Awittaka

Vessel numberHV000356

Vessel Registration NumberHT 40

Date1947

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 12.8 m x 12.5 m x 3.05 m x 1.07 m, 10.16 tonnes (42 ft x 41 ft x 10 ft x 3.5 ft, 10 tons)

DescriptionPurdon and Featherstone were one of the many builders in Hobart whose yards were at Battery Point. The 42 foot long AWITTAKA was built using Huon pine for the planking and King Billy pine for the decking. It combines a simple workboat style cabin on an elegant hull shape. It was built to a high standard of craftsmanship and the seaworthy craft was used recreationally by Featherstone and his family on the Derwent River and out into Storm Bay and in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel.

Purdon and Featherstone were well known for larger vessels such as the trading ketches and river steamers. They remained in operation until the 1970s. They also built a 21 metre long motor launch called QUEST, known for its maiden voyage that ended in its total loss. The Huon pine for AWITTIKA was purchased at the same time as the timber for QUEST.

Since the 1970s AWITTAKA has regularly cruised the east coast of Tasmania as far north as Flinders Island and as far south and west as Port Davey. It has proven to be a good seaworthy vessel.

In 2009 it remained in good original condition although now powered by a Volvo diesel engine installation.

SignificanceAWITTAKA, a wooden motor launch, was built in 1947 at the prolific and important Tasmanian ship and boat building yard of Purdon and Featherstone at Battery Point, Hobart for one of the firm’s managers FC (Clyde) Featherstone. It has had just three owners in 60 years and with only a few modifications and repairs it still shows the typical Purdon and Featherstone construction methods for a motor launch.