A skiff on a lonely New Zealand beach

[ad name=”intheboatshed-post”]

IMG_0161

IMG_0162 IMG_0164 IMG_0163

IMG_0160

Regular intheboatshed.net reader Paul Mullings found this skiff on a beach while strolling by the Manukau Harbour, Auckland, New Zealand and was so uplifted by its simple elegance that he decided to send in a clutch of photos.

‘Hi Gav,

‘I chanced upon this delightful skiff when out and about today and thought I should share it with you – it certainly lifted my spirits and instilled a modicum of jealousy too!

‘Paul’

So here’s the question: assuming that it was built to published drawings, which were the plans this builder used? Answers to the Comment link below please!

Also on the subject of doings in New Zealand, weblogger Andy White has written to say that Devonport Yacht Club is holding an exhibition of the work of North Shore designers from the 4th to the 11th October as part of a heritage festival for Auckland. Read more here at Andy’s weblog and also here.

Don’t miss something good. Sign up now and start receiving the free weekly intheboatshed.net newsletter as soon as next week!


Chebacco boat designed by Phil Bolger, built by Academy ex-student Connie Mense

[ad name=”intheboatshed-post”]

DSCF7825

DSCF7831 DSCF7829 DSCF7826

DSCF7822

One exhibit at the Beale Park Thames Boat Show made the case that the recently deceased designer Phil Bolger should be remembered for his very pretty boats as well as his boxy easy-to-build plans.

This is an almost-complete Bolger Chebacco boat, as built by an ex-student of theBoat Building Academy down at Lyme, Connie Mense. I think it’s a terrific-looking craft and that Connie has made a very nice job of building it. The boat was on the Water Craft stand because editor Peter Greenfield is currently building a Chebacco boat from the same moulds.

There are precious few Bolger boats in the UK and I’m always interested in them, so when it’s on the water, can Julie and I come for a sail please Pete?

PS – Don’t miss the ad for Water Craft in the right-hand column of this weblog. It’s well worth a subscription!

A hydroplane at the Beale Park Boat Show

[ad name=”intheboatshed-post”]

dscf4026

dscf4023 dscf4025 dscf4024

Outboard hydroplane Twirler at the Beale Park Boat Show

The exhibition at the Beale Park Boat Show features quite a few veteran motor boats of various kinds, and last year it included this little plywood hydroplane.

I was struck by just suited to home-building a boat like this must be. While it isn’t very big, complicated or expensive to build, it must deliver a heck of a lot of fun in a small package – and other water users won’t automatically assume you’ll behave like a selfish oaf, as they do when they see a group of jetskis coming their way.

I notice that there are various plans for hydroplanes available, but I’d guess that these plans at the Svenson site look pretty useful: Yellow Jacket

Do you enjoy intheboatshed.net? Subscribe to the weekly email newsletter using the link below!