Centurion II
Vessel numberHV000691
Registration Numbers in Broome fleetB2, B8, B10 and B20
Previous owner
D. McDaniel and Son Pty Ltd
Builder
Tarataro Arata
Previous owner
Cygnet Bay Pearling Co.
Previous owner
Pearls Pty Ltd
Vessel type
Pearling Luggers
Date1955
DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 17.38 m × 14.32 m × 4.3 m × 1.73 m (57.02 ft × 46.98 ft × 14.11 ft × 5.68 ft)
Terms
- Broome
- substantially restored hull
- substantially restored deck
- substantially modified superstructure
- substantially modified layout
- partially restored rigging
- Condition Details
- pearling lugger
- ketch
- Airlie Beach
- timber
- carvel
- timber planked
- timber planked
- monohull
- full keel
- keel hung rudder
- internal
- full decked
- wheel
- ketch
- gaff
- timber
- diesel
- internal
- fishing
- type/use
It was launched with the name CENTURIAN and number B20 but during its life the spelling was changed to CENTURION and then “II” was possibly added to distinguish it from a previous lugger called CENTURION that was lost during World War II. Images of the craft show it with the number B20, B10, then B2 and finally B8. It was originally operated by Daniel McDaniel and Son but later was working under Male and Co. one of the principal pearling operators in Broome
Initially CENTURION II would have worked the fields in a traditional manner, using its diesel to get to and from the fields, and then operating under sail drifting across the pearling beds as the divers worked their way slowly along the ocean floor.
It was probably retired from the pearling industry during the mid to late 1970s as the traditional use of the craft came to an end. It is understood it then went into net fishing owned by L C Keogh of Applecross, and moved to Fremantle. At a later date it was sold and made an epic voyage across the bight in difficult conditions in 1980 to Port Adelaide, before being delivered to Sydney.
Its movements after that are not recorded, and the current owners bought the vessel in Queensland in 2014. It shows a number of the changes that have occurred over time. The sheer had flattened out toward the stern, and it now has a long cabin and wheelhouse between the two masts, and is fitted out with accommodation for cruising. The rig appears to be quite similar to the original rig.
The new owners have undertaken an extensive project of rebuilding and restoration, and the work on the hull is now complete. Further research into its background is also being undertaken.
Prepared with assistance from the Register of Australian and New Zealand Ships and Boats compiled by Mori Flapan; www.boatregister.net
SignificanceCENTURION II is a pearling lugger understood to have been built in Broome in 1955 for Streeter & Male. It is a rare surviving example of the Broome lugger from the 1950s, a craft unique in design to that region. The mother of pearl shell industry was a major economic activity in northern Australia (north-west and Torres Strait) for over 100 years from 1850 and was one of the contributors to the development of those regions. By 1910, Broome was the largest pearling centre in the world with over 400 luggers and 3500 people involved in the search for shell in those waters of North-Western Australia. The industry was multi-cultural and involved Aboriginal people, Europeans and Asians in all aspects so much so that it was granted exemption from the White Australia Policy on immigration of the early 20th century. Streeter & Male were one of the prominent pearling companies of Broome. Although some modifications have been made to the vessel it remains in good condition.
Vessel Highlights
1957
Alf Morgan
c 1950