LFB 457
Vessel numberHV000472
(not assigned)LFB 457
Date1940s
DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 5 m x 4.7 m x 1.6 m (16.41 ft x 15.42 ft x 5.25 ft)
DescriptionThe Queensland flattie fishing dinghy or punt was a common inshore craft whose origins have never been documented. The simple shape is common in other parts of the country and indeed in other countries, but each area often has its own unique set of proportions, layout and materials that fitted the region and exact fishing purpose. Frank Cordie built the craft with typical dimensions for the Fraser coast area. Known simply by its licences number LFB 457, it was 5 metres long and 1.6 metres wide with about 430 mm of freeboard, planked using local hoop pine and copper fastenings, and the seams between the wide planks were sealed and waterproofed with black pitch. The bottom planks run athwartships; the topsides are fore and aft planked. A bit of car tyre is used as a fender at the top of the stem. It was simple construction well suited to a knock-about craft that possibly spent its life left out in the open when not out on the water. It was also perhaps relatively easily replaced as well; so long term care was not always a high priority.
The transom features a large roller set between two brackets on either side for the net to be hauled in over. There are two rowlock positions, and long oars were needed as the craft was normally rowed in a standing position while fishing, but while they waited for the tide to change the fisherman rowed seated on the thwart.
LFB 457 was used on the Mary River which runs through Maryborough and out into Hervey Bay. On good days the voluminous craft was packed to the limit with fish caught on the river or out in the bay. After Cordie had finished his fishing days using this dinghy it was stored under his house, and has remained there until it was recently given to the Hervey Bay Historical Village Museum. In 2011 they have put LFB 457 on display complete with oars and net, showing how a simple but important aspect of the region's working days was carried out in the not so distant past.
SignificanceLFB 457 is a wooden flat bottomed fishing dinghy from the central Queensland Coast, built in the mid 1940s. The builder, Frank Cordie from Maryborough was also the owner and fished from this craft for many decades before retiring it from operation. It has remained in his or his family’s possession in storage and is a complete example with oars, rowlocks and fishing nets, showing exactly how this simple but once common craft was built and used.
Harvey Maumill
1960
c1888
c 1890
Sandy Douglas