SEA SCOUT on the Great Barrier Reef in 2004, acting as a research and dive vessel.

Images(2)

Sea Scout

Vessel numberHV000022

Vessel Registration Number22281

Vessel Registration NumberV6M

Official Number151986

Designer Walter Reeks (1861-1925)

Builder Morrison & Sinclair

Previous owner Perpetual Trustees

Previous owner Bell, Bell, Myers and Symonds

Date1923

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 16.15 m x 21.33 m x 14.93 m x 4.19 m x 1.68 m (53 ft x 70 ft x 49 ft x 13.75 ft x 5.5 ft)
Registered Dimensions: 15.08 m x 3.81 m x 1.98 m, 22.03 tons x 26.09 tons (49 ft. x 12.5 ft. x 6.5 ft.)
Engine dimensions: 60 kilowatts, 4 cylinders (80 horsepower)
Propeller dimensions: 914 mm (36 in)

DescriptionSEA SCOUT is a timber gaff rigged ketch that was commissioned by its first owner Harry Shelley, a well known figure on Sydney Harbour and a prominent member of both the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club. This was his second boat of the same name.

The 16 metre yacht has an intriguing double-ended hull shape. Reeks used a canoe stern style on many of his motor launches, but SEA SCOUT's stern is possibly influenced by the many Scandinavian yacht designs of this type which were renowned for their sea going abilities. Another earlier Reeks' yacht design with this stern is the much smaller SHONA (HV000108) from 1911.

The Sydney Morninng Herald had this report from 13/09/1923 on its launching.

"A NEW CRUISER
A handsome new cruising yacht, built to the order of Mr Harry M.Shelley was launched at high tide yesterday morning at the yard of the builders Messrs. Morrison and Sinclair Ltd, Long Nose Point Balmain.

This fine cruiser,.which was designed by Mr. Walter Reeks, and will be capable of putting to sea in any weather, has splendid accomodation below, consisting of a large saloon, full lavatory and pantry accommodation, a large engine room, and forecastle for two men. There is also a deckhouse and very roomy cockpit.

Ketch rigged, and with 100hp Sterling engine, installed by Messers. Begg and Greig, this yacht, which has been christened "Sea Scout" will be a good, comfortable boat for ocean cruising, of which her owner has always been an advocate."

The ARROW in 1925 notes the 'handsome auxiliary, SEA SCOUT" was used to lay ocean marks for a yacht race.

The December issue of a 1930s The Power Boat & Yachting Monthly has an advertisment for its sale, by Jack Capell at Rushcutters Bay. Offered in 'perfect condition' with a 'sterling Dolphin Marine engine', the sale price was 2,000 pounds.

SEA SCOUT in 2006 is once again used as a cruising yacht, but during the period from 1944 to 1987 it was registered as a fishing boat, working areas along the NSW south coast. Significant restoration work was undertaken in the late 1990s and the SEA SCOUT remains in excellent condition.

Update May 2023: SEA SCOUT is now in the Mackay region of Queensland undergoing extensive restoration which may take three years. The vessel had begun to sink after some planks had sprung because of faulty caulking. The hull is being sanded back to the original timber, all caulking removed and replaced, and then the huill is to be repainted. The masts are to be restepped with booms and sails to be reattached, and all rigging (wires and ropes) redone. The diesel engine will be restored.

The Huon pine interior in the wheelhouse and below is still in pristine condition. A new fridge has been installed behind huon pine doors in addition to a period 4-burner LPG stove and oven. A new toilet with macerator has been installed, though this may be replaced with a bronze and mahogony antique toilet. The vanity in the head has been rebuilt in Blackheart sassafras, the head repainted and all fittings replaced in brass.

Small wood and coal fired stoves are to be installed in the wheelhouse and salon to heat the vessel dry after the rainy season and for backup for the LPG.
SignificanceSEA SCOUT is a wooden yacht built in 1923 in NSW. It was built by Morrison & Sinclair, at Long Nose Point, Balmain NSW to a design by Walter Reeks for a large cruising yacht. It was later converted to a commercial role and developed a close association with the southern NSW fishing industry for a period after World War II. It is one of the few sailing craft designed by Reeks that remain extant.