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Goonda

Vessel numberHV000169

Vessel Registration NumberJX331N

Builder Maritime Services Board of New South Wales

Previous owner Maritime Services Board of New South Wales

Date1950

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 8.4 m (27.56 ft)

DescriptionGOONDA was built at the MSB shipyard on Goat Island on the Parramatta River in NSW. The 8.4 metre long carvel planked launch may be the only one of this size still existing. Two other launches were also built in 1950 for the MSB, but they were bigger craft. All had aboriginal names beginning with G.

The launch was used for general duties around the harbour including work on the many wharves and other facilities maintained by the MSB, and transport duties. Craft of this type were once common place and their day to day activities were vital to keeping the harbour running smoothly. GOONDA was one of two (the other was GOOYONG and was smaller), that were built low with a folding mast for wharf inspectors working under pile wharves. Originally fitted with small BMC diesels and gearboxes adapted from automotive sources, they were re-engined with small Mercedes Benz units about 1974.

The wooden launches were gradually taken out of service and a few such as GOONDA have remained operational as private motor launches. Their sturdy construction and simple layout with a cabin and open cockpit aft make them easy to convert to recreational craft. Despite their utilitarian occupation, these craft still have an elegant curve in their sheerline, bulwarks and cabin top, typical of their period.

GOONDA retains a considerable amount of original structure and currently has a temporary outboard arrangement on the transom. The 30 kW (40 hp) inboard diesel will be installed again after repairs are completed.
SignificanceGOONDA is a wooden workboat built in NSW in the early 1950s. It is representative of the many Maritime Services Board of NSW workboats that carried out general duties on Sydney Harbour in the 1950s and 60s.