Classic Australian Wooden Power Boats

 

Reader's Boats


Raven

 

 

 

 

Raven is a 1960's 16' twin cockpit runabout. Not sure of the builder but possibly a Jack Eddy hull.
 

 

Raven was purchased by Glenn Hickmott in 2009 as a project boat
 

 

Glenn who is based in Far North Queensland, didn't mess about and got straight into the restoration
 

 

Two planks were repaired and two others replaced
 

 

The transom and deck were also replaced

 

 

 

The original Ford 272 V8 was a bit of a mess. Another engine was obtained and between the two engines and some new parts the original engine was rebuilt. Y block engines and parts are scarce in far north Queensland. Glenn will run the original dry sump system.
 

 

During Raven's restoration Glenn managed to track down a couple of previous owners. The third owner was in Melbourne and still had some original parts that from the boat, which he passed on to Glenn.
 

 

The deck was treated to 14 coats of varnish
 

 

After around 30 years on its trailer Raven hit the water again in late 2012
 

 

Glenn was very happy with the way the boat went after a big resto
 

 

Glenn also has a 23' Chris-Craft Capri in his shed and is currently working on his next project. But that's another story.