From previous WW stories we learnt that KITTY VANE was launched in 1956, designed and built by T.C. (Ces) Watson, Laurie Going (father of Hugh Going) worked on her as well. She is named after Katherine (Kitty) Airini Vane, a famous artist from Northland.
She was based at Whangarei Deep Sea Anglers Club at Tutukaka for many years, under the ownership of the Going family.
Yesterday I was contacted by woody John Dawson who sent in todays photos from her past.
We have two questions :- # 1 Did KITTY VANE find a new owner and if so can we get an update on the project. # 2 Is the last photo from her launch day
Back in July 2018 we ran a story on the 1910 classic wooden launch – PONTIAC, at the time we generated an enormous amount of intel on the vessel – link belowJul 2018 – https://waitematawoodys.com/2018/07/09/pontiac/
Now thanks to Ian McDonald’s eagle eye spotting a tme listing we get a greater look at PONTIAC. What we have learnt is PONTIAC was built by McPhersons, Frederick St, Dunedin, for a publican in Pt Chalmers. She was originally named REREMOANA. Built of single skin carvel kauri, 33′ long and with a 8’3″ beam.The current engine is a BMC Commander 4 cylinder diesel that gets her along at8 knots.
Amazing only 2 owners in that last 90 year – one 30 years and the other 60 years.
Todays classic wooden launch – MARGARET ANNE has been a hidden gem on the WW site – lots of reference to her in other stories but we have not had a chance to do a deep dive.MARGARET ANNE started life in 1960 with the best possible pedigree – designed and built in Tauranga by the renowned boatbuilders – Oliver & Culpin (launch day photo below)As with so many of the O&G craft she started life as a big game fishing launch and plied her trade in the Bay of Plenty and later the Bay of Islands. In my experience the best looking craft caught the most and biggest fish, so MARGARET ANNE has an impressive log book recording her catches.
She fully retains her original aura, character and pedigree. At the same time, a careful integration of modern systems and technology ensures the very latest in comfort and safety.
Because MARGARET ANNE is finished without exterior brightwork (varnish), maintenance is both affordable and a breeze.
Some specs – 42’ when launched (now approx. 45’) she has a 12’6” beam and is constructed via carvel planking, and is powered by a Ford 135hp diesel engine.Sleeps 8 (2x double berth cabins) + exterior shower / head.
MARGARET ANNE is an elegant classic with pedigree and class, and yes she is for sale – after nearly 20 years of ownership her owner has asked the Wooden Boat Bureau to find her next custodian.
So, if you’re looking for an exceptionally well built and maintained classic launch with plenty of life left in her, MARGARET ANNE is it. Given the current market, her owner is very realistic with the price expectation. Genuine buyers only to initially contact myself at the email below for more details and to arrange a viewing. waitematawoodys@gmail.com
NOTE TO KEYBOARD LOOKERS – stick with trademe for your vicarious boats for sale entertainment MARGARET ANNE is presented ready for cruising this summer
Back in December 2020 we ran a story on the ex workboat – MARIAN, at the time it was for sale and sadly all we learnt was that MARIAN was built by Alf Saunders, is 50’ in length and powered by a 6LX 110hp Gardner. We had no interior photos but were told that the conversion from workboat to pleasure craft had begun.Link to that story here Dec 2020 https://waitematawoodys.com/2020/10/16/marian-ex-work-boat-conversion-project/
Now fast forward to last night and when I was searching the WW files I opened one and found another file included. It was labelled MARIAN. How this does happen occansionly , something gets saved to the wrong place – Ill blame a lack of sleep 🙂
So woodys I’m very embarrassed to admit that back in January (2025) IWW was contacted by Charmaine and Dallas Hands, who advised they had recently purchased MARIAN and were looking for more information on her. They commented that she has had a partial conversion to pleasure boat but is in need of extensive work after being abandoned. They also mentioned they had information that her correct name is MARION not MARIAN, since finding an old photo onboard, see below.
So woodys can we help with more intel on the vessel.
Last week WW was contacted by Sharron French who during a review of her parents photo album and came across a couple of photos of her Dad on a boat named TUWHARETOA at Lake Taupo. The date would have been in the early > mid 1950s.Sharron did a quick google search and up popped the WW site and an article mentioning a boat of this name.
Reviewing the WW stories, the first one from June 2014, there was speculation that TUWHARETOA in a previous life may have been named – DAWN, but at the time Harold Kidd commented “I reckon TUWHARETOA could have been a different launch because she was owned by Sam Crowther who advertised her for hire only from February to May 1923, although it may have been a brief change of name.”
Then in June 2020 in another mystery launch story Paul Drake identified the launch in that story as being named RHODESIA, HDK commented that there had been talk that RHODESIA may have been TUWHARETOA, Paul relied “The idea that RHODESIA became TUWHARETOA is very interesting and quite possible. I remember her in the 1950’s. She had a raised cabin, to the full width of the original cabin, which was very well done. To my eye, she was a looker.”
Well looking at todays top photo, the launch certainly is a looker.
So woodys – the question today, probablybest answered by Paul Drake is – does today’s launch photos answer any of the confusion re DAWN / RHODESIA / TUWHARETOA.
Input ex Paul Drake – According to the book ‘Boats of Taupo’, published by the Taupo Museum, RHODESIA did indeed become DAWN and then TUWHARETOA. These photos are really interesting and show TUWHARETOA possibly when under the ownership of Ralph Ward, who purchased her in 1939. Ralph had come to Taupo for his health in 1918, having been gassed (and having contracted tuberculosis) in WW1. With no petrol being available for pleasure boats during WW2, Ralph replaced the petrol hungry 6 cylinder Studebaker with a single cylinder San Francisco Standard salvaged from the local boatyard, and converted it to run on unrationed kerosene. Ralph was clearly a good keen man. The previously quick DAWN became the very slow TUWHARETOA, but meant that the Ward family could spend days in the Western Bays, without encountering another boat. Later, a twin cylinder version of the San Francisco Standard was installed. Also able to run on kerosene, this heavy beast meant that she could achieve ‘about 8 knots’. That is what it says in the book, but 8 knots is unlikely, in my view. Sold by Ward in the 1950’s, she remained at Taupo until the late 50’s or early 60’s and then disappeared – said to have gone to Napier for refurbishing. Someone must know more! Thanks to Sharron French for sharing the photos. They have made my day.
As a result of Wednesdays story Dean Wright pointed me in the direction of the photos you see today. Same name, now slightly different e.g its been sliced in two – now TAI MARINO.
What we have learnt is that she is 40’ in length, built c.1968 by Kingfisher Boats in Tauranga, originally for game fishing.Kauri carvel planked hull.
Currently powered by a 120hp Ford (Lees) engine that gives her a cruising speed of 8 knots.
I spotted the above (ex?) workboat last weekend in Bon Accord Harbour, KAWAU ISLAND during the Woodys Classic Launch Parade.
Keen to lean more about her past and present life.
ANYONE OWN A – J. A. Wheeler classic boat? I have come across the location of the builders name plate below, which is crying out to be re-connected to a suitable vessel.
MISS PICTON the ex tourist launch was built by Collings & Bell and launched in December 1933. Her first owner was Captain M Steele of Picton, who motored MISS PICTON down the East Coast to Picton. In 1953 her name was changed to MITRE PEAK and she ‘worked in the excursions & tourist services market.
Todays photo was sent in by Roger Young who commented that the man standing on the foredeck is Aubrey Forster, NZ Airforce. Aubery was Roger’s partner Suzanne’s father.. The photo is thought to be dated early 1950’sInteresting mix of people aboard, appear to be all well attired, but that was the normal back then. Any woody able to shed more light on the photo.
Photo below ex Richard Hockey – now named Anita Bay. Location is Riverton. The ’new’ superstructure was added c.1970’s. (Early intel ex Harold Kidd)
31-10-2025 INPUT ex RICHARD HOCKEY (Brisbane, Aust) – photos below of ANITA BAY in Riverton + also one from 1976 when she was still Mitre Peak but had new superstructure.
CAN WE LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CLASSIC WOODEN BOAT – TAIMARINO
Woody John Dawson recently unearthed the top black-and-white photo of the classic wooden boat TAIMARINO. The image appeared in an old article on big game fishing and immediately caught his eye. John’s detective work led him to Paul Wilson, who kindly sent through the colour photograph above. Paul also mentioned that TAIMARINO was possibly built by Bill Visser in the late 1960s. And that, woodys, is where the trail currently ends. Can anyone help fill in the gaps in TAIMARINO’s story? Any background on her design, builder, or early adventures would be greatly appreciated.
A SAD NOTE – Yesterday I learned of the passing of Bruce Tantrum – a true enthusiast and long-time supporter of the New Zealand classic wooden boating movement. R.I.P. Bruce — your passion and knowledge will be greatly missed on the waterfront.
2025 KAWAU ISLAND SPRING SPLASH REGATTA – A WOODY WEEKEND TO REMEMBER – 50+ PHOTOS
Pleased to report that the long weekend’s woody action at Kawau Island was an absolute triumph. Now in its second year, the Spring Splash Regatta — a joint venture between the Kawau Boating Club, Ponsonby Cruising Club, and Waitematawoodys — continues to grow in both size and spirit.
It’s still early days for what’s shaping up to be a great annual tradition, but this year’s event had an unmistakably upbeat, jaunty vibe. Everywhere you looked, people were smiling, swapping yarns, and clearly having a great time afloat and ashore.
I’ll apologise up front for being light on the yacht racing and prize-giving coverage — for reasons I won’t bore you with — but rest assured, the competition and camaraderie were both in full swing.
Sunday’s Woodys Classic Parade was the visual highlight of the weekend, showcasing a handsome flotilla of 17 classic launches for all those anchored in Bon Accord Harbour and watching from waterfront properties. Aside from a brief 10-minute burst of H₂O at the start, the weather came right and the parade looked spectacular.
A big thank you to the classic skippers and crews who took part — your efforts made for a great show.
Helming a boat among moored craft while trying to take photos is a fine line between “challenging” and “slightly reckless,” so I’m especially grateful to Dean Watchlin, Murray Deeble and Richard Bicknell for sharing their superb photos from the weekend.
Enjoy today’s gallery — loosely divided into two parts: the weekend’s happenings and the Sunday Parade. Sorry if the cameras missed your boat – some joined the parade midway and some departed midway. The crew of KAIKOURA below, correctly attired for the occasion 🙂
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