Tag Archives: Maurice Palmer

THE COMEDOWN OF A CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – CARA MIA 

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THE COMEDOWN OF A CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – CARA MIA 

Last weekend at the Kawau Spring Splash Regatta I spot a launch named – CARA MIA, the name ringed a bell but the look didn’t match the tone of the bell ringing.

When I got back to the WW data base I did a search and jackpot, there she was but the old girl has had several trips to the plastic surgeon over the years. 

Built in 1961 by Maurice Palmer in Devonport, Auckland, her specs are 36’ x 11’3”x 2’9”. She spent the 1960>70’s game fishing out of Tutukakak, Northland.

Each to their own, an owner can do what ever they like to their vessel, but I wasn’t sad when they headed off up the harbour and didn’t participate in the Woodys Classic Launch Parade 😉

Link here to the parade – 70+ classic wooden boat photos  https://waitematawoodys.com/2024/10/29/kawau-island-spring-splash-regatta-review-70-classic-wooden-boating-photos/

Lots of photos and ownership details in this WW story link  – dated Jan 2014  https://waitematawoodys.com/2014/01/17/caramia/

Cara Mia

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CARA MIA

photos & details ex Ken Ricketts & trademe

Cara Mia, 37.7 ft, was built by Maurice Palmer at Devonport in 1961 & has a 6 cyl. 120h.p. Mitsubishi diesel, present owner has had her for 10 years. Currently for sale on trademe, it might take a while to sell – the listing only says “This boat is for sale. Make an offer” 🙂

On first viewing Ken saw her as a classic 1950’s McCeady, but the owner has strong evidence she is not + the bow portholes are “rounded” at the ends & McGeady’s were always oblong.

The two boat photo is Cara Mia & Arohanui in Coromandel Harbour in 2006

Harold Kidd Update

CARA MIA (proper spelling – fixed) was indeed built by Maurice Palmer of Devonport in 1961 for T. Harrison. She was 36′ x 34’3″ x 10’3″ x 2’9″. Later owners included R.M. Waite and L.W. Moore in Auckland. There was also a CARA MIA gamefishing from Tutukaka owned by Ray Dinsdale but I’m pretty certain it’s another boat.

This CARA MIA’s original engine was a 100hp Fordson diesel.

Palmer was well regarded as a designer/boatbuilder. Included in the yachts he built were the 22ft mullet boats STARDUST (I) and CONTROVERSY and the Stewart 34 PANIA.

 27/10/2014 – Chris McMullen Update

I was Morrie Palmers only apprentice. First at his house in Meola Rd Point Chevalier. He then moved his boatbuilding operation to 15 Clarence St Devonport. He purchased an old house that I believe had been the Police Station. He removed all the interior walls as the boats got bigger. The Council building inspectors were not happy. Cara Mia was built in the this old house. She was one of two built drawn by Morrie but definitely based on a Billy Rogers design.  I remember Morrie telling me about the advantages of the Rogers flam bow in a launch.  He said ” Only Aircraft carriers have flared bows.” I guess (now) he was referring to “Wirihana”.  The Flam Bow has more room in a small displacement launch and contrary to what you may think, the extra buoyancy is better in a big head sea. At the time I was only interested in Mullet Boats but I remember most of what he told me. Years later from my own experience. I believe he was right. And yes, We did use large Kauri demolition timber from the Rutland St Drill Hall but not for planking. I did about half my apprenticeship with Morrie until he closed the doors, the balance with Max Carter.  Two very good hard working and knowledgeable Tradesmen. I was very fortunate to be an apprentice Wood boat builder in the early 1960’s.when you could still get good Kauri.