CLASSIC WOODEN WORK BOAT – GEM
Woody John Dawson sent in the top photo above and commented that he saw it on Phillip Carey’s – Carey Boats fb. All we know is she is named GEM.
In the second photo, from April 2020 WW story, we see GEM (#48) post launching. In the 2020 story we learnt from Richard Tosswill that GEM was built by Roger Carey pre. 1961. Sadlly in Dec 1962 she was lost at sea, later confirmed with the discovery of the wreckage.
GEM was 30′ in length and had wonderful lines and that stern …………
Can we learn more about her e.g. was she built as a workboat and if so what was her role.
30-03-2025 INPUT ex IAN MILLER – GEM was built in 1961 by Roger Carey, of Picton, for Fred Hall, a crayfisherman operating from Tatapouri, north of Gisborne. She replaced Fred’s previous boat, Clyde. Sadly, on 27th December 1962 GEM foundered at sea during a storm, extensive wreckage coming ashore north of Tatapouri, but Fred was never found.
More information can be found in the book, BY BOATS WE LIVE, a book about all the boats Roger Carey designed and built, or just designed. It was written and illustrated by Roger’s daughter, Joan Clark, an accomplished artist whose drawings and paintings illustrate each of the more than 40 featured in the book.



