LUANA – CLASSIC GENTLEMAN’S MOTORBOAT 4 SALE – First Time In 32 Years

Todays WW story was a tough one to write because the featured classic wooden launch – LUANA has been on my bucket list for the last 20 years, when asked “when are you buying a bigger boat” my answer was always – “Its not for sale”. Now it is and it is me thats not in the market.

A Snap Overview • Designer/Builder – T.M. Lane – 1920 • 47’ x11’6” x 3’3” • Carvel Kauri planked • Ford120hp  Diesel engine (c.1986)

In the classic wooden boating world, larger craft rarely come on the market, more often they are ‘passed around’ the extended family. A lack of past owners also tends to ensure these craft remain unaltered (eg the wood butchers haven’t played around with them) and they have good maintenance records.

In my eyes there are 5>6 big classic New Zealand woodys that are in a league of there own. Some slip out of the group and go down hill and some come back under new ownership / refits.

How you value these boats is a challenge – the normal factors come into play e.g. provenance, size and condition etc, then you have to add in two wow factors – 1.The boats visual appeal. 2. Does the combination of everything else give her the X factor. There is a famous quote by the USA designer – Herreshoff, the sums it up – “If as you walk/row away from your boat and you do not look back over your shoulder – you own the wrong boat”. Closer to home our own Harold Kidd said to me once – “Dear boy do not be under any illusion – it is a beauty contest”

Well LUANA is one of the top 6 boats and her owner for the last 32 years, has asked the Wooden Boat Bureau to assist in identifying the next custodian of LUANA. Price? That would be the worst first question to ask, monies money but there will have to be some hand holding before you get onto the dance floor.

In a sentence – an elegant classic with pedigree and class, very original both inside and out and impeccably presented, one of the jewels of the classic NZ fleet.

.Expressions of interest and request for more details to waitematawoodys@gmail.com