copies available at daveyjonesofwakatahuri@gmail.com

CAN ANYONE TELL US ABOUT THE WOODEN BOAT – LADY JOYCE

Posted on by
5

CAN ANYONE TELL US ABOUT THE WOODEN BOAT – LADY JOYCE

Somedays life just gets in the way of writing a WW story, so today’s story is a lazy one eg I was sent the photos above by Dion Lane. Dion had recently purchased the 44’ LADY JOYCE and was seeking more intel on her, makes for an quick story.

Dion commented that he believes LADY JOYCE was built from kauri c.1970 by the ’Carey family’. Home currently is Wellington but she may have spent time in Waikawa, Marlborough, South Island.

The addition of the block of flats doesn’t please my classic eye but as one of my favourite boatbuilders is fond of saying “its only wood and I do own a tungsten tipped chainsaw” 🙂

DAVEY JONES BOOK QUIZ – CLOSES TONIGHT AT 6 pm

Scroll down to yesterdays story for details on the prize and how to enter – FYI – So far the most entries ever to a WW competition and they all have the correct answer ✓ So it seems Davey and vessel are well known around NZ’s coastal ports.

FATHERS DAY SORTED FOR ANYONE WITH SALT IN THEIR VEINS

Posted on by
1

FATHERS DAY SORTED FOR ANYONE WITH SALT IN THEIR VEINS

Rarely these days do I pick up a book and can not put it down – well it happened recently. I received an advance copy of Davey Jones just published book – ‘Davey Jones of Wakatahuri’ and its both a cracker read and an amazing account of his boating life and his interaction with the Wakatahuri region. Now I’m sure some of you will be asking yourself ‘ where is that?’ – well its in the outer Pelorus Sound at the top of the South Island, the Marlborough District (refer chart below). The area has been many things to many people – a fish factory, a boatyard, a ship breaking base and a community hub.

Davey Jones arrived at Wakatahuri as a young fisherman in 1956 and still lives there today , on and off when he’s not lapping NZ in his boat.

It’s an additive read that with the help of over 200 photographs will have you hooked. 

And as a bonus – included is a reprint of an equally wonderful read -’Sounds Wrecking Co.’ by Martin Burthold.

So woodys drop a hint to the family re what you want for Fathers Day (Sept 7th) or just order one for yourself – $60+ p&p – all enquiries to daveyjonesofwakatahuri@gmail.com

AND I HAVE A COPY TO GIVE AWAY – just answer correctly the name of the vessel Davey Jones has most recently been lapping NZ on. Enter ONLY via email to waitematawoodys@gmail.com all correct entries go in the draw. Closes 6pm 17-08-2023.

AND THERE ALWAYS HAS TO BE A BOAT PHOTO – this is from Davey’s book and shows the work boat MARLBOROUGH PN47, in Picton Harbour c.1929, built by E R Lane. In the background are VALMARIE, at left, and Ernie Lane’s boat shed, the Picton Rowing Club sheds at right. The vessel under repair at Lane’s yard is a lighter from Port Robinson (Gore Bay)

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – BALSONA – TO GOOD TO BE TRUE STORY

Posted on by
1

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – BALSONA – To Good To Be True Story

The 50’ Oliver & Gilpin 1967 built wooden launch – BALSONA recently popped up on tme (thanks Ian McDonald) – the asking price was $25k ono, including her Hobsonville marina berth. Now it seems a bit whiffy – big boat, twin Ford 130 hp engines , over $300k spent etc BUT only one photo shown(as above).

BALSONA made a brief appearance on WW in Jan 2021 link here https://waitematawoodys.com/2021/01/26/balsona-classic-launch-parade/

I’d like to be proved wrong but I suspect this offering is an attempt to exit the Hobsonville marina berth lease. These days a lot of marina ownership is really a liability eg est. only 6 years term left x 12 months = 72 payments x maybe $1,200 mth for a 15m marina berth = $86,000. Thence a lot of the berths are for sale at $1,000 or even free.

As mentioned in the listing owner open to partnership, sweat equity / payment.

So if you’re looking for a cheapish waterfront home, BALSONA might be an option. 

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH ALPHEUS FINDS A NEW LAKE HOME – AND SOME WELL EARNED TLC

Posted on by
1

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH ALPHEUS FINDS A NEW LAKE HOME – AND SOME WELL EARNED TLC

How’s this for a spot of serendipity, or maybe just Siri listening in 🙂 

Yesterday I was chatting online with Alan Craig at Craig Marine, the central north island master boatbuilder / restorer about the 42′ classic wooden launch – ALPHEUS. Craig mentioned that they had recently completed some work on her a few months ago. Mainly TLC, tidying up some of the bright work and a few repairs. 

These days home for ALPHEUS is Taupo, at the marina down in Turangi. Craig commented that the location was definitely not the place to be doing that kind of work in autumn but they were lucky with the weather.

Then bingo today on WW in the comments section a gent named Brian Murphy mentioned he owned ALPHEUS from 1992/3 until he sold her to Ian and Rosalind about 2015. Brain’s family has huge memories of a superb ownership and many enjoyable summers.We used to moor her on D52 at Gulf Harbour. Last I heard of her she was on Lake Taupo as a live aboard (edited) 

Back in the early days before the demise of the classic yacht association motor launch division, Ian Rosalind and ALPHEUS were regular attendees at the multitude of events we hosted. Very happy to see she has a new life on the lake.

View more photos here from a June 2020 WW story https://waitematawoodys.com/2020/06/04/alpheus-a-peek-down-below-lady-ava-sinks/

Photo below showing the TLC was overdue 😉