RAAF 011 Tender Saved?? I hope so.

[lynx42]

Yesterday I recovered a piece of Australian RAAF equipment. It is a 25ft. RAAF tender launch. Unfortunately it has spent part of the last 20 years acting as a submarine. It was pulled from the water and dumped on land about 8 years ago under a canopy of trees and has deteriorated badly.

This is RAAF class 011 and is number 0118 and was used throughout WWII in the Gippsland Lakes based at Paynesville, Victoria, Australia.

In 1991 this vessel looked wonderful but it's submarine activity has certainly taken it's toll. In 1991 it was painted up for display at the 50th Anniversary of the Bairnsdale RAAF base about 15km. from where I live. I have a photo of it on display there and when I find it I will upload it.

Will it get back in the water? I don't know. I hope so, as the frames are still very good. The engine was either a Dodge or a Chrysler the same as the Dodge WC, so an engine won't be too hard to find. All the bronze fittings are there and the prop etc are in good condition.

Time will tell. At least it has been saver from the bonfire it was heading for.

I will give reports as and when we get into it.

Maybe a plan to put it in the Murray River at the Corowa Swim-In might be the challenge I need.

Regards Rick.

[Lang]

Rick,

I think I remember where there is a marinised Dodge engine. Will try to track it down.

These little jiggers would really have scooted along with 90hp and semi-planing hull.

Lang

[Mike Cecil]

Rick,

Do you know who the manufacturer was? Nice ... and unusual ... find.

Mike C

[motto]

Hi Rick

I know nothing of these boats but the mention of Dodge/Chrysler marine engines rang a faint bell. Hughes Trading Company were selling 3-1/4" pistons for use in the 230 cubic inch Dodge engines for many years. The odd part was that they came in sets of eight and I'm sure I remember being told were intended for a straight eight Chrysler marine engine.

I've never encountered such an engine but I wonder?

David

[Mike Cecil]

Dave,

You may be referring to the Army's similar looking 25-foot Utility Launch built in Victoria. It was powered by Chrysler Royal 8 cylinder petrol engine of 143 hp (or a Vosper marinised Ford V8). That might account for finding the pistons at Hughes, too (Victorian local disposal).

Or maybe the two (Army and RAAF) were the same basic boat? At well over 100 hp, the little 25-footer must have been quick through the water!

Mike C

[cliff]

Both the straight 6 and straight 8 Chrysler (Dodge) engines were used in marine configuration. I have seen both in New Zealand over the years.

Great save mate

[Jes Andersen]

Interesting find. Is it planked or plywood?

Many Chrysler marine engines were in use on fishing boats and pleasure craft and some still survive. They are marinized with water cooled manifold and sea water cooling and a marine gear to drive the shaft. The ones I recall seeing were 265 but I know they were available in the smaller displacements. Search on Chrylser Crown marine engines and you will find the rest of the story. Lots of parts available in Vancouver B.C. or Seattle and probably other places too.

Jes

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Great piece of marine history you saved there, Rick! Here's hoping she will ride the waves once again.

IIRC, Dirk Leegwater once had a straight eight Dodge engine for sale .....

H.

[Ian Mastin]

G'day Rick,

Nice looking fine mate it will look great up on the Murray, also I've got an idea for the KVE committee why not do a "Year of the Millitry Boat" I wounder how meny you would get .


Regards
Ian

[lynx42]

Found the photos taken in 1991 at the airshow commemorating the formation of the Bairnsdale RAAF base in 1941.

The boat was fully seaworthy as a result of a full rebuild at the Paynesville Slip-yard for the 50th anniversary. It is shown on my trailer.

The second photo shows my 1916 Albion with the boat in the background.

The third photo is of one under way and as Lang said, they should get up and go.

The last one shows that the frames are not too bad.

The Paynesville Men's Shed visited last Tuesday and may be interested in taking on the project. (Many more negotiations to go, fingers crossed.)

Regards Rick.

[lynx42]

Originally Posted by Ian Mastin

G'day Rick,

Nice looking fine mate it will look great up on the Murray, also I've got an idea for the KVE committee why not do a "Year of the Military Boat" I wounder how many you would get .


Regards
Ian

Thanks Ian, That is a good idea and I will submit it to the next KVE meeting. Years ago we had a few different floating object in the river. There were jeep trailers with outboards, an ex-RAAF kapok life raft, a canvas kayak and a few other things. So who knows.

Regards Rick.

[hrpearce]

Hi Rick the way the rain was falling around you I was thinking you might need the boat to get to town.

[lynx42]

Originally Posted by hrpearce

Hi Rick the way the rain was falling around you I was thinking you might need the boat to get to town.

Yes Robert, Glad we live on top of a hill. Only about 5 inches so far and as I type this I can hardly hear the TV for the rain on the roof.

Regards Rick.