CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – MASEKA – A Peek Down Below

Todays woody is – MASEKA, designed and built in 1968 by Chris Robertson. When launch she was 36’ but now measures 40’ that includes the normal protrusions + a 800mm hull extension.

Her owner Grant Keighley commented that she was built the same year as the launch – WAIMIGA however each owner wanted different looks, WAIMIGA the more traditional style while MASEKA’s wanted the modern look. WAIMIGA has made numerous appearance on WW and was once one of the ‘poster childs’ of the classic wooden launch movement. Photos below for comparison.

MASEKA”s hull is all kauri, double diagonal planking on stringers and frames, originally only glassed to the waterline. Her combings are solid teak. Decks and flying bridge (later addition) are plywood.

Some History Below Ex Her Owner (as they know it ) Any help in adding to this would be appreciated. Its so great when we get such extensive details of a vessel – also always a good sign that she is well cared for, and we like that.

OWNERS

• Built for a unknown family with a business in Newmarket  It is possible that the name was from family members eg. Mary, Sera, Karen? 1968-?

• Brian Purdy, who owned North Coast Builders ?

• John Priestley ?

• Gary and Yvonne Sterling 1983-1987

• A partnership of 3 airline pilots 1987-1995

• Grant and Lee Keighley 1995-2025

POWER

• 145hp lay over Perkins, going by the cut out in the starboard engine bearer to accommodate the vertical heat exchanger 

• 175hp lay over Perkins 

• 2004, 240hp Yanmar 4HLA 

The Perkins broke it’s crankshaft so it was decided to bite the bullet and install the Yanmar (non common rail marine diesel) matching 8 degree angled ZF gearbox, high tensile SS prop shaft, Briski 22×18 four blade prop, this transformed the boat giving,  reliability, much better performance and economy

To strengthen the hull to cope with the extra power, additional laminated floors installed between the frames in the engine room, frames flinched for additional strength 

OTHER WORK (carried out by the Keighley ownership )

• Glassed the hull above the waterline

• Glassing the cabin tops and flying bridge 

• Replacement of the deck plywood and glassing 

• Extensive system upgrades

WAIMIGA – PHOTOS BELOW