CLASSIC LAUNCH – KARINA – FLASHBACK
Back in Dec 2023 thanks to a tme listing we got to have gander down below on the 1959 Brin Wilson built launch – KARINA. Link to that story here – https://waitematawoodys.com/2023/12/11/karina-a-peek-down-below/
Today thanks to Ken Ricketts and Sea Spray magazine (June 1959) we get to see her as launched.
THE WINNER OF THE XMAS DAY CALENDAR QUIZ WAS DARRYLL HART – correct answer being Sir Frank Mappln
WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – ROAM
Recently WW was contracted by a reader who was looking for intel on the 34’ launch – ROAM, recently on tme.
All they knew was she was probably a Chris Robertson design and built by Brin Wilson.
There had been a name change approx. 5 years ago, previous name unknown.
Can anyone enlighten us more on the vessel.
Seems the lack of navigation skills isn’t restricted to NZ, friend John Burland sent in the photo below from Germany.
Update ex JB – No rain in the forecast, Rhine level dropping by the day. Recovery ran to around €10k/NZ20k.
MAYBE NOT A CLASSIC – MAYBE A RESTOMOD – You Tell Us
Some woodys just slip into the classic category via the term ’spirit of tradition’, todays 46’ woody slips out of the either category – in the auto world it might be called a restomod.
What we know (thanks to Ian McDonald) is that she started life in 1974, built by F. Edes to a Brin Wilson design. The hull is carvel 32mm solid kauri planked, splined and epoxy glassed, decks have been re-clad with plywood and epoxy glassed also. When back in the water forward propulsion will be via twin 120hp Ford 2715E diesel engines.
Anyone know what her name was / is.
A POLL – VOTE BELOW – STILL A CLASSIC or NO LONGER A CLASSIC
CLEONA MAE – A Peek Down Below
The classic wooden launch – CLEONA MAE last made an appearance on WW back in June 2017, link here https://waitematawoodys.com/2017/06/19/cleona-mae/
In the 2017 story thanks to a previous owner – Nigel Drake, we received a wonderful insight into the vessels past.
Today thanks to a Ian McDonal and tme we get to have gander below decks.
Some intel – designed and built in 1962 by Brin Wilson, 39’ in length, built from kauri, carvel construction. Forward motion is by the ever popular Ford 120hp, 6 cyl, diesel engine.
What Became Of The Launch – PARMA
WW had an enquiry during the week in regard to the 1958 Brin Wilson designed / built 37’ launch – PARMA. WW readers may recall that back in August 2022 we reported that she had stuck one of the Auckland Harbour bridge concrete foundations and as good as sunk. She was assisted to Hobsonville Marina, hauled out and sat there for approx. 5 months. Then in December 2022 we made several call outs to any woodys looking for a ‘free’ project boat.
The threat was that she would be despatched to the crusher before Christmas if no one stepped up.
So todays question is – was she saved and if so is she sitting in someones paddock or did she head to the land-fill.
UPDATE – Great news – she was saved and now resides on the Kaipara Harbour. Photos & video below ex Zach Matich via Jason Prew. I understand Ron Matich was the one that did the refit / restoration – well done:-)
Te Atatu Boating Club 65 Anniversary Celebrations – full details at the link below https://www.teatatuboatclub.co.nz/events
JOCELYN – Friday Flashback
During the week I was sent the above photos of the 49’ launch – Jocelyn by Robert Ross. The photos date back to c.early1970’s and are from when Jocelyn was owned by Sir Willian Stevenson.
Robert commented that he went fishing a number of times with Sir William out of Whitianga. Robert thought then the boat was ahead of its time and she always attracted a lot of attention.
Jocelyn was reputedly a Hacker USA design, built / launched in 1967/68 by the boatbuilder Brin Wilson. In the photos below – the ist three photos sees her at the 2016 Mahurangi Regatta. The last photo is more recent and was taken in August 2023 when she was hauled out at Half Moon Bay marina for some TLC.
Link here to a 2017 WW story where Hamish Moore (great grandson of Sir William) provided a wonderful insight into the history of Jocelyn. https://waitematawoodys.com/2017/01/28/the-history-of-mv-jocelyn/
KARINA – A Peek Down Below
Todays woody – Karina, was built in 1959 by Brin Wilson, kauri planked she is 36’ in length with a 10’ 11” beam and draws 2’11”. Forward motion is via newish 75hp Yammer diesel engine that gives her a cruising speed of 8 knots. Her owner must like hot showers as her tme listing (thanks Ian McDonald) states she has 600L water capacity.
Can anyone tell us what Karina has been up to for theist 60+ years.
Input ex K Ricketts – Top photo (b/w) below ex a Ford Dealership advertisement in Sea Spay magazine 1961. 2nd photo (colour) c.2014 ex B Worthington.
Half Moon Bay Marina Mooching
Earlier in the week I found myself at HMB marina with some time to kill so went for a wander.
Three woodys in different stages of getting some winter TLC.
JOCELYN – The 49’ Brin Wilson built launch, possibly to a Hacker Craft design, appears to be getting a varnish refresh. She is one of those craft that are just so much bigger out of the water. Read more about her here https://waitematawoodys.com/2017/01/28/the-history-of-mv-jocelyn/
UNKNOWN – has a Lanes / Picton look to her – I’m sure someone sharper than me can tell us her name. Impressive back to bare wood restoration underway.
RAINBOW – the 1898 Arch Logan built gaffer has just had a birthday – lots shinny paint and varnish on display + the masts was revarnished , that is a titanic undertaking – well done. I was on-hand as the team from Boat Haulage were dropping the stick back in. An impressive of collection of origami on display 🙂
Te Honu – A Peek Down Below
The 34’ Brin Wilson built launch – Te Honu was launched in 1963 and has been lucky with her ownership over the years – back in 2015/16 she was given a decent birthday that saw her decks glassed, a re-modelled cockpit and new windows throughout. Then in 2021 she was re-powered and her hull repainted. Link to the Aug 2015 WW story. https://waitematawoodys.com/2015/08/25/te-honu/
I spotted Te Honu at the 2019 and 2020 Mahurangi Regatta and Dean Wright snapped her in both April and August 2022 in the Kerikeri Inlet + BOI
Forward motion is via a Ford Otosan 130hp ex Moon Engines, that gives her a top speed of 13 knots.
TE ANAU
Todays woody the 28’ Brin Wilson designed and built (1966) launch.
An absence of varnished timber equals a vessel that is easily maintained by the DIY boaty. When and if you got the urge to pimp her a little, some varnished trim e.g. grab rails, would really make Te Anau standout.
Built from kauri, a reconditioned Ford 100hp diesel gives Te Anau a comfortable cruising speed of 7.5 knots. An inspection showed her structure was sound but needed some refinishing inside and out.
14-09-2023 UPDATE – Te Anau is back in the water having had the following done work done – photos below
waitematawoodys.com #1 for classic wooden boat stories, info, advice & news - updated daily - 14+ million views 