HEATHER has the typical arrangement for a couta boat with an oval cockpit, chain hoist for the…

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Heather

Vessel numberHV000188

Vessel Registration NumberCF784

Designer Ernie Munns

Previous owner Ferrier Bros.

Builder Caporn Bros.

Vessel type The Couta Boat

Date1949

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 6.6 m x 6.4 m x 2.6 m x 0.8 m (21.65 ft x 21 ft x 8.53 ft x 2.62 ft)

DescriptionHEATHER is a slightly unusual example of a couta boat because it is one of the few not built by the traditional yards associated with the type. It is also probably one of the last to be built, as only a small number were built after World War II. HEATHER was built from a design by Ernie Munns.

The fishing boat was one of two couta boats built by Caporns for the Ferrier Bros of Queenscliff, Victoria, used for fishing in Port Phillip and Bass Strait. The vessel was launched un-named and was named HEATHER later in its life. Ownership records indicate that in about 2003 HEATHER went from Melbourne to Metung on the Gippsland Lakes, Victoria.

The hull is planked in New Zealand kauri which remains in good condition after almost 60 years. The typical couta boat was a 26 footer (7.92 metres). HEATHER was just 6.6 metres (22 feet). It shares the typical layout with an oval cockpit, simply fitted out with cross thwarts, a chain hoist for the centreplate, wooden eyes for the sheet leads, and other basic, but functional details.

In 2007 Heather was restored to working boat configuration. The owner removed a wheelhouse and small cabin added earlier to create a cruising yacht. The boat has been restored with a typical couta boat rig, gaff main and single headsail. The motor is a single cylinder Yanmar; the original engine make is not recorded.

In 2008 HEATHER was active in regattas and sailing on the Gippsland Lakes.

SignificanceHEATHER is a wooden couta boat built in Victoria. It was built in 1949, and represents the later stages of development of the couta boat as a fishing craft, and is one of the last couta boats built for the fishing industry in Victoria. At only 6.6 meters (22 ft) it is unusual in that it is smaller than the typical 26 footer (7.92 m) couta boat length and came from the Melbourne yard of the Caporn Bros.

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