Category Archives: Launches

PICTON AND CLASSIC BOAT CLUB 

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PICTON AND CLASSIC BOAT CLUB 

One of the highlights each month is getting a copy of ‘DEADWOOD’ the newsletter the Picton Clinker & Classic Boat Club, in my email inbox. Its edited / pulled together by Roysie, sorry I do not know the surname. Each issue is a reminder to me that classic wooden boating isn’t all about launch and yachts kept on marinas. There is as much or probably more fun messing around in small clinker craft. 
In the latest issue Roysie reports on the clubs recent ‘Ngakuta Run’ on Saturday 15th. February .  I’ll let Roysie tell the story – 

“The day dawned fine & clear with light winds and nine boats arrived at the Ngakuta ramp including Ruru recently repaired by Dick. Unfortunately she stopped again on the trip and had to accept a tow from Riff Raff, Roy’s new boat, but came right and finished the run under her own steam.

It was a good turnout with 17 members on the water in 9 boats. The fleet motored from Ngakuta across the Sound to Umugnata Bay and along the northern shore to Bottle Bay, Houhou Point then back across to Iwirua Point and westward in and out of the bays back to Ngakuta.

The boats were retrieved and the barbecue set up in the shade of an oak tree. The weather was glorious and the setting perfect, we needed that shade from the sun which we’ve not really seen enough of this summer. Several club members arrived for the sausage sizzle and a very pleasant social occasion was enjoyed by all. “

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – ESME

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CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – ESME

A recent email from Rosemary Wakeman is what WW is all about – connecting the dots. I have reproduced the email below (slight edit)

“Doing a major tidy-up of old family photos – that I presume my kids will  throw out upon my demise.

I have  photos (and letters ) of ESME, a launch my late Uncle Ernie Sisson owned ( part owned ? )  in the 1930’s.   She was moored in Tauranga ( on a swing mooring I guess) I presume he sold her before he went to war in late December 1940.  I think he managed the grocery store Self Help in Tauranga.  He was killed in 1943, navigator on a Lancaster Bomber shot down over Germany 08-11-1943.

Two thoughts ..  was Esme still afloat? – and would any museum or collector like the photos  and letters mentioning her? “

The name ESME has appeared numerous times on WW but todays launch at 22’ is too small for the others . Also keen to learn that engine was in her, based on the back of the post card – the claim of 12-13 knots is impressive.

So woodys can we help Rosemary out.

INPUT EX HAROLD KIDD

Esme was owned by A. Hunter in 1930 but she’s a lot older than that. My pick is about 1904/5 with that rakish bow and “torpedo stern”. Ernie Sisson owned her in October 1939 when he modified her cabin top. He did a very good job as you can see. I have a photo of her on Charlie Millett’s slip at the same time as the bottom photo above. Some of the old Tauranga hands should have more information on her?

CLASSIC LAUNCH THETIS  – A ROLLING RESTORATION – UPDATE

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CLASSIC LAUNCH THETIS  – A ROLLING RESTORATION – UPDATE

Last June we reported that the classic launch – THETIS had been relocated toAuckland after several seasons in the Bay of Islands – link below to that story. https://waitematawoodys.com/2024/06/23/classic-launch-thetis-back-home/

Fast forward to last week and I bumped into her new owner Norman Ramsy in my local coffee shop. Turns out after initially spending time at Westhaven marina, home is now across the harbour at Bayswater marina.. THETIS was built in 1955 by Lanes on the Tamaki River, Auckland. Built from single skin/fore and aft kauri planking, her beam is 13’ and she draws 4’. Her twin Greymarine 6 cyl. (1960) 120hp diesel engines were probably best described as a ticking time bomb, in fact I heard one of them ‘let go’ during the pre-purchase sea trial.

Turns out lots of activity has been happening on the boat and Norman sent in the above photos and commented that THETIS is an ongoing project with lots of work in progress.(can’t they all)

A brief summary of work completed to date includes – 

• Engine rebuild by Kris – Marine and Industrial Diesels.

• New manifolds by Aliart – Christchurch.

• New Anchor from Grant Macduff – Ropes Chains and Anchors.

• New Mattresses custom.

• Transport and yard space/hard stand at Boat Boat Haulage

• Walk through Transom and Cabin Roof access for engine removal/refit by Terry – Boat Building and Ship Repair Auckland

I have always said that THETIS is a seriously smart looking craft and is a boat that looks fast even when at anchor, so its great to she her getting the TLC she deserves.

Input ex Russell Ward

“Brilliant that she’s keeping her original machinery: Raise a tot to the owner- long may he continue on this course.

A fine ship always, but she has Gray Diesels -four strokers, Ken. Not any kin to 6/71 “Dripstroit”, “Rocky Mountain Humming bird” “screaming demons” whatever you want to nickname them, although the first were built by Gray. The War stuffed all that and General Motors did the production by the million.

The 6/71s were designed by a very wise man -Boss Kettering- and with the war looming were to be made by General Motors. And they did by the millions. Some wise man told me they were designed by a smart man for less smart men to maintain.  I’m not sure where Grays came into the process for the 6/71 -don’t think they were involved for long. My books on the subject are not with me. 

Any thoughts, Cameron? You got two of ’em!”

Mystery Thames Wooden Launch

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Mystery Thames Wooden Launch

Earlier in the week WW was contacted by Patrick Fyers who sent in the above photo. Patrick commented that the boat was built by Wharepoa farmer / boatbuilder – Arthur John Innis. He built 3 kauri planked boats.sometime between 1917>1920.

In the photo we see her being drawn along Pollen St, Thames on skids by Clydesdale horse. The destination is the Curtis Wharf at Grahamstown.

The original photo was supplied by Dudley Troughton, Innis’s grandson..

Patrick obtained the photo from a friend whose great uncle built the launch (I assume thats A J Innis)

Note- the photo is vaguely familiar, may have appeared on WW before but I’m unable to find it)

YESTERDAYS QUIZ – No winner. The launches name is – ROYANA, she was designed and built by Woollcott in 1949. Powered by a Yanmar 3JH. Home is Stillwater, Auckland. People were all over the place re design / build – Shipbuilders, Hartley, Parris, Jackson, Frank Pelin and more 🙂

MYSTERY CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH QUIZ + WW PRIZE ON OFFER – ROYANA

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MYSTERY CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH QUIZ + WW PRIZE ON OFFER – ROYANA

WW was sent the above photo yesterday with the challenge of can anyone name the designer + builder + launching year.

Its a seriously good looking woody  – a couple of tips – its 24’ in length and is an Auckland boat. We know the name but that would make it too easy 🙂

First woody to get all three answers correct WINS a WW burgee – NOTE: enter only via email to waitematawoodys@gmail.com

The launch is named – ROYANA, designed and built by Woollacott in 1949. Powered by a Yanmar 3JH. Kept at Stillwater, Auckland.

LAKE ROTOITI 2025 CLASSIC & WOODEN BOAT PARADE – PART #2 THE PICNIC

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LAKE ROTOITI 2025 CLASSIC & WOODEN BOAT PARADE – PART #2 THE PICNIC

Today again thanks to Scott Johnson we experience the post Parade picnic at Wairau Bay. Where after the formalities of the Parade, the skippers and crew get to relaxed and have a waterside party. 

The venue being a lake (no tide) means that the craft can all nudge into the bank and everyone gets to meet, chat and swap boating stories.

Enjoy the gallery of photos – if you missed Mondays story where we featured the Parade – link here https://waitematawoodys.com/2025/02/24/lake-rotoiti-2025-classic-wooden-boat-parade-part-1-the-parade/

WOODY WEEKEND AT WAIHEKE ISLAND

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CAPLIN
MANAPOURI
JUANITA
ONEROA BEACH

WOODY WEEKEND AT WAIHEKE ISLAND 

Seems life the weekend just gone was the best time this season for classic boating. 

Geoff Fiebig sent in the above photos from Oneroa Bay, Waiheke Island on Saturday late afternoon.

Nice to see MANAPOURI out and about after her extensive re-fit. And the sedan launch – JUANITA looking immaculate, as always.

The yacht CAPLIN is a very salty woody with a huge back story – read here https://waitematawoodys.com/2023/11/15/caplin-a-once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity/

Can any one put a name to the rather large ex workboat – can not make out the name – maybe SEA XXXX? 

REMEMBER TO CHECK IN TOMORROW FOR PART #2 OF THE LAKE ROTOITI CLASSIC & WOODEN BOAT WEEKEND.

LAKE ROTOITI 2025 CLASSIC & WOODEN BOAT PARADE – PART #1 THE PARADE

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LAKE ROTOITI 2025 CLASSIC & WOODEN BOAT PARADE – PART #1 THE PARADE

Today thanks to Scott Johnson we get a look at the 2025 Lake Rotoiti Classic & Wooden Boat Parade — stunning, weather and photos that matched the wooden craft.

The day began with the traditional three cannon blasts, signaling the start of a flotilla of 80 classic and wooden boats gliding across the lake – lead out by Teheka Whaka.

Spectators gathered along the Okere arm shore, enjoying a live commentary from the commodore, who shared insights into the history and craftsmanship of these beautiful vessels. The weather was perfect, making for a truly memorable day on the water.

The parade concluded with a picnic and games at Wairau Bay, where the skippers and crew relaxed and celebrated another fantastic year of this cherished tradition.

Enjoy the gallery of photos & remember – click on photos to enlarge ;-)- On Wednesday we will have part two – the lake side picnic.

CLASSIC Ex WORKBOAT – MYSTERY GIRL 

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CLASSIC Ex WORKBOAT – MYSTERY GIRL 

The 20’ c.100 yrs old ex workboat – MYSTERY GIRL last popped up on WW back in 2015, link below, since then she has had a wheelhouse added and is now back on the market. Thanks Ian McDonald for the tme heads up. Lots of intel and chat here – check out the comments section https://waitematawoodys.com/2015/06/06/mystery-girl/

You have to love the sellers comments, so upfront and honest, “ window framing in topside has rot and falling apart, needs attention. Old 4 cylinder Ford diesel is not running. Unknown hours and details” 🙂

With some TLC she has the makings of a cool little woody.

CLASSIC WOODEN EX WORKBOAT – HINEMOA

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CLASSIC WOODEN EX WORKBOAT – HINEMOA

Todays woody made a brief appearance on tme (thanks Ian McDonald) and disappeared before I could record the details. So either sold in a flash or seller got cold feet.

So other than being located somewhere in the South Island and having a canoe-stern WW knows little about her, so keen to learn more.

KELVIN R4 75hp Engine – Needs A Home – Message below from Russell Ward
“It is time to place the R4 Kelvin with you to find a new owner.
It is 75 hp at 1500 rpm. I bought it from Sanfords -had been briefly the generator on Sea Harvester. Low hours. 

So I’ve had it in the mancave for most of my life awaiting a boat. I got Athol Burns to design me a 40′ MS for it – his last design ever. It was great fun but I knew I could never afford to build new. But I wanted Athol’s last design and it was well worth the effort just to have the exchange of letters. I will always treasure his sage advice. “No hysterics with old time practices” was his best.

Conrad Bergius who was related to the Kelvin makers Bergius had a similar dream and I gave it to him when we left Bayswater. He took it apart and got many new parts for it from the company.

When I took over St Antonio, I bought it from him – it had been on display in Moon Engines foyer.  I got a Niigata gearbox with a 3:1 reduction. I had it professionally fitted by Watts Engineering. 

It went briefly in the river at Warkworth and has been rebuilt since. When I sold St Antonio, the new owner had an Isuzu in preference to the Kelvin so I kept it.

Very easy engine to live with and will see any of us out. I have a vid of the last time it ran. Interested buyer contact Russell” mrward@steam.co.nz