The glorious cruisers of Moreton Bay

by Bob Wonders on 25 Nov 2010 A few years back, when I was a nipper (ok, ok, a lot of years back!), my late father, a life long boat lover, often spoke glowingly of the classic designs that typified Moreton Bay cruisers.

Not only did I have little idea of what he was talking about, at that stage, being a born and bred Sydneysider, I probably didn’t know where Moreton Bay was anyway.

As I grew up (some say that is still a work in progress) and became a regular visitor to Queensland and a Moreton Bay (near the State capital, Brisbane) ‘knockabout’ I soon came to appreciate the locally built and designed craft.

These were ‘real boats’, boats built from timber, boats that had that all pervading aroma of genuine wood.

There were names that were famous then and became even more famous later, names like Norman R. Wright and Sons, Millkraft Marine, Charles Crowley, Hugh Morris, Clem Masters and J.H.Whereat, to name but a few of these legendary boat builders.

Now, I’m anything but an expert on the famous Moreton Bay cruisers, but I certainly know a lot more and have a greater appreciation of their history and their contribution to the Australian boating industry thanks to a certain book.

Actually, calling this particular publication ‘a book’ just does not do it justice.

Now in its second printing, ‘Classic Moreton Bay Cruisers’, sub-titled ‘A collection of Australian wooden boats’, this absolutely stunning publication is a credit to author Andrew Harper, photographer David Millar and historian Peter Ludlow.

I take my hat off to all three as well as to Norman R. Wright and Sons, sponsor of the volume and to Bill Wright, who provided much excellent background to the tale of wooden boats.

Without doubt, Harper, Millar and Co have accomplished a massive task in producing this book.

They actually tracked down, boarded and photographed more than 60 classic vessels, flying interstate when necessary, speaking with former and current owners and, where possible, builders and designers.

Peter Ludlow’s contribution was equal to the task, too, his ‘Brief History of Moreton Bay’ an excellent read.

I also want to mention a prominent boat owner, Greg Cavill, who has worked on the restoration of many fine vessels, primarily for a quote attributed to him – he said 'A boat is only as good as the laughter that comes out of it.'

Pretty hard to argue with that.

I can only further describe that as being a massive task undertaken by Andrew Harper.

He actually researched more than 100 classic vessels before some 64 ‘made the cut.’

He specifically selected boats that had been built, designed or re-built within the Moreton Bay region, boats he felt were distinctly ‘Moreton Bay cruiers’ of the style seen any weekend cruising the expansive waterway.

To his credit, Harper does point out that much of the informative comment in the book is anecdotal, some from vague recollections of past and present owners.

'Therefore,' Harper says, 'I cannot guarantee the accuracy of all information recorded in this book.'

Frankly, I don’t see that as being too large a problem.

Andrew Harper has done an amazing job, as has skilled photographer David Millar and his able assistant Jan Tkaczyk.

If a photo is worth a thousand words, ‘Classic Moreton Bay Cruisers’ contains words by the many millions.

The full colour photographs are simply superb.

In conclusion, I’ll say this; if you have any appreciation of the history of Australian recreational boat building and if your library does not boast a copy of ‘Classic Moreton Bay Cruisers’, then it is sadly lacking.

This outstanding volume can be obtained through Boat Books Australia via the company’s Sydney ((02 9439-1133), Melbourne (03 9525-3444) or Brisbane (07 3229-6427) branches. Website www.boatbooks-aust.com.au

www.classicmoretonbaycruisers.com