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DEVONPORT in 2008
Devonport
DEVONPORT in 2008
DEVONPORT in 2008
Private Collection

Devonport

Vessel numberHV000328
Vessel Registration NumberTasmania
Previous owner
Builder
Date1927
DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 10.06 m x 9.45 m x 2.74 m x 1.49 m (33 ft x 31 ft x 9 ft x 4.9 ft)
DescriptionDEVONPORT was built for the Mersey Marine Board, who gave their requirements to local builder "Ned" Jack. DEVONPORT was launched in April 1927 and cost 475 pounds. It was used in the Tamar and Mersey River region for many years as a pilot vessel.

The hull is planked in Huon pine. It was built with a cuddy cabin forward and single mast. The original 20 hp Grey engine was installed in the aft section but later a 33 hp Perkins engine was installed toward midships. In 1953 this was replaced by a 44 hp perkins and this remains in operation.

After retirement, DEVONPORT was kept as a reserve craft from 1960 until it was sold off by tender in the 1980s. Whilst apart from repairs the original hull remains relatively unaltered in appearance and configuration, the deck, superstructure and rig have been significantly modified or replaced by various owners. It is possible some modifications were made while still a pilot vessel.

In 2012 DEVONPORT is used a a committee vessel for yacht races at Geilston Bay on the Derwent River in Tasmania, and as an official boat at the Royal Hobart Regatta each February.
SignificanceDEVONPORT was a wooden pilot cutter built for the northern Tasmanian ports and rivers. Locally built by well known Launceston shipwright Ned Jack in 1927 it remained operating until the 1960s before being retained as a reserve vessel. It is now a recreational vessel, modified to an auxiliary ketch.
RIAWE in the early morning mist in 2009
EA Jack
1912
RHONDA slipped for maintenance in 2007
EA Jack
1918
GREY NURSE in Triabunna Tasmania 2010
EA Jack
1915
FURY was on display at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival at Hobart in 2007
Lewis Bros.
1963
JULIE BURGESS under full sail in Bass Strait
Captain H R Burgess
1937
LE CYGNE in 1929 prior to the saloon superstructure being added by Tasman Moore
Fred Moore
1922
BUNDA-LA as it was before being converted to a fishing boat in the 1980s.
Queensland Department of Harbours and Marine ALT
1958
SAO at the Hobart Regatta. The war ship in the background has been identified as HMAS AUSTRALIA…
EA Jack
1898
Redpa at the Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum, Tasmania
EA Jack
1908
AKARANA near Fort Denison, Anniversary Regatta race,  January 26 1889.
Robert Logan
1888