1963 Timber 6.3m Open Dayboat

Beyond the Ordinary: The Story of 'Wooden Eye'

Not just any boat, and certainly not your typical ad. Meet 'Wooden Eye, ' a tale of dedication, resilience, and craftsmanship.

Well, I reckon people love a good story, so here's one for you about a boat named 'Wooden Eye'.

'Wooden Eye' was purchased in 1996 by my Dad as an incomplete, bare timber hull which was made by a local artisan boat builder on the Gold Coast in 1964,& sat in a shed for 32 years before it was acquired by my dad. My Dad has grown up around boats all his life & what first appealed to him about the hull was the classic timber shape, curved in every direction.

Made out of ½ inch beech planks, his intention was to tinker around and make it lovely - he loves a boat restoration project. Then in 2000, the unthinkable happened: he had an extremely severe mining accident that left him completely blind - totally devastating. But did that stop him? No, it did not! After a lengthy recovery, he eventually turned his attention to completing this passion project - hence once she was launched in 2003, she was named 'Wooden Eye' (yep, we have a warped sense of humor).

Now, most people know timber boats require a decent amount of maintenance & TLC. The hours my darling Mum has spent in awkward positions varnishing and painting, going to the bolt shop, marine stores, etc., for parts - she has the patience of a saint (even if she does get a bit cranky at times!). And, of course, the hours my Dad has put into every aspect of this gorgeous vessel are priceless.

What I haven't said is, prior to his accident, my Dad was a Mechanical Engineer. One foot in his workshop & observing what this man who can't see a thing is capable of is astonishing. His ethic of a meticulous approach (no detail goes unnoticed), innovation (he thinks outside the square - think MacGyver from the 80s TV Show) & his ability to visualise things in his mind and then create them has meant that Wooden Eye's every detail is well thought out & it looks just lovely.

'Wooden Eye' isn't for everyone. We seek someone who appreciates its story and craftsmanship, envisioning leisurely cruises, laughter, and memorable moments on board. I have an image in my mind that this lovely, classic timber boat with a touch of whimsy & nostalgia would be absolutely perfect in the boathouse of a home in a beautiful cove in Sydney's amazing waterways, or simply cruising the amazing waterways in SE Qld.

Wooden Eye is currently on a custom ramp trolley with a full cover overhead (included in the price of sale) on a boat ramp at the end of a canal in Biggera Waters, but it is time for us to change things up a bit and to this end my Dad will consider a trade up or down for a different boat with cash exchange based on values - please get in touch to discuss this option.

In late 2021,'Wooden Eye' had a full refurb including new wiring, navigation lights, steering cables, bilge pumps, etc. Ultimately, we are seeking a fair and reasonable price which, to be honest, wouldn't begin to cover the hours, materials, love, and care they have put into it. To build this hull from scratch now, with these materials including difficult to source (due to the lack of availability of these beautiful timbers) quality seasoned beech hull, split maple decking, and mahogany trim, and all of the parts (excluding labor costs) would cost a minimum of $40k.

So that's the story of 'Wooden Eye'. Our hope is to find a new guardian who cherishes her legacy and a home where her spirit continues to thrive and keeps the magic alive!

Let's discuss the next chapter over a call or Facetime; serious enquiries only, please, as this tale deserves the right continuation.