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!”