Olga

Vessel numberHV000697

Previous owner Tasmanian Ports Corporation Pty Ltd

Date1923

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 9.14 m × 8.84 m × 2.03 m × 0.91 m (30 ft × 29 ft × 6.66 ft × 3 ft)

DescriptionOLGA was built on the wharf at Strahan in 1923 by Harry Grining in the location where the Huon pine mill now stands. The carvel planked hull is 9.14m long and 2.02m wide. The double ended canoe stern hull is planked in Huon pine with celery-top pine frames and upper ribs, and Blackwood lower ribs.

When launched it was initially used to tow rafts of Huon pine logs down the Gordon River to Strahan wharf, and was also the Grinning family’s pleasure boat when time permitted. OLGA is also understood to have been one of the first charter boats on the Gordon River – and was also used as a pilot boat from Strahan out to Macquarie Harbour heads.

At an unknown date OLGA moved to the east coast where Works Tasmania were next owners, using the launch as a work boat to construct the Barnes Bay Jetty on Bruny Island. It was later sold and then used as a fishing and pleasure boat out of Triabunna.

In 2016 it has a new owner and it is being restored to the configuration in the 1926 image, the only one that has been located from its early days at Strahan.

SignificanceOLGA is wooden motor launch built in Tasmania in 1923. The builder was the first owner, Harry Grining, and the launch has had varied use around Strahan and Macquarie Harbour for many decades including towing Huon pine logs, acting as a pilot boat and as a charter cruise boat. It is currently being restored to its original configuration at launch.