Images(2)

Kingfisher

Vessel numberHV000701

Vessel Registration NumberAEL624N

Builder AR Settree

Builder AWM Settree

Date1946

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 9.23 m × 1.2 m (30.28 ft × 3.94 ft)

DescriptionKINGFISHER is carvel planked and has a raised deck and wheelhouse for offshore work. It has a single diesel engine and propeller. The stern shape is its significant feature, the counter overhangs the waterline a short distance and allows the plumb transom to be clear of the water, whereas most post war launch sterns had no overhang and even had the transom partially submerged. KINGFISHER was known for its fine entry and smooth wake characteristics and its short overhanging stern arrangement would have helped this to come about. Later Settee’s went to a canoe stern which gives a very similar outcome to the stern wave pattern, and is represented on PORTHOLE, also in the JBMM collection.

KINGFISHER underwent an extensive overhaul whilst in the care of John Settree and under the ownership of the museum is currently having further work done out of the water before being re-launched at Currambene Creek. Once in the water KINGFISHER will be taken on regular outings on Jervis Bay crewed by members of the museum. Other functions could include holding on board inspections for the general public whilst at Huskisson public wharf, working in conjunction with the Coastal Patrol during training exercises and representing the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum at events such as the ANMM Classic and Wooden Boat Festival.

KINGFSHER, PORTHOLE, and NINON (CREST) (a Dent built vessel), are all listed on the ARHV and are all in the JBMM collection.They are three of the very few remaining vessels with an original and long term connection to Huskisson. Together they tell a strong story about the region’s boat builders and fishing.

SignificanceKINGFISHER is a 9.14m long fishing boat built at Huskisson NSW on Jervis Bay in 1946 It was built by the Settree family, the principal boatbuilders in the region and used for catching Kingfish on the bay and offshore. KINGFISHER interprets the strong Jervis Bay boatbuilding tradition which reached a peak with the father and son Settrees, both named Alfred, and with its transom stern and short overhang to the counter shows a transitional hull shape they used at this time. It also captures the stories of the local fishing industry and changes they industry underwent in the region. All major repair work and much of its maintenance has been carried out over the years at the Settree boat shed on Currambene Creek and John Settree, grandson of the builder was its final owner. It is now on display at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum and is located very close to where it was built.