Category Archives: Launches

2026 NEW ZEALAND ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT SHOW

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2026 NEW ZEALAND ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT SHOW

In the first weekend of March we have one on NZ’s coolest wooden boating events – the NZ Antique & Classic Boatshow, hosted in Kerr Bay, Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park.

Todays coverage of the event is a perfect example of how the WW community works – I get an email from a friend (John Burland) living in Germany informing me a friend of his (Cam Rodgers) is attending the show this year and would I like some photos – short answer – YES.

So thanks to Cam today we get to have a gander at the show. Looks like the weather gods were smiling.

Remember – click to enlarge photos and enjoy the gallery 🙂

WHERE IS THE CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH TALISMAN

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WHERE IS THE CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH TALISMAN

Todays woody is the 38’ launch TALISMAN, designed and built by Max Carter and launched in 1961. Her original owner was R. Jordan. TALISMAN had a 11’6” beam so there was shortage of room down below.

TALISMAN graced the cover of the Oct 1962 issue of Sea Spray magazine.

When launched TALISMAN was powered by twin Fordson diesels that were marine converted by the Ford dealer – John Andrew & Sons. The engines gave her a comfortable cruising speed of 10 knots. For the ‘petrol heads’ there are lots of details in the article above.

Question of the day – what became of TALISMAN, name change?. 

(Sea Spray article comes to us via Ken Ricketts)

SPIRIT OF TRADITION CANOE STERN LAUNCH – ZOET

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SPIRIT OF TRADITION CANOE STERN LAUNCH – ZOET

Todayswoody story bends the WW rules eg probably ply and f/glass and an American design, but there are some redeeming features – ZOET was built at the Auckland UNITEC Boatbuilding School in the 1980’s, its got a canoe stern + she is a good looker.

Some background – 28’ in length, built c.1980’s to a Ted Brewer (USA) design, powered by Nissan SD22 inboard diesel. Shallow (28”) draft = great inner harbour / lake boat.

(thanks to Ian McDonald for the tme heads up)

NAPIER CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – BETTINA – GETS A SECOND LIFE

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BETTINA

NAPIER CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – BETTINA – GETS A SECOND LIFE

Recently Sam Avison acquired a berth in Napier, but there was a slight problem, the berth included a 1950’s kauri built launch. The launch named BETTINA wasn’t  / isn’t in good shape, in fact at the time of purchase she was taking on water (sinking).                               Sam couldn’t bring himself to call in the back-hoe boys so decided to take on the challenge. 

First job was to sort out the leak, that’s done and he’s currently getting his head around where to start next. 

The primary reason for Sam contacting WW to see how f he can learn more about the vessels past. All he knows is 26’ long, built in Napier and probably had a name change in the 1990’s.

Anyone able to help with IDing the boat. 

CLASSIC BAY OF ISLANDS LAUNCH – MISS BRETT

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CLASSIC BAY OF ISLANDS LAUNCH – MISS BRETT

Back in August 2018 , the ex workboat MISS BRETT was looking for a new owner, WW link below, not sure she found one given the circumstances thats assume she did. https://waitematawoodys.com/2018/08/25/miss-brett-needs-a-new-woody-owner/

Then last week Dean Wright sent in todays photo of MISS BRETT in Deep Water Cove, Bay of Islands.

MISS BRETT was launched in 1927 & built by Dick Lang at Russell  for the Bay of Islands famous Fullers Cream Trip. She measures 40’ x 10’9” x 2’11” draft. 

Looking at todays photo and the WW 2018 photos, does not appear as if she has been getting the TLC on a regular basis.

Can we learn what’s been happening in her life these past 8 years.

LAST REMINDER RE THE AUCKLAND BOAT SHOW – STARTING TOMORROW

LOCATION IS DOCKSIDE AT THE VIADUCT EVENTS CENTRE – DETAILS HERE https://www.auckland-boatshow.com

CLASSIC WOODEN STEAM LAUNCH PUKE

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CLASSIC WOODEN STEAM LAUNCH PUKE

Today we have another great photo from the ‘Thames Historic Pictures’ fb via Lew Redwood.

On the left is the steam launch PUKE, standing off the sunken paddle steamer KOPU. The location is the top end of the dead end channel, Puke Wharf, Paeroa (I assume).

Question of the day for the steam heads – is this the same steam launch that I photographed at the 2025 Whangarei Maritime Festival or a replica? Photos below.

MYSTERY NORTHLAND WOODEN KAURI LAUNCH

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MYSTERY NORTHLAND WOODEN KAURI LAUNCH

Todays woody popped up on tme late last year (thanks Ian McDonald), at the time the starting bid was $300, sadly it didn’t sell.

What we learnt was she was 18’ in length, built from kauri carvel planking, and there was a Lees Marine Ford engine in her. Her fittings must have been worth the asking price, but the location – Maungaturoto, Northland, would have put people off + no trailer in the sale.

Anyone know more about the launch and what became of her.

CLASSIC WOODEN BRIDGE- DECKER – VICTORY

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CLASSIC WOODEN BRIDGE- DECKER – VICTORY

Woody Angus Rogers sent the photos above of the 40’ Kinlock Marina based classic wooden launch – VICTORY. Designed and built by Jack Taylor in Taupo in 1939. She spent time as a charter boat.

Lots of interior photos in the WW Sept 2021 story –  link herehttps://waitematawoodys.com/2021/09/16/victory-a-peek-down-below/

I like the port hole eyebrows a lot, very clever.

Always nice to get updates on the woodys that we do not see a lot of.

 WOODEN LAUNCH AT GULF HARBOUR – ECHO

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 WOODEN LAUNCH AT GULF HARBOUR – ECHO

One of my Gulf Harbour spies sent in todays photo of the launch – ECHO, he spotted her late last year hauled out at the Gulf Harbour Marina in Auckland.

Now hopefully I’m right in saying its a woody, could be ply/f-glass or even worse pure white plastic…….

Her size lets her get away with the flying bridge and sun shade. Smart looking craft.

Can we learn more about ECHO.

INPUT ex ANGUS ROGERS – photos below taken during her pervious owners period.

28-02-2026 INPUT ex ALAN SEXTON – ARTICLE BELOW EX SEA SPRAY MAGAZINE MAY 19991

UPCOMING AUCKLAND ON-THE-WATER BOAT SHOW – 5>8 MARCH
If your looking for classic wooden boats you will looking for a long time but if you need a new – tender, outboard, safety gear, bbq, electronics, VHF etc – this is the boat show for you. Personally I always seem to find something I didn’t know I needed for the boat 🙂 Its a very professional run show and a great opportunity to see the latest and greatest marine related goods – just do not buy a white plastic boat 🙂

LOCATION IS DOCKSIDE AT THE VIADUCT EVENTS CENTRE – DETAILS HERE https://www.auckland-boatshow.com

A 1900’s WOODEN SETTLERS LAUNCH AT PAEROA

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A 1900’s WOODEN SETTLERS LAUNCH AT PAEROA

Todays very cool photo comes to us from Lew Redwood via the ’Thames Historic Pictures’ fb page.

The location Is the Junction Wharf, Paeroa and its dated 1907.

I hope I’m correct when a say the small motorboat in the foreground is what was back then referred to as a ’Settlers Launch’. Todays equivalent would be a Toyota HiLux Ute.

Harold Kidd once told me an approx. figure for the number of these Settler Launches built in the 1900>1930 period, the exact number has slipped thru the cracks in my grey matter but it was I think (starting to sound like Ken Ricketts…..) +/- 5,000.