The 42’ ex workboat LYNNRAE has been popping up on and off the normal 4sale sites for a while, I’m assuming still looking for a new owner.
Her owner has done a lot of work in the conversation to pleasure use, but still very much a blank canvas. Perfect for someone with the basic skills to compete the work.
All of the expensive systems, nice to haves, have been installed so posting interior fit out / cosmetics.
Built in 1968, possibly in Naper, wooden hull, powered by a 200hp Detroit 8v71 diesel engine that gives her a cruising speed of 8 knots.
Her stern says Houhora, so home must be in the Far North. The listing (thanks Ian McDonald) mentions she worked (fishing) the Three Kings Islands and northern waters.
AN INSIGHT INTO NZ’S UNIQUE MARINE ENGINES – Part Six Todays WW story follows on from earlier stories – link below to Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five As per pervious stories in the series the content has been pulled together by Ken Ricketts and ‘polished’ byPatrica and Ken’s daughter Corinne Pettersen. As always we have endeavoured to be as factual as possible but there will always by matters others will either know more about or be able to correct errors – so woodys do not hold back in commenting.
BENZ DIESEL ENGINE – BENZ OM59 55HP 4CYL DIESEL ENGINE PROBABLY SIMILAR TO THAT IN THE MANUNUI
MANUNUI WITH HER 55HP 6 CYL BENZ DIESEL ENGINE DURING WWII
MANUNUI AS BUILT AT SPEED WITH HER BENZ DIESEL ENGINE
The MANUNUI was built for Percy Colebrook in 1939 by Bill Couldrey and had a medium / slow revving 6 cylinder 55 hp Benz Diesel engine fitted when built, which she retained until 1963 when it was replaced by a 100 hp Perkins Diesel.
CRUSADER V8 MARINE PETROL ENGINES
TWIN CRUSADER ORIGINAL V8 PETROL ENGINES HAVING SERVICING, FROM THE RIVA TRITONE “LOLA,” WHICH ARE STILL IN HER TODAY.
Crusader engines, while major marine engine suppliers in America and other countries, have only made a cameo appearance in New Zealand, with only a handful of these lovely engines in use here, as far as I can ascertain.
Overview: The only craft I personally know of for certain is the stunning 1962 Italian-built Riva Tritone, LOLA.
However, WINSOME II may have had one, back around the 1950s when owned by Andy Donovan. I know her previous Chrysler 8-cylinder inline engine was replaced around that time by a V8, that was either a Crusader, Chris-Craft, or Flagship. However, the memory banks have failed me, making it impossible to determine which of the three it is, so come on, you WINSOME II experts, help me out here!
In the 1960s, Crusader Marine Engines was a prominent brand worldwide, providing inboard power for many boats, particularly cruisers and sport fishermen. They were known for their premium quality and reliability, used by leading boat manufacturers like Chris-Craft.
Crusader engines were based on standard automotive engines, but were marinized for marine use, with many of them based on Ford engines, and later with Hercules and Chrysler base units.
LOLA WITH HER 2 X CRUSADER 270HP PETROL ENGINES
LOLA, the 1962 Italian-built Riva Tritone Aperto, has a LOA of 27 ft and is one of only 15 in the world.
It is believed to be the only original Riva in New Zealand and a stunning example of boat restoration, all completed in NZ. Only 3,000 Rivas were built between 1950 and 1966, and she still has her original engines. She lives, or did live, in her own, purpose built, fully air conditioned boat shed, on the banks of the Marlborough Sounds.
WINSOME II – MAY HAVE HAD A CRUSADER V8 PETROL ENGINE IN THE 1950s /60s ERA – POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES ARE FLAGSHIP & CHRIS CRAFT
CHRIS CRAFT PETROL ENGINES.
CHRIS CRAFT 1950s 6 CYL FLATHEAD PETROL 135hp ENGINE SIMILAR TO THAT IN THE GLENIFFER IN THE 1950s
These are another brand of engine that is sold in huge numbers worldwide, particularly in America, where all genuine Chris-Craft boats are built. However, they have only made a cameo appearance in New Zealand, with most of them coming here in imported Chris-Craft boats.
There are a few New Zealand-built boats that have or have had them. I have only ever seen a petrol version, although naturally, they do produce diesel engines in their lineup. All the engines they produce are based on other major engine manufacturers’ base engine blocks and are marinized by them. Hercules is a major engine block supplier to them.
GLENIFFER WITH HER CHRISCRAFT 6 CYL FLAT HEAD PETROL ENGINE RUNNING ON KEROSENE IN THE 1950s – OWNER PERCY JENNINGS IS AT THE HELM.
Input copied from previous post, ex Harold Kidd. – “Trevor Davis sold GLENIFER to P J Jennings of Paeroa in 1937 and he sold her to George Manktelow of Paeroa in about 1959. The Gleniffer was replaced by a 6-cyl Chris Craft (Hercules block) during the 50s, converted to run on power kerosene with a Model A Ford Zenith carb.”
FLAGSHIP MARINE ENGINES
FLAGSHIP 1958 250HP V8 PETROL MARINE ENGINE – BASED ON A CHEV BLOCK
There were a number of these engines that found their way to NZ in the 1950s/60s era and this is one of the possibilities for the V8 engine that was installed in the WINSOME II in that era by Andy Donovan who may also have had an agency for them, around that time.
Todays classic wooden launch has recently popped up on tme (thanks Ian McDonald). Terrible listing, eg so few details but putting that aside with an $8k asking price, PUTIKI could be a great project for the winter. Some boatyards would charge you more than $8k to make that butterfly hatch.
What we know is she is 32’ in length, kauri planked (but sadly f/gased – but maybe thats keeping her a float) and powered by a 80hp 4 cyl. Ford Lees diesel engine.
Home is currently Kerikeri.
The boat and name is unknown to WW so keen to learn more on her past .
06-05-2025 INPUT ex STEV LITTIN – Putiki was owned by my father Albert Littin while in Port Albert from about 2003 till 2010 and then moved to One Tree Point, Whangarei till sold about 5 years ago to Totara North. Current engine was rebuilt and fitted by Dad to replace the engine that broke a crankshaft and self destructed while fishing on the Kaipara.
Built 1907-10 we believe in Mangawhai. Dad has a picture from I think the 1940’s-50’s taken on the Mahurangi River.
The wooden launch RANGATIRA recently popped up on tme (thanks Ian McDonald) and reading the listing it sounds like an abandoned vessel forced sale.
34’, kauri hull, Perkins 6 cyl. engine (not working) – that is about all we know other than a $1 reserve.
Possibly beyond a restoration but surely someone needs some kauri for a project……
I BOUGHT A YACHT
Well a small one, very small eg vintage pond yacht. Another one for the collection. Very good condition.
On the centre cockpit there is a cover (to keep water out – this one actually sails) on the top are the letters ‘RMYC 1923” and two burgees / pennants – refer photo below. My initial thought was ‘Royal Melbourne Yacht Club’ but can’t find any reference to that other than a Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron and they have no reference on their website to those two ‘flags’. Anyone ablate help ID the graphics / yacht.
AN INSIGHT INTO NZ’S UNIQUE MARINE ENGINES – Part Five Todays WW story follows on from earlier stories – link below to Part One, Two, Three and Four As per pervious stories in the series the content has been pulled together by Ken Ricketts and ‘polished’ by Patrica and Ken’s daughter Corinne Pettersen. As always we have endeavoured to be as factual as possible but there will always by matters others will either know more about or be able to correct errors – so woodys do not hold back in commenting.
LINDA, AT CHRISTMAS 1948, TAKEN IN SCHOOLHOUSE BAY, KAWAU ISLAND, JUST AFTER HER LOEW-KNIGHT PETROL ENGINE HAD BEEN REPLACED, WITH HER GM DETROIT 165HP MARINE DIESEL.
COQUETTE, POST HER LOEW KNIGHT-ERA
I know of only two boats that have these very rare versions of the Knight sleeve valve engine. One is the 1928 Colin Wild-built LINDA, which was bought by Roy Swales just after WWII with her original Loew-Knight 6-cylinder petrol engine. I saw it running, and it was incredibly smooth, quiet, and looked very tiny in LINDA’s huge engine room. It was painted silver and had the name “Loew-Knight” in a scroll, cast into the inspection plates on the crankcase.
Roy W. replaced it in 1947 with a 6/71 GM Detroit 165 HP diesel engine.
The other boat was the delightful Logan-designed and built COQUETTE, with her sedan top, which was added many years later by Arnold Couldry. He kept her delightful lines perfectly with this addition. She had a 4-cylinder version of the Loew-Knight sleeve valve engine, also painted silver. I tend to think this may have been her second engine because of her age, having been built in the early 1990s.
FODEN 2 CYCLE DIESEL ENGINES.
FODEN 12 CYLINDER 2 STROKE, MARINE DIESEL 256HP ENGINE – 2 X 6 CYL ENGINES SIDE BY SIDE ON ONE CRANKCASE IN 1 ENGINE
FODEN 6 CYL 2 STROKE DIESEL ENGINE
FODEN 6 CYL 163HP, MARINE DIESEL ENGINE
ORIGINAL FODEN ENGINES IN THE HDML MANGA, AS SOLD BY THE NAVY
KUPARU NOW OWNED BY SCOTT PARRY BELIEVED TO STILL HAVE 2 FODEN DIESELS
HMNZS KUPARU
HMNZS MANGA
DEODAR IN PRIVATE OWNERSHIP AFTER HER DAYS AS THE POLICE LAUNCH
LADY MARGARET WITH HER 2 X 6 CYL FODEN DIESELS – (Built by Dick Lang)
MARNINE WITH HER 2 X 6 CYL 163HP FODEN MARINE DIESELS IN MARCH 1963
WHITE CLOUD LAUNCHING DAY WITH HER 4 CYL., HOME MARINISED FODEN DIESEL
There are only three pleasure launches that I know of that have these engines, and there are two with 6-cylinder versions. The LADY MARGARET (built by DICK LANG) replaced her original two Fairbanks Morse Diesels; the MARNINE, which had two of them from when she was built, had the same specifications and was installed at the same time as the LADY MARGARET. The third boat was the WHITE CLOUD, which had a 4-cylinder home-marinized version, fitted by or for, the managing director of Fodenway Motors, Penrose. They were the New Zealand agents for Foden engines at that time and had her built and baselined a generator set to convert the 4-cylinder Foden for marine use in his new boat. This installation took place at their Gt. South Rd premises after being built at 1A Summer St, Ponsonby, by McGeady (Supreme Craft).
In addition to these boats, all RNZN-owned HDMLs and the first of the Police Launches named DEODAR, (DEODAR I), had two of them installed. All were originally 6-cylinder versions; however, but with the HDMLs., some engines were later replaced with 12-cylinder versions in some boats, which were, in effect, two 6-cylinder engines side by side in one crankcase. These had one drive shaft and two crankshafts connected by a system of gearing. At least one twin x 6-cylinder installation is believed to still be in a boat & still surviving today. It is in the massively refurbished, now privately owned KUPARU, primarily located in Whangarei.
Foden engine manufacturing and parts supply were sold to Rolls Royce in the late 1970s, and production ceased when they took over the Foden manufacturing rights.
Yesterday Liz France posted on fb asking for help ID’ing the above launch pictured in the top photo in Western Bay, Lake Taupo c.1950’s.
The smaller vessel in the photo was built by Liz’s father and uncle in 1954, and has recently been restored and was re-launched last weekend. This craft is named STINGRAY and seen in the photo gallery above.
Several people commented that the bigger launch could be RANUI / EL ALAMEIN.
Can we confirm that the launch Liz has referenced is in fact RANUI / EL ALAMEIN.
INPUT ex PAUL DRAKE – EL ALAMEIN continued to be EL ALAMEIN for many years when she was in private ownership at Taupo. When put into survey (not sure of date) and operated commercially by Jim Storey, she became RANUI. This photo is interesting, and I think it shows RANUI in the eastern corner of Waihora Bay.
Back in March 2015 thanks to Chris Manning and Harold Kidd we had a wonderful insight into the 1923 Ernie Lane built 40’ launch – IRIS. Link here to view details and historic photos. WW March 2015 https://waitematawoodys.com/2015/03/19/iris/
Todays photo comes to us from the Nelson Museum via the Tauranga Library files, and is dated 1938.
Given all the recent upgrades in the marina it seems wrong to refer to it as Milford Creek. Maybe the areas now fitting of the name that some of the mud berth dwellers use – ‘Wairau Cove’.
I spent some time there yesterday helping with the relaunch of Angus Rogers 1968 Bailey & Son built launch – CENTAURUS that had been out at the Slipway Milford railway slip for some TLC and a JPPJ (Jason Prew Paint Job) – a minor opps – flat batteries………. meant a delayed start, so plenty of time to pull the camera (phone) out. A 3.5m tide equalled a lot of activity at the Slipway and the adjacent Milford Cruising Club hard stand.
The standard of the woodys in the marina seems to be improving in the last few years , probably a combination of the new bridge , upgraded MCC yard and the big crew working at the Slipway Milford.
Nice to see that the small berths along the roadside have almost exclusively been taken over by the Pied Piper fleet. The MCC yard was home to some out for early winter TLC.
I won’t disclose how many berthing attempts we had back at CENTAURUS’s marina but while Angus blamed the out going tide and wind – me thinks the new JPPJ was the reason i.e. skipper was a tad gun shy and didn’t want to mark the boat on the first outing 😉
Todays classic wooden launch is the 1915 38’ McLeod Brothers Devonport built launch – RAIRA. RAIRA was built to a Collings & Bell design and like most woodys has had a few enhancements (good & bad) over the last 110 years. As she floats today RAIRA is a very handsome craft, but she has a big secret – her interior. Step below deck and you’ll be wowed by her fit out, as seen in the above gallery of photos.
Forward motion is via a Ford Lees 6cyl. 120hp diesel engine that was rebuilt in 2011. At the same time work included replacement of ribs, keel bolts, bulkheads, decks and full refastening and caulking. Her systems and electrics are as expected for a vessel capable of extended coastal cruising + she sports a diesel cabin heater, so there’s the opportunity for RAIRA to be very comfortable live aboard.
If you haven’t clicked yet – yes RAIRA is for sale and at an asking price of $30k she is very good value for money and her next owner will get a very affordable entry to the classic wooden boating movement. The asking price is a sad reflection of the boating (wood/glass) market at present. Believe me it will never be cheaper to by your dream boat.
Interested buyers initially to contact owner – Thomas via email at gosi120@hotmail.com
MYSTERY CLASSIC LAUNCH – Help Needed Identifying The Craft
Todays classic wooden launch photo was sent in by John Dawson with a comment that while ‘sorting out’ a box of old family photos, he found an old newspaper clipping of the above boat , and on the back someone had written ‘Awhina’. So the first question woodys – is AWHINA the name of the boat and then if so what do we know about her.
The bow pennant appear to have cross on it, as well as the hull, so maybe a vessel that serviced something medical related eg – quarantine ship / island , rehabilitation island (alcoholic detox) etc. Supporting this the word Awhina is Maori for – the helper, assist, support.
Can we learn more about the boat.
INPUT ex ROSS DAWSON – From Papers Past NZ Herald 23.7.1919…. Awhina “Hospital motor launch given by the NZ Power Boat Assn. for use in connection with the NZ Hospital ship Maheno….built in Auckland by volunteer labour in June 1915…launched June 10 1915…
30-04-2025 ex ROSS DAWSON – Copy of Papers Past clipping below which gives a full explanation of how this launch came about as charitable cooperation of number of Auckland boat builders. (click images to enlarge)
ATTENTION ROGER CAREY FAN’S
WW has been contacted by Trevor Cozens re the vessel GEM – refer below.
“I am not sure if anyone will be interested, but I have got the building moulds, stem and backbone patterns for Gem, built by Roger Carey. Also the basic lines drawings and a construction drawing for her. I was given them by a chap who used to work for Roger. I no longer have a use for them and if anyone is interested I am willing to give them away. I moved over to Picton from Greymouth 2001 and worked for Jim Carey until the yard closed 2009ish.
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