Tag Archives: Shipbuilders Kit Boat

SOUTHERN SEAS – A Peek Down Below    

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SOUTHERN SEAS – A Peek Down Below    

The 34’ classic wooden launch SOUTHERN SEAS was launched c.1966, most likely built to a Shipbuilders ‘kit boat’ design. Her hull is triple planked kauri (f/glassed over).

She last appeared on WW back in April 2014 – link here –  https://waitematawoodys.com/2014/04/04/6728/ at the time we only saw her hauled out at Gulf Harbour Marina.

Back in Sept 2025 she came on the market, and thanks to Ian McDonald we get to have a peak down below. The photos are a good example of a seller not maximising the vessels features eg most photos are very cluttered with items that should be removed, but its their boat, their money.

Back in 2014 she was powered by a Lees Ford 6cyl. engine, but was re-powered in 2018 with a Ford D Series (2nd hand).

Do we know what became of SOUTHERN SEAS. 

CLASSIC SHIPBUILDERS WOODEN LAUNCH – MAJEIKA 

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CLASSIC SHIPBUILDERS WOODEN LAUNCH – MAJEIKA 

During the week I was visiting the OBC marine centre on Auckland’s Tamaki Drive scoping out an upcoming woody event and spotted the launch – MAJEIKA on a mooring in Whakatakata Bay. A quick WW search popped up that she appeared on WW back in May 2022, link below  https://waitematawoodys.com/2022/05/07/majeika/

As sometimes happens way to often at the same time Ian McDonald pointed out that she was also on tme.

So a quick summary of what we know – MAJEIKA is a 28’ Shipbuilders design, most likely a ‘kit’ boat, built c.1960, builder unknown. Triple skin kauri which will make for a very robust woody.

Forward motion is via a 100hp Nissan diesel engine. In the 2022 WW story the engine was said to be a LD28 rated at 88hp, and a top speed of 12 knots. Also the length was 26’ then – so it seems she has been eating a few pies.

With an asking price of $10k, we see another example of it being a buyers market at the moment.