Images(3)

Ronda

Vessel numberHV000211

Vessel Registration Number34804

Builder EA Jack

Designer EA Jack

Previous owner A&T Chick

Date1918

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 9.75 m x 2.9 m x 0.99 m (32 ft x 9.5 ft x 3.25 ft)

DescriptionRONDA was built for Launceston identity Edwin Hart as a pleasure craft. A copy of a receipt for the boat dated 24th October 1918 suggests it was launched around that time. It is possible that it was also designed by E A 'Ned' Jack, because he is known to have designed many of the craft he built.

The 9.75 m (32 ft) motor launch is planked in Huon pine with copper fastenings. The original motor was a 5 kW (7 hp) Regal petrol engine, and it carried rock ballast for trim and stability. It now has a Perkins diesel engine installed, and a deck of plywood and timber planking. Otherwise it retains much of its original material, and all of its original hull shape.

RONDA has a plumb stem and elegant counter stern, an overhang typical of early motor launches which motored at a modest speed. It also has a raised deck, another common feature of the period.

The launch was featured in the book 'The Tamar Boats' by Betty Percy, wife of Dudley Percy, a previous owner in the 1960s. Edwin Hart was a member of the influential Hart family who were well known in Launceston and had previously owned the yacht ROONA ( HV000189).

In 2008 RONDA remained in good condition as an example of 'Ned' Jack's craftsmanship from the early 20th century.
SignificanceRONDA is wooden motor lauch built in Tasmania in 1918. It is an example of a motor launch built by the important regional Tasmanian boatbuilder EA 'Ned' Jack, from Launceston. It was well-known in the area and was active in the Tamar Yacht Club's motor events of the period.