Oiseau de Mer

Oiseau de Mer

Earlier in the year Ian MacDonald sent me the link to this Hartley, kauri carvel construction 30’ launch. Named Oiseau de Mer, which we can assume wasn’t the name on her stern when she was launched. The launch made a brief appearance on WW back in Dec 2019, at the time she was for sale on tme and I believe sold for a very low figure.  https://waitematawoodys.com/2019/12/21/oiseau-de-mer/

The ‘new’ tme listing states that work had commence eg replacement fuel tanks and pump + steering but the engine, Ford 100hp,  doesn’t run and from the photos there is some serious housekeeping needed before I’d be heading off the marina in her.

Home is Akaroa down south. The one positive I will say is that well done to the owner for their honesty (photos) re the condition of the vessel. 

Would love to know if she sold again and if someone has accepted the challenge to bring her back to the condition she deserves.

House Boat – A Peek Down Below

House Boat – A Peek Down Below

Mooching up the Tamaki River in early May, I spotted this house boat moored in the upper reaches of the Tamaki River. The top two photos are from then. Now thanks to tme, we get a peek down below.

Its 36′, made of ferro cement and started life as a Hartley yacht – that folks is all I’m going to say, I’ll only get myself in trouble 🙂

Oiseau de Mer

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Oiseau de Mer
Todays woody is a 30’ Hartley, built by Hughie Wells and launched in 1963. Built from kauri – carvel, with a 9’8” beam and draft of 2’6”.
Her 100hp 6 cyl. Ford diesel engine is unfortunately seized hence her current status on trademe of $103 & reserve met.
Currently located in Akaroa. Could be the makings of a very low entry woodys project.
Party In A Boat Shed
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Walked into The Slipway Milfords Christmas party last night and you would have thought you were attending the waitematawoodys AGM, the SWM crew were all decked out in WW t’s. Great old school gathering, caught up with lots of woody boaters.
Stunning smoker/BBQ from Anatole Perry, assisted by Andrew Miller – the spare ribs were to die for 🙂
And yes, I’m standing on a nail box 🙂
K CLASS BOOK WINNER
Incredible number (an all time record) of entries to yesterdays quiz. Slightly worrying that so many of you knew that Flora McKenzie ran a brothel in Ring Terrace, Herne Bay. A few even owned up to having met her 😉
So folks – the winner of a copy of Jenni Mence’s book – K CLASS was Jason Prew
The runner-up prize of a WW T-shirt was Brett Evans

Lady Naomi

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Lady Naomi

Hello woodys, did you see Halley’s Comet last night? It appears in the sky once every 75 years i.e. once in a lifetime. Now maybe I’m stretching the truth about the comet but todays story has to be as rare event  🙂 
I think the reason Lady Naomi makes an appearance today is  because Amy Bateman caught me in a post Boat Show blues moment e.g. I have been looking at too much white fibreglass.
 
Anyway onto the Lady Naomi – Amy contacted me trying to trace the launch that her father built in Thames. Lady Naomi is a Hartley 30 Tide Song design. She was sold over 30 years ago and all Amy knows is that she went to Auckland.  Amy is not sure where she went after that but would love to know what became of her.

Gay Rambler

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GAY RAMBLER

Reading the latest issue of the Lake Rotoiti Classic & Wooden Boat Associations newsletter, I came across the above photos of the c.1960’s 15ft Hartley run-about ‘Gay Rambler’, owned by Gavin Finch. Gavin purchased her in 1972 from her builder, Allan Hall of Ngongataha. Gay Rambler is powered by a 50hp  Johnston that Gavin purchased new in 1974. Trolling power comes from a 2010 Yamaha 3hp.
After 44 years of ownership, 82 year old,  Gavin would like to sell the boat & see her enjoyed by another family.
To discuss & view – contact Gavin on (07) 888 8182.

How To Build A Half Model
The link below is to another of Ian Smith’s short videos, this one is on how to make a half model. Thanks to Robin Elliott for sharing the link 🙂