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GOONDA in 2007, showing a simple but well proportioned hull and cabin profile.
Goonda
GOONDA in 2007, showing a simple but well proportioned hull and cabin profile.
GOONDA in 2007, showing a simple but well proportioned hull and cabin profile.
Private Collection

Goonda

Vessel numberHV000169
Vessel Registration NumberJX331N
Date1950
DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 8.4 m (27.56 ft)
DescriptionGOONDA was built at the MSB shipyard on Goat Island on the Parramatta River in NSW. The 8.4 metre long carvel planked launch may be the only one of this size still existing. Two other launches were also built in 1950 for the MSB, but they were bigger craft. All had aboriginal names beginning with G.

The launch was used for general duties around the harbour including work on the many wharves and other facilities maintained by the MSB, and transport duties. Craft of this type were once common place and their day to day activities were vital to keeping the harbour running smoothly. GOONDA was one of two (the other was GOOYONG and was smaller), that were built low with a folding mast for wharf inspectors working under pile wharves. Originally fitted with small BMC diesels and gearboxes adapted from automotive sources, they were re-engined with small Mercedes Benz units about 1974.

The wooden launches were gradually taken out of service and a few such as GOONDA have remained operational as private motor launches. Their sturdy construction and simple layout with a cabin and open cockpit aft make them easy to convert to recreational craft. Despite their utilitarian occupation, these craft still have an elegant curve in their sheerline, bulwarks and cabin top, typical of their period.

GOONDA retains a considerable amount of original structure and currently has a temporary outboard arrangement on the transom. The 30 kW (40 hp) inboard diesel will be installed again after repairs are completed.
SignificanceGOONDA is a wooden workboat built in NSW in the early 1950s. It is representative of the many Maritime Services Board of NSW workboats that carried out general duties on Sydney Harbour in the 1950s and 60s.
GARGALE in 2009 near the Balmain shoreline
Maritime Services Board of New South Wales
1950
BAREKI heading off from the  ANMM under new ownership in 2012
Maritime Services Board of New South Wales
1962
The MSB operated launch GONIEMAH takes on more than its share of workers early in the 1980s.
Maritime Services Board of New South Wales
1948
BERRIMA  in 2009 at Wharf 7 Darling Harbour NSW.
CAM Fisher and Sons
1955
PV RICHMOND crossing the bar at Ballina
W Holmes Boat Builder
1932
MB 168 at Spectacle Island
Naval Dockyard Garden Island
1937
The ferry on display at WAM
Sutton and Olsen
1907
RAAF 011-29 in Rose Bay during World War II
Botterill & Frazer
1943
KRAIT restored for the 75th Anniversary event on 26th September 2018 at the ANMM wharves.
c 1934
Sunlight following restoration works to wheelhouse and roof 2023.
William Ryan
1933