KOURA – a sunset cocktail cruiser
Koura the 24’ launch, built c.1930s possibly built by Ford Craft, Ellerslie, Auckland – popped up on WW back in June 2019, at the time her owners were looking to sell her via tme. Fast forward to last month and her new owner contacted WW to advise they purchased Kora in Jan 2023 she had a new mission in life. Koura has been de-commissioned and now resides in the Whangarei area, alongside a jetty that is on land with no direct water access.  
Her owners undertook several alterations, completed in the same style and livery as the original. The hull is yet to be painted with anti foul, to keep the original look.
Below is an edited version of what been done to Koura – read on, I think this is a wonderful use of a craft that may have struggled to find a traditional home.

“The engine and gearbox have been removed along with battery and fuel, and all previous wiring updated with additional instrumentation and more accessible switch panel. Power is 230v through an all weather RV cable and socket from the jetty. A timer with back-up turns nav lights on at 6pm and off at 12 midnight whether we are there or not. The jetty lights are solar red and green approach lights, as well as white walkway lights. I rewired the original instruments so that when the new “ignition” key switch is turned on, the rev counter, oil and water instruments indicate an engine running at about 1400rpm. In a further burst of eccentricity normally reserved for the clinically bewildered  found Spotify sound tracks of a marine diesel starting up and of a diesel engined boat swishing though waves. A master switch allows me to isolate certain functions, including the new compressed air fog/ nav directional warning horn so it can’t be operated by kids or inebriated adults.

The hydraulic lines to the rudder have been retained to give an authentic resistance, along with the  engine/ gearbox throttle, and the winch with its loom ( disconnected as the 100amp draw is not available, but could be reinstated with a closed gel battery if we ever wanted to).

The vessel has a new call sign as we remain members of Coastguard. We removed the VHF and antenna as we didn’t want it played with, but keep a good hand- held in the house.

Existing lights are retained but mostly fitted with LED,  and all new lighting is of matching style. When in night Nav mode, concealed blue lights illuminate the curved cockpit ceiling to appear as sky, and the original brass compass is illuminated with red light. A short raked flag pole on the transom allows us to fly the NZ maritime ensign or other flags. 

The cockpit cover was built by our builder who is both a master builder and talented cabinet maker. The side of the hull was opened up and double doors fitted that open out, and some port hand cabinetry removed to allow a swivelling skipper’s chair with adjustable height to be installed. A ramp of low slope from the jetty meets the doors and grab handles were installed to enable me to enter the vessel and move around, as I am partially disabled and can only manage shallow steps. We found a company that still makes wooden grab rails identical to the ones on the forward cabin roof, and fitted them, not withstanding the fact that they are now purely decorative. By inserting a packer under them rain water on the curved surface is channeled away from the new windows that are top hinged with insect screens. 

Removing the engine and retaining original seating allows for 4 to sit in the cabin in comfort, and the two forward bunks were also retained. All re upholstered. The front hatch which had a bit of rot, and which was not easy to move, was replaced with a tinted acrylic vent that can pop up in any of 4 directions or just up for ventilation. It circulates air even when closed while remaining water tight. It also has a fitted insect screen. The cockpit can seat 3-  4 people. 

The overall result is that Koura is now a sunset cocktail lounge with wide cove and harbour views. The line of classic vessels and more recent vessels just off the beach give an air of being part of that little fleet. It is also a sleep out, for which we have installed a compliant fire extinguisher and smoke alarm. Insurance was another odyssey, persuading our Insurer that it was no longer a vessel, but rather a “boat shaped” building extension for the purposes above, but our Broker did a great job navigating those shoals.”   

COMING TO THE STILLWATER WOODY PICNIC THIS SATURDAY – RSVP TODAY waitematawoodys@gmail.com