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TLC for grand old wooden ships
Friday, October 05, 2012
THREE wooden boats in dry dock together at the Gisborne port have been described as a rare and unique sight.

With most boats now made of steel, aluminium or fibreglass, the wooden MV Takitimu, Hikuwai, and Arline are a unique sight, says Eastland Marine travel lift manager Tony Armstrong, who operates the lift to remove boats from the water.

“It is most likely the only yard in the country you could see such a sight.”

Mr Armstrong instigated the travel lift six years ago as people said it would never work here. It now provides a much-needed service for lifting boats out of the water here.

MV Takitimu is a heritage vessel and the oldest of the three — built in 1921. The former harbour pilot launch and tug is now used for tourist and private tours.

The 40 foot kauri Arline was bought in the Bay of Islands 12 months ago by Gisborne man and foundation member of Gisborne Tatapouri Fishing Club, Glen Morrison.

Built in 1947, it was used for charter fishing operations in the north but sustained some damage to the hull after it ran aground.

Mr Morrison has since fixed the hull and put it back in the water last summer to allow the timber to swell. He is now doing maintenance on the interior.

He reckons Arline will have another 60-odd years of operating in her now and will be used as a pleasure boat for recreational fishing.

“She’s one of the traditional designs and very typical of the old fashioned type of boat.”

The other boat having maintenance is Gisborne fishing vessel Hikuwai — a 1970s model and possibly one of the last to have been built from wood.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST: Gisborne recreational fisherman Glen Morrison aboard his 40-foot kauri vessel Arline, one of three old-style vessels dry-docked at the wharf for maintenance. In the background is 1970s fishing vessel Hikuwai and out of sight is the restored MV Takitimu — possibly one of the oldest boats still in operation in Gisborne. Picture by Dave Thomas
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