Diesel for Llittle Boats

[The Woo]

I've done a bit of time on Nauti Suzanne which was Parksey's from Townsville. Originally it had sterndrives and then they put a couple of shaft drive SRM33 Fiat/Ivecos in it with a couple of big trim tabs.

Our boat was originally "Trpoic Sands" from Townsville, had a tower instead of flybridge.
It then went to Port Douglas, was refited as Shae-Lea".
We bought her from there to Brissy where she became "Illusion".
The old man spoke to Peter O'B prior to purchase to get some history, and Peter said this boat was built with legs and jack shafts, but over the years we've never found evidence of it, and we've looked hard. We always suspected Peter was mistaken re which boat we were talking about, and now it seems, after 20 years, you've shed some light on it Smithy!

[Smithy]

I seen two of the express 33's in the flesh. Burgandy Lady is in Townsville and is the one with all the maroon trim. Brian Norton used to run one down at the Gold Coast called Pegasus. Very similar to the pic on your THT thread. Was it by any chance? I am guessing that one was in Vanuatu was it. Brian bought Diamond Lady the 44' Southern Cross with the tower that Michael Hill (Gold, gold, silver, silver, diamond, diamond man) had. Nauti Suzanne was originally owned by the Suzanne Grae or whatever womenswear people up at Townsville. Funninly enough I have fished on Bad Billy the 30' Black Watch and it was owned by the Bad Billy surfwear company people.

Well one OB is gone. OB1 sunk off Bermie a couple of years ago. Never been on a 40' yet. Keen to see how they go. Would love a run in a 43' too. They are legendary. Jim Dalling always said of all his boats if he had to buy one again it would be OB1. He loved the 33'er.

[The Woo]

I'm saddened to hear OB1 is gone. PM me the details? We're waaaaay off topic here! haha

Pegasus, I do think it's the very same boat now working Vanuatu. I often wonder where Avanti might be too, last I heard she was steaming around to Perth! And Burgandy Lady, she's still up there I presume? Pretty much used as a weekender I assumed when I last saw her.....

If my memory is right, Michael Hill's Diamond Lady was a 52 with a tower (completely feasable if my brain has failed me though!)?
I remember all those years ago it fished the Mooloolaba tournament and I was amazed at how bloody big it was! And thanks! Now it's in my head... Gold, gold, silver, silver chain, chain, sale sale.... Gold gold silver silver chain chain sale sale....

Early 40's without the spray chines are even wetter than a 48 Riv, throw it straight up and over the top (I'd still have one though, good boat, both).... later 40's much better. 43's are apparently mint, but I've only been on one at the dock, never offshore.

It's funny Jim says the same... For us anyway, the 33 is really the perfect boat. Very fuel efficient and affordable to run. As you know, buying them is one thing, running them, another.

[Smithy]

Yeh she might have been a 52. Wonder if it is the Key West hull Russel Caporn just used on his Kaizen. Seems to have been used on a lot of boats. I said 44' as the only other Southern Cross I know is the 44' down at the Gold Coast called 5 Star, now owned by John Faulkner the car racing and Tow Cam guy. Big 44'. Couple of steps up out of the cockpit, massive saloon, etc. Yep be good to know where Avanti is. Pretty famous boat that one. As far as famous goes Cervantes is sitting here going to rack and ruin. Good project for someone. Shorty just has to bite the bullet and let it go for the true market value. Pacemaker is for sale again too.

[The Woo]

Some classics you mention theree for sure. Pacemaker's had some owners! Damned shame to see Cervantes rotting away. Problem with all those boats is the upkeep, timber, and they aren't getting any younger! Geez they've seen some fish though!

Remember Nova Lady? The big Woodnut with a tower? A mate of mine did a big refit on her, then first trip back across the bay in rough conditions, she flamed on shortly after leaving us at Cowan on Moreton. Thanks to a poorly installed upright fridge that somehow tipped over and caused a fire. I have a bunch of pics just before and after.

I remembered today that Michael Hill's boat was a 52, has an enclosed flybridge.

Kaizan was built by Caprocorn boats as you'd know, but you're right, the hull is faintly familiar. I might ask Rob the co-builder when i see him next (lives next door to a friend).

[Smithy]

Are you talking about Dodge (Ron Mally) who had the automatic transmission place? He did up Nova Lady. Yep I know him. One of the first guys I met in gamefishing. Him and Karl (exhaust specialist) that fishes with John Gooding at all the Classic style fishing comps. Dodge has had some boats. Makaira the 34' BW, Mistress I think it was the US 31' Bertie etc. Then there was Fat who had the big sharkcat (Ally Cat?), Jason Rhodes (Stooge) and Owen on Jases Noosacat Stalker. I also know Bernie Smith (no relation) who used to skipper Nova Lady. I remember it doing charters out of Mooloolaba. I have had some of my customers that had been out on it. Fair few stories. I actually fish with Bernie's son Dan quite a bit. I first fished with Dan on Parksey's 40' Black Watch First Class. Bernie and Dan make some good lures that are big in NZ.

[The Woo]

Re Nova Lady, the fella I'm talking about, his name is John, owns a trucking company. He was a half owner in the boat, they must have been partners?
You're bringing up a lot of names I haven't heard for a long time, had sort of drifted away from the scene to build a business and the associated travelling etc took its toll on boat time.
Priorities are back in place now though, and Dad and I are on a mission to get back on the water and enjoy the spoils of nearly three years hard labour.