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Botterill

Vessel numberHV000786

Builder J Botterill & Sons

Date1963

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 3.8 m × 3.6 m (12.47 ft × 11.81 ft)

Terms

DescriptionBOTTERILL is now named after its builders and was custom built as a one-off, using diagonally planked hardwood layers developing a shell with 1" thickness. It is outboard powered and stored on its trailer.

The original owner Ken Niere purchased the boat new from J Botterill & Sons of Highett, a suburb to the south east of Melbourne in Victoria in 1963. it had a smaller motor back then which was replaced in 1970 with the 18 HP Evinrude outboard motor. In the early years Ken lived in Moorabbin and used the boat in Port Phillip Bay, chasing King George Whiting. He also owned a holiday house in Lake Wonboyn (near Eden NSW), where the boat later spent most of its life fishing for bream and flathead. The boat also had the occasional trip to Merimbula and Batemans Bay for further fishing expeditions.

When Ken passed away in the late 1990s the boat was put into storage in Melbourne and had the occasional trip to Merimbula NSW. It has been garaged its entire life which has helped it remain in good condition.

The boat has undergone some maintenance, which includes all the stainless steel fittings being re-chromed, and the upholstery has been recovered in the original colour and style. All coverings and the canopy are in very good condition.

The trailer is in very good original condition, and was purpose-built for the hull.

SignificanceBOTTERILL is a wooden runabout built in Victoria in 1963. It was built by J Botterill & Sons Boat Builders of Highett, Victoria. It is a rare example of a custom-built wooden runabout from this well-known firm.