Mystery Launch – 1953 Photo
Today’s woody story features one of the launches that were part of the welcome fleet for the SS Gothic. The Gothic was delivering her VIP cargo – Queen Elizebeth II to our shores.
The photo comes to us from the NZ Herald Heritage images via Lew Redwood.
Anyone able to ID the launch?
Woody Christmas Quiz – Big Prize Draw
Correctly name the launch in the photo above and you go into the draws to win one of 5 prizes on offer. Entry by email only at waitematawoodys@gmail.com I have extended the entry cut off to allow more people to participate i.e. not just the early raisers 🙂
Closes Friday 18 Dec 2020 @ 8pm. I will do everything I can to get prizes out b4 xmas, so maybe include your postal address on the email.There has been a name change , so I will take either answer 😉
• A Copy of the book – ‘Des Townson – A Sailing Legacy’ https://destownson.co.nz/
• WW T-shirt
• WW Cap
• A 2021 Lake Rotoiti Classic & Wooden Boat Calendar zea.rachel@gmail.com
• And the best prize – a bottle of the world famous in Devonport home made tomato sauce – 100 year old family recipe – perfect for the beach BBQ
Mystery Napier Launch
Today’s photo is another from the lens of Dean Wright, taken on a Napier marina walk-about. Looks familiar but I can not put a name to her – anyone able to help out?
Input from Michael O’Dwyer – This boat was called the Graham John when first purchased by the current owner Mark Parvin. Talking to his father Peter, he was told the boat was built by a farmer in Motueka around 1947. Originally 36 feet long it was extended aft to 43 feet when converted to a scallop dredger, hence the appearance of a somewhat droopy stern. Currently powered by a 170 hp Isuzu. Mark has completely overlaid the hull with a ply and glass.
Woodys On The Catwalk
Well almost – Karen Walker in a collaboration with the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron has just launched a range of merchandise celebrating this extra special season – A-Cup and 150th RNZYS Anniversary. WW have supplied woody items – clinker dinghies, model yachts etc to support the collection in Karen Walker stores.
Check out the range here https://www.karenwalker.com/nz/collections/squadron
OPUA MYSTERY LAUNCH
Bay of Island woody, Dean Wright, sent in the above photos of a launch he spotted on a mooring at Opua. At the time Dean I was idling around waiting to go up on the travel lift.No name, but I’m sure someone will be able to tell us more about the boat.
Putting aside the obvious neglect – there is a nice woody hiding there, crying out for a serious dose of TLC.
Can We ID This Launch
Another photo sent in by Bryce Strong from his families old photo collection. The above launch is a mystery to me, but the very distinctive array of windows should trigger someones memory. I can make out the following letters on her name board ‘_OANUI’
Given the other photos in the album, the location would have to be in / around the Hauraki Gulf.
STOP READING THIS AND GET DOWN TO THE WW – SLIPWAY MILFORD, BOAT BOOT SALE On today between 10>11.30am @ 5 Omana Road, Milford.
Circle The Diary – November 6>8th – Aucklands Waterfront Celebrates Yacht Designer John Spencer – Details below
Classic Wooden Launch Project
Last week I was contacted by Bruce Deeming about the above woody launch that had been brought to his attention. Bruce advised that he had been approached to take over the project due to changing circumstances of the present owner. Unfortunately its not on Bruce’s radar so the search is on for a passionate woody looking for a restoration project.
There is no name on her and the design / build is also a mystery, but Bruce suspects maybe a Cauldry, length is approx. 30>31’. Was sitting in Kaiaua mud berths opposite the Kaiaua fish & chip shop for a number of years. Bruce commented that it requires some plank work and the window surrounds in main cabin are not good, but it has good bones. It has been in the water up until 4 odd months ago. Decks & cabin appear to be very sound, with exception to those main cabin window areas.
Bruce has the original motor, an air cooled Lister or similar, not going. The owner is happy to look at any offer & discuss options.
Anyone able to ID the launch for us?
UPDATE – 03-03-2021 Bruce Ryrie has taken over this project and thus far has scraped and red leaded below the waterline and gutted the interior and set up a soaker system inside to stop her drying out. Some process photos below. Well done Bruce 🙂
SGAG
The above photo was sent in by Andrew Mikkelsen during lock-down, I know nothing about her but with a name like Sgag someone must recall the boat.Will be interesting to see what details come to the surface.
Woody Boat Boat Sale at The Slipway Milford – This Sunday
Great response to the sale – thanks to all those that RSVP’ed.
Mystery Wooden Boats – Lake Manapouri
The above photo, ex Lew Redwood, of Pearl Harbour, Lake Manapouri could almost be a painting. Its rather stunning and features two very smart woodys. Can anyone help ID either or both of these boats? Sadly there is no date accompanying the photo.
Booked Your Woody In For Its Annual TLC?
Talking last week to a couple of yard managers + marine engineers and given the knock-on effect of the CV-19 lock-downs the work diaries are VERY full, in fact depending on what you want done, there is a strong chance you will miss out. So get on the phone today – or you might end up like this guys stern drive………..
MYSTERY LAUNCH – 1968 Sam McGreedy
The above 39’ carvel planked, 1968 launch popped up on trademe, light on photos, the tme ones are very average. The stated builder is Sam McGreedy, thats a new one to me.Power is from a 130hp Ford diesel. Appears to be well fitted out.
From the photos I suspect it a Panmure boat – can on of the river rats enlighten us more on the boat?
That was easy, thanks Ken R – its White Cloud see more here
https://waitematawoodys.com/2013/11/18/white-cloud/
Also video of launch day
https://waitematawoodys.com/2017/06/10/white-cloud-movie-leaving-the-shed-launch-day/
HOST VENUE: NZ Traditional Boatbuilding School 17 Totara Rd, Te Atatu Peninsula, Auckland – Saturday 17 October 2020 – Sunday 18 October 2020
This is a two day course introducing you to the use of hand tools. Over the two days you will build a small tool box and a bench stop incorporating a number of woodworking joints and skills including cutting a simple scarf joint and then using copper nails and rivets to turn that piece into a handy Bench stop. Marking and cutting pieces for the tool box, preparing the timber with planes and a cabinet scraper, marking and cutting a dovetail joint, marking and drilling dowel joints, turning a square piece of wood into a round handle, final assembly and clean up.
This is a great course for someone wanting to learn how to cut accurately and use chisels and planes and other hand tools in a practical manner. Students will leave with a completed toolbox and bench stop and an introduction to many new skills. The tutors for this course are Olaf Wiig and Allan Hooper.
NOTE: Min of three students required, max of six students- COST $290 – includes materials for toolbox.
Click link for more details on NZTBS + space bookings http://nztbs.org.nz/course/an-introduction-to-fine-woodworking/
Classic Wooden Boats At Kawau Island
At Sundays Stillwater woodys picnic I was chatting to boat builder Greg Lees and he showed me the above photograph (in its frame) of Mansion House Bay, Kawau Island that a neighbour had given him. Interesting that for once the bay is almost bare of yachts – maybe they were off racing at the time.
Are we able to ID some of the launches? I have numbered the boats in the b/w photo below + included a couple of blow ups of the photo, which may help.
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