Going Once, Going Twice…
Over the last few months we have sold two boats and are trying to buy another one. The standard system of buyers and sellers toing and froing over offer and counter offer is excruciating.
A common outcome is that both parties are equally dissatisfied and I suppose that’s fair! But I’m a big advocate of auctions. But there are a couple of provisos. Firstly the auction has to be properly advertised in terms of both geography and time frame. Secondly, the reserve if there is one, needs to be realistic. If these criteria are met, then a bidding system is that it gives an accurate an honest answer to “what’s my boat worth?” on any particular day of the year. The answer is of course…”your boat is worth what somebody is prepared to pay for it.” What’s so good about the auction system in relation to timber boats is that the lingering procrastination that is so common in trying to find a new custodian, is eliminated. Sellers who think that their boat is worth what they put into it over the years, and buyers who think they will score the miracle “lowball” come face to face with reality. Boats change hands more readily, and the slow lingering deaths caused by unrealistic owners would be eliminated.
So this week we bring you an interesting boat that will be actioned ending on 27th February. We have to connection with the owners or the auctioneers but promote it as an example of how we might do the whole sale process differently!
1949 NORMAN WRIGHT TIMBER PLANKED 46 FT MOTOR SAILOR
ONLINE AUCTION Commences Friday 21 February and will end on Thursday 27 February 2025 at 2:00pm AEST.
LOCATED: BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND
‘Waiben’ was first launched in 1949 as a pilot vessel to service the Torres Strait Island out of Cairns, with her first job being to reinstate the navigation beacons that had been removed during World War II. During her time in the Torres Strait, she also served as the local school ferry, police launch, medical ship, and customs and immigration vessel. At the end of her service in the Thursday Island region, ‘Waiben’ was sold to a Shipwright in Mackay, who later sold it to a Brisbane-based family who bought her back to Moreton Bay. Since returning to Moreton Bay as a private pleasure boat, ‘Waiben’ has benefited from significant upgrades.
Now powered by a 120hp Ford Lees, ‘Waiben’ boasts an economical cruise speed of 7 knots and carries 2,000 litres of diesel in GRP tanks and 800 litres of water. She is also fitted with a pair of paravane stabilisers for use both at anchor and whilst underway. In the bow, ‘Waiben’ offers accommodation for 8 people in 2 cabins. Both cabins are fitted out with under and over bunks on the port and starboard sides. The nicely appointed on-deck toilet is located on the starboard side of the saloon and is accessed off the starboard side deck. Offering a compact yet practical saloon, a large galley in the aft cabin, ample refrigeration, and a functional aft deck, ‘Waiben’ is perfect for cruising with friends and family.
‘Waiben’ has been a labour of love for the last 5 years and it is time for new owners to take over this beautifully kept vessel and enjoy this piece of history. Originally built a Survey standard, the restoration has been carried through the entire boat by stripping back to bare in 2019 and some plank replacement under the water line, then the seams were raked, epoxy filled and Triaxial cloth was laid from the keel to the bump rail. The decks on ‘Waiben’ have been professionally fibreglassed also. The restoration was performed by renowned Shipwright David Glenn Boat Builders at Manly QLD. Accommodation / Galley:
The layout of ‘Waiben’ has not really changed since it was originally built for service in North Queensland. Two sleeping cabins forward with 4 bunks in each cabin. These forward compartments both have water tight doors [still functioning]. There is a functional wheelhouse with two sliding opening doors, and then a step down into the aft cabin with galley which has been re-upholstered as per the images. A new 4 burner Force 10 with oven and grill has been fitted to the galley. She offers wide side decks, ample room on the aft deck and stabilising arms when at anchor enjoying a barbecue or that cold drink.
TO REGISTER FOR BIDDING GO TO: MARINEAUCTIONS.COM.AU
And if you are interested in learning more about the boats of Norman Wright can we suggest this wonderful talk given at the 2023 Australian Wooden Boat Festival.