Classic Australian Wooden Power Boat Association

I got the Chrysler V8 from a friend of Dad's, it came out of a race boat called 'Deltone'. It had been left on a pallet for over 30 years. Tried over several weeks to loosen it up and turn it over by hand but something was seized in there! The motor was later pulled down and two pistons were basically welded in their pots. The motor went to a guy who is a keen hot roder and obviously wanted the carbies and heads, sorry to you all that may have been licking your lips about the possibility I might still have them!
The current engine beds and no bulk heads in the boat, putting an engine in would be the end of the project.
I am aware of the argument 'restore it the way it was, not the way you would like it' (thanks Dave for those pearls of wisdom) but the original cabin was like getting into a tent. I wanted a boat that I can enjoy, respecting its lines but it was never going to be left in the weather and originally it was an open runabout of some description?

Maybe Tomboy started her life looking like this? One of the Manly runabouts. Regardless I decided I wanted to restore her into a 'Gentleman's day cruiser'

Must appologise for picture quality, but as the restoration commences the photos will improve, at the moment they are photos of photos. This one is a previous Tomboy life, possibly Anne Lee?

Another life, the Leeanne

And finally the Leo Eugene swinging off the mooring at Cygnet prior to the journey to Hobart.

Its good to see the pic of the manly ride boat. Didn't know that name though. If you look closely in the rear cockpit you will see the canvas tarps pulled up to try and stop a bit of the water spray getting on the passengers.

Its good to see the pic of the manly ride boat. Didn't know that name though. If you look closely in the rear cockpit you will see the canvas tarps pulled up to try and stop a bit of the water spray getting on the passengers.

Hey Dave! I got that photo from a guy that either you or Greg put me on to who has one and it was featured some time ago in a Hollow Log! He also has a restored Chris Craft.

Its now March 2005, I had been stuffing around a while but had achieved very little. Sometimes its just fate, like it was meant to be or people are just lucky. One day in March Mr. Bruce Maxwell Sault walked up my drive and introduced himself. Bruce is a retired carpenter, built a couple of wooden boats in his time and in Second World War did lots of building, repairing various wooden structures and when overseas worked on the famous Navy P.T. boats.

Bruce lives nearby and noticed the boat up the drive. He said he had some timber under his house that I might want. I said I would buy anything he had he thought I could use. Luckily for me the timber came with Bruce's knowledge, experience, skills and tools. Before Bruce started helping me he asked me to get a second opinion to make sure the boat was worth restoring.

Again, luckily I knew a local Hobart Shipwright, Johnny Harrord who does all the wooden work on the Hobart based and beyond local rock lobster boats. Johnny called out and gave us the all clear saying,"Don't be afraid to Laminate." Throughout the future restoration Johnny's advice was sought and he was also very generous lending me various tools.

The next photo is possibly what Tomboy may have turned out like if I it did myself, something you would put in a kids playground!

So the jobs on, but to do it properly the boat had to be rolled over. We completely braced the hull to support it for the job and Tomboy was rolled over by Bruce, myself and 8 others! Luckily there were some strong people in that group.

Started removing the many layers of anti-fouling. Bruce was still concerned about the hull, particularly what might be hidden under her blue gum keel.