SEAFARER pictured in 2006 cruising on the Swan River.

Images(2)

Seafarer

Vessel numberHV000105

Vessel Registration Number497

Previous owner Royal Australian Navy (Australian, founded 1913)

Previous owner Sea Scouts

Date1936

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 9.14 m x 9.14 m x 3.2 m x 1.1 m, 9.84 tonnes (30 ft x 30 ft x 10.5 ft x 3.6 ft, 10 tons)
Registered Dimensions: 9.14 m x 3.2 m x 1.22 m, 13.15 tons (30 ft x 10.5 ft x 4 ft)

DescriptionSEAFARER was home-built by its owner V.L. Hunt in 1936 at his home in South Perth. One of the Hunt family's children recalls holding the dolly as his father roved the nails in the planking. The construction features typical Western Australian timbers such as jarrah, and imported oregon, stock that was readily available at the time. SEAFARER was used for family recreation and was originally fitted with a Ford A petrol motor.

During World War II the navy requisitioned SEAFARER for the Naval Auxiliary Patrol and it was in their service from 28 July 1943 to 20 July 1945, and listed as Navy hull # 732. After the war it was bought by the Stannard family and in 1950 it went on to Jack Mattinson, (then Commodore of Royal Perth Yacht Club). Seafarer was instrumental in the beginning of time trial competitions for launches on the Swan River. When numbers were first allocated to the yacht clubs for the time trialing boats, SEAFARER wore the first 100 number. It came second in one of the annual Fremantle to Rottnest power boat race in the 1940s.

The original number 100 board is now preserved behind glass, as the 'Seafarer Perpetual Trophy' and is presented to the winner of the 'Seafarer Marathon Invitation Time Trial'. There is also a Seafarer Balcony in the RPYC clubhouse. A brass plate skillfully engraved with a line drawing of SEAFARER was unveiled by the Commodore when the balcony was officially named after the craft on June the 11th 2000. The RPYC also commissioned a fine model to be built and put this on display in their clubhouse.

SEAFARER remains in good condition and is used as a recreational motor launch on the Swan River and out of Fremantle. SEAFARER is still a regular time trial competitor at the South of Perth Yacht Club, which has inaugurated the annual ‘Seafarer’s Measure’ trophy in honour of the vessel's unique association with the sport.

SignificanceSEAFARER is a West Australian, amateur built motor launch from 1936, built by its owner VL Hunt. It was involved with early time-trial and racing events in Western Australia after World War II and remains in use as a recreational vessel. It is a fine example of amateur boat building, a popular method in Australia for people to end up owning a craft that they might not otherwise be able to afford from a professional builder. It also has historical significance as one of the many craft requisitioned in World War II for war service.