MARION / MARIAN – EX WOODEN WORKBOAT CONVERSION

2020
2025

MARION / MARIAN – EX WOODEN WORKBOAT CONVERSION

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.

CLASSIC MOTOR BOAT – ORMPAPERE

CLASSIC MOTOR BOAT – ORMPAPERE

Todays woody recently popped up on tme (Ian McDonald ✔️), while the cabin house is calling out for a facelift more in keeping with her hull, as the architects say – she has got great bones.

A woody sympathetic craftsman could easily turn ORMPAPERE into a real looker.

Some background – 22’ in length built by Alf Sanders in the carvel planked method. Forward motion is via a Nissan SD22 4cyl. diesel engine.

Home port is Waikawa Bay, Picton – the perfect base and craft for cruising the Marlborough Sounds

MARIAN – Ex Work Boat Conversion Project

MARIAN – Ex Work Boat Conversion Project

Marian was built by Alf Saunders, is 50’ in length and powered by a 6LX 110hp Gardner. Her present owner has started the conversion to pleasure craft and now reluctantly offers her for sale.

Sadly no interior photo on her tme listing (thanks Ian McDonald). Currently berthed in Lyttleton, South Island. The listing states that she is ‘an amazing and well respected sea boat – the photo below would call for an underpants change for most of us Waitemata harbour woodys:-)


WW – SLIPWAY MILFORD BOAT BOOT SALE – Important Info
1. Sellers arrive at 9.30am – a tip – if you can, bring a table for you items + cash ‘change’ for buyers

2. Doors open at 10am for buyers

3. Cash only

4. Gold coin sausage sizzle BBQ

5. Its all over at 11.30am so don’t be late

ANY ONE RECOGNIZE THIS NAME BOARD – ATATU

A WW reader, Brent Farquhar,  sent in the 2 photos below of a name board his daughter found washed up high and dry on Waiheke Island. It appeared that it had been there for a considerable period. It measures approx. 410mm x 100mm. I have asked the Brooke brothers (Robert & Don) for comment, given the ‘Built by J Brooke – Devonport’ reference, but the name Atatu does not appear in any of the records that they have. So woodys – can anyone shed some light on the origin of the board?

Harold Kidd Input – Interesting! It’s not a launch and it’s not a Frostbite; I wonder if it’s a Wakatere canoe that Jack built or someone bought from him. It looks like pokerwork or chipwork and could easily be the backboard of a canoe which will go back to the late 1920s.