Boating New Zealand Boat Reviews
Reviews
Boating New Zealand News
News
Boating New Zealand Sports
Sport
Boating New Zealand Lifestyle
Lifestyle
Bookmark post
Bookmarked
Bookmark post
Bookmarked

[cmsmasters_row][cmsmasters_column data_width=”1/1″][cmsmasters_text]

 

Low, sleek and powerful, an Austin-Healey sports car is a rare classic – prized by collectors all over the world. But rarer still – particularly in New Zealand – is a Healey boat, manufactured by the same legendary, speed-obsessed engineer some 65 years ago. Story by Lawrence Schaffler.

 

- Advertisement -

Many classic boat restoration stories have odd, unlikely beginnings – it seems to go with the territory. This one started three years ago in an Auckland doctor’s waiting room where Phil Shaw was growing impatient waiting for a seriously delayed appointment.

 

With clenched teeth he hauled out his phone and began trawling through Trademe – looking for nothing in particular – and stumbled over a listing for a derelict 14-foot wooden runabout. She looked to be in bad shape but the brand piqued his interest – a 1956 Healey Ski-master. Healey? As in Austin- Healey classic cars? Similar vintage? Surely not…?

 

Actually, yes.

 

Intrigued, he bought the derelict and began some intensive research. Austin-Healey aficionados know that Donald Healey’s cars were the product of a maverick – a British entrepreneur, racing driver and engineering genius all rolled into one. And one whose far-ranging mind also embraced boats.

 

 

 

 

This particular boat – a 1956 Ski-master – is mahogany and was brought brand-new to New Zealand by the Porter family, immigrants from the UK. Shaw bought the boat from one of the descendants, in effect becoming its second owner.

DAD’S VOICE

Tackling the two-year restoration didn’t frighten Shaw – and he has his father to thank for that. Shaw senior had passed on six years earlier, but he was a professional coach builder by trade and over the years he and his son had built a number of boats.

“He taught me everything I know about joinery and woodworking. I inherited his tools when he died, and during this project I kept hearing his ‘voice’ as I worked, making sure I was doing things properly. Anytime I was tempted to take a shortcut I would hear his stern warning: ‘If you don’t do it properly you’ll just end up re-doing it later.’”

Despite the boat’s forlorn appearance, its structural integrity wasn’t too bad. The biggest job was replacing three mahogany frames. “They had pulled away from the chines – the screws used for the temporary fix weren’t really long enough. Someone had then used steel bolts (ungalvanised) to fix the frames to the hull. Of course they rusted, damaging parts of the hull and wrecking the frames.”

The rest of the vessel just needed a thorough sanding and was brought to its former glory with multiple coats of International paints and varnish. Most of the fittings are original, but the front nav light is a Chris Craft product, sourced from eBay, as are a few cleats. The original steering wheel (rubber over a steel rim) was beyond repair, and Shaw has fitted a substitute from a Plymouth of a similar vintage.

Though Healey Ski-masters were typically powered by Mercury outboards, Shaw instead opted for a 30hp Suzuki.

“The 15” transom pretty much dictated a short-leg engine, and Suzuki was the only manufacturer that offered one with power tilt. It drives the boat to a top speed of around 30 knots.”

Inevitably, Shaw’s research brought him into contact with the good people at the Austin-Healey Club of New Zealand. Though the details remain sketchy, it appears there is (or was) one other Healey boat in New Zealand.
Its owner is unknown, but there is anecdotal evidence that Kiwi racing drivers Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme used the boat for skiing on the Orakei Basin.

What began as a frustrating wait for a doctor has a happy conclusion: not only does Shaw now have a wonderful (and very rare) runabout, it also earned him a prize at the Antique and Classic Boat Show at Lake Rotoiti
in March (for the Best Restored Powerboat).

Shaw plans to keep the Healey at his bach at Kawau Island, were she’ll be used for sedate Sunday cruises and a little water-skiing. Incidentally, he is now best friends with his doctor.

Oddly, no one in the UK seems very interested in the heritage of the Healey boats. The best repository of information about them is at a dedicated museum in the Netherlands (www.healey-marine.com).

HEALEY BOATS

Born in 1898, Healey’s career began with an apprenticeship at the Sopwith aircraft factory. He later studied engineering and soon began dabbling with tuning cars for better performance. That ultimately led
to the establishment of the famous Austin-Healey marque.

He was great mates with British racing driver Stirling Moss (who died earlier this year) and both were passionate about waterskiing – which in the mid-1950s was emerging as the ‘hot’ new sport in the
USA. Building boats for waterskiing sounded like a great idea.

Healey enlisted the help of Cornish yacht designer Geoffrey Lord for the plans. In 1956, at the London Boat Show, he unveiled a 16-foot runabout powered by a BMC B-Series 1500cc four-cylinder petrol inboard.

With Moss acting as brand ambassador to promote the new marine venture, Healey pushed full steam ahead, trading heavily on the reputation of his cars. A 1958 ad reads: “As thrilling on the water as the famous Healey sports car… it is built in the tradition of the fabulous world record-breaking Healey Sports Car and is every bit as good as it looks.”

Sadly, the company lasted only six years, but in that time produced six models ranging from the 13-foot 6-inch Sprite to the 15-foot 8-inch fibreglass Corvette.


• Ski-master – built in marine plywood and officially the first Healey model, powered by an outboard.

• Healey 55 – inboard versions were powered by the single SU- carburetted BMC series B engine from the MG Magnette.

• Healey Sprite – deliberately named to be associated with the popular Healey ‘Frog-eye’ car.

• Healey 75 – built in GRP and similar to the 55 it was modified for a larger twin-carb engine.

• Healey 707 – GRP hull and decks on a wooden sub-frame (with foam buoyancy beneath the floors) it was named after the Boeing airliner. Powered by a Dowty Marine water-jet linked to a marinised six-cylinder engine from the Austin-Healey 3000 cars. It developed 118hp.

• Healey Corvette – GRP with a deeper vee hull and broader beam than previous Healey boats, geared to be used offshore.

Nothing if not competitive, Healey entered his boats in numerous races – among them the 1958 24-hour race at Aix-Les-Bains in France and the Six Heures de Paris race which took place on the river Seine at the same time as the Paris Salon Motor Show.

But with rising manufacturing costs and declining orders, Healey closed the marine division in 1961.

[/cmsmasters_text][/cmsmasters_column][/cmsmasters_row]

SHARE:

Related Articles

Previous article
Next article

Comments

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand. Subscribe to view comments and join the conversation. Choose your plan →

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand.

Boating New Zealand
Boating New Zealandhttps://www.boatingnz.co.nz
Boating NZ is New Zealand’s premier marine title devoted to putting its readers behind the wheel of the latest trailerboats, yachts and launches to hit the market. It inspires with practical content and cruising adventures, leads the fleet with its racing coverage and is on the pulse of the latest maritime news and innovation.

More from Boating New Zealand

Vendée Round The World LIVE! 4...

Catch up with all the action from the past 24 hours in this 30-minute daily...

High stakes in the Southern Oc...

The Southern Ocean has lived up to its fearsome reputation as the Vendée Gl...

Portugal to Host 2025 Youth Sa...

The picturesque Portuguese venue of Vilamoura is set to host the 2025 Youth...

NZ Commonwealth Games Boxer Da...

A life of adventure Dave lived a life defined by adventure, passion, and e...

Aussies decisively win the 202...

The vibrant waters off Jeddah’s Red Sea coastline served as the stunning ba...

Vendée Globe LIVE! 03/12

Catch up with all the action from the past 24 hours in this 30-minute daily...
-- ADVERTISEMENT --

Follow Us

Weekly Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest developments shaping New Zealand's Boating world.

Social Media

Follow us on social media to stay in the loop with the latest trends and news shaping New Zealand's boating scene!

-- THINGS WE LOVE --

GET
STARLINK
HERE

-- DIRECTORY LISTING --

Events Worth Adding to Your Calendar

Have an event you'd like to list on Boating New Zealand. Contact us with the details.

Catch all the action of the Vendée Globe Race, starting 10 Nov, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Follow along with excitement at Boating New Zealand.

FISHING

Extreme Boats Fishing Tournament, 29 & 30 Nov 2024 in Whitianga

Makaira Trailer Boat Competition, 25 & 26 Jan 2025 in Whangaroa

Stabicraft Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic, 25 - 27 Oct 2025 TBC in Te Anau Manapouri

REGATTAS

Beneteau Owners Rally, 23 Nov 2024, Auckland to Kawau

Sir Peter Blake Torbay Regatta, 30 Nov - 1 Dec 2024 at Torbay Sailing Club

Rolex Sydney to Hobart, 26 Dec 2024 starts in Sydney, Australia

New Zealand Sail Grand Prix, 18 & 19 Jan 2025 in Auckland

Bay of Islands Sailing Week, 21 - 24 Jan 2025 at Bay of Islands

NZ Millenium Cup, 1 - 4 Feb 2025 at Waitemata Harbour

Toyota Youth International Match Racing Cup, 26 Feb - 4 Mar 2025 in Auckland

Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2025, starting 11 Oct 2025 TBC from Sydney Harbour

PIC Insurance Brokers Coastal Classic, 24 Oct 2025 TBC from Auckland to Russell

NZ Match Racing Championships, 2025 dates tbc in Auckland

HYDRO THUNDER

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Mangakino, 30 Nov - 1 Dec 2024 at Mangakino

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Mangakino, 18 & 19 Jan 2025 at Mangakino

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Karapiro, 7 - 9 Feb 2025 at Karapiro

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Lake Rotoiti, 8 - 9 Mar 2025 at Nelson Lakes

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Lake Twizel, 29 - 30 Mar 2025 at Twizel

JET BOAT RACING

2024/25 NZ Jetsprint Championship R2, 1 Dec 2024 at Featherston

2024/25 NZ Jetsprint Championship R3, 27 Dec 2024 at Wanganui

UIM World Jetsprint Championships, 25 Jan -2 Feb 2025 at Wanaka (25 & 26 Jan) and Wanganui (1 & 2 Feb)

2024/25 NZ Jetsprint Championship R4, 23 Feb 2025 at Wanganui

2025 NZ Marathon Coast-to-Coast, 16 to 25 Mar 2025 starting at Greymouth ad finishing at Christchurch

2024 Golden Homes NZ Jet Boat Marathon, 2025 dates TBC on Southland Rivers (Oreti, Waiau and Mataura)

National Jet Boat Rally 2024, 2025 date TBC at Oliver Road, Bendigo (near Cromwell)

WATERSPORTS

Yamaha Rollo's Marine Bridge 2 Bridge, 2025 dates tbc Staged on the Waikato River between Cambridge & Taupiri, based in Hamilton, New Zealand

NON-MOTORISED SPORT

Waka Ama - 2025 National Sprint Championships, 12 - 18 Jan 2025 at Lake Karapiro, Cambridge

Waka Ama - 2025 Secondary School Nationals, 24 - 28 Mar 2025 at Lake Tikitapu, Rotorua

ANTIQUE, CLASSIC & RETRO BOATS

25th NZ Antique & Classic Boat Show , 1 & 2 Mar 2025 at Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes

COMMUNITY

Bay of Islands Cruiser's Festival, 20 - 23 Nov 2024 at Bay of Islands Marina, Opua

The New Zealand Sailing Trust 5 Day Sail, 13 - 17 Jan 2025 starting in Auckland

Auckland Boat Show, 6 - 9 March 2025 at Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour, Auckland

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, 15 - 18 May 2025 at Auckland Showgrounds, Auckland

-- DIRECTORY LISTING --

International Boat Shows

COMING EVENTS

Antigua Charter Yacht Show 4 - 9 Dec 2024 to be held at the Nelson's Dockyard UNESCO World Heritage Site, Antigua

Boot Düsseldorf 18 - 26 Jan 2025 to be held in Düsseldorf, Germany

New York Boat Show, 22 - 26 Jan 2025 to be held at the Javits Center, New York

Bahamas Charter Yacht Show, 29 Jan - 2 Feb 2025 to be held at Nassau, Bahamas

Houston Boat Show, 29 Jan - 2 Feb 2025 to be held at the NRG Center, Houston, Texas

Dubai International Boat Show, 19 - 23 Feb 2025 to be held at the Dubai Harbour

Miami International Boat Show, 12 - 16 Feb 2025 to be held in Miami

Auckland Boat Show, 6 - 9 Mar 2025 to be held at the Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour, Auckland

Palm Beach International Boat Show, 19 - 23 Mar 2025 to be held along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach

International Multihull Show, 23 - 27 Apr 2025 to be held in Terre-plein Ouest du port La Grande-Motte (34), France

Palma International Boat Show, 30 Apr - 3 May 2025 to be held at the Superyacht Village, Palma, Spain

Barcaly's Jersey Boat Show, 3 - 5 May 2025 to be held in the Channel Islands

South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show, 9 - 11 May 2025 to be held in Ocean Village Marina, Southampton, Hampshire

The British Motor Yacht Show, 15 - 18 May 2025 to be held at the Swanwick Marina, Southampton, Hampshire

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, 15 - 18 May 2025 at Auckland Showgrounds, Auckland

Sanctuary Cove International Boat show, 22 - 25 May 2025 to be held in Sanctuary Cove, Queensland

Sydney International Boat show, 31 July - 3 Aug 2025 to be held at ICC Sydney & Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour

Hiswa Te Water, 3 - 7 Nov 2025 to be held in Bataviahaven Lelystad, The Netherlands

Southampton International Boat Show, 19 - 28 Sep 2025 to be held in Southampton, UK

International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX), 7 - 9 Oct 2025 to be held in Tampa, Florida

Annapolis Sail Boat Show, 9 - 13 Oct 2025 to be held at City Dock, Annapolis, Maryland

Newport International Boat Show, 20 - 23 Nov 2025 to be held in Newport, Rhode Island

Cannes Yachting Festival, 9 - 14 Sep 2025 at Cannes – Vieux Port & Port Canto

Genoa Boat Show, 18 - 23 Sep 2025 to be held in Genoa, Italy

Melbourne International Boat Show, Oct 2025, TBC to be held at New Quay Promenade Harbour Esplanade Seven Marinas

Biograd Boat Show, Oct 2025, TBC to be held in the City of Biograd, Croatia

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 29 Oct – 2 Nov 2025 to be held at several locations in Fort Lauderdale

METSTRADE 18 - 20 Nov 2025 to be held at the Rai, Amsterdam

Monaco Yacht Show, 24 - 27 Sep 2025 on Monacco