CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – REHUTAI 428

Last week WW was contacted by Mitchell Hutchings regarding the classic 43’ Sam Ford built (1926) wooden launch – REHUTAI, his note is reproduced below. Mitchell also supplied the photos we see above of REHUTAI under construction and on a cruise.  Sam Ford built REHUTAI for C C Ross of Wellington and when launched she was powered by a 50/75 hp Stearns engine.

“The photos were taken by my Uncle, Peter Parsonson, a Milford resident and past Commodore of the Devonport Yacht Club. His wife, Eva, is shown in some of the onboard photos. Also Bob and Bertie Davidson are named, probably the owners? They look like a happy crew. “

Back in April 2019 WW ran great story on the restoration of REHUTAI while under the ownership of Tony Whyman. The extensive refit and re-power (6 LW Gardner > John Deere 186hp) took place between 1994 > 1997 in Wellington, pre and post refit photos below. Link to the WW story here https://waitematawoodys.com/2019/04/12/the-restoration-of-rehutai/

Nathan Herbert pointed WW in the direction of the Air Force Museum of New Zealand (Photograph Collection) where there are two stunning WWII photos on file (last two above) of REHUTAI W428, during her time with the Air Force Marine Section, based at RNZAF Station Hobsonville. At the time she was ‘on-loan’ from Stan Parker. My contact with NH was to check that the photos were all of the same vessel – she appears to have had several reincarnation in her time.

Can we get an update on where REHUTAI is calling home these days and maybe a photo/s.