Crowley Moreton Bay Cruiser

This is a unique opportunity for a Classic wooden boat enthusiast to purchase a very special Moreton Bay Cruiser with a long and interesting history! Her current owners have spent a large amount of money and time over the last couple of years working on restoring the vessel Irene.

Irene was built in 1942 by the famous CE Crowley Shipbuilders in Brisbane and worked for the Queensland Department of Harbours and Marine as a Pilot boat out of Innisfail Queensland for 40 years. After her retirement as a Pilot vessel in the early 80's, Irene was purchased by Chris Mews and transported over to Perth. She remained part of the Mews family for 38 years until purchased by her current owners in 2021. Irene is currently berthed in the Challenger Yacht Club in Fremantle.

Irene is a 20 ton, 13.7 metre, Moreton Bay Cruiser which was strongly built of Kauri Pine as a commercial vessel.
The main engine is a 1956 - 75 HP six-cylinder Ruston. It was completely rebuilt 17 years ago with new cylinder linings, pistons and piston rings, valves, bearings, gaskets etc at a cost of approx. $20,000 and has completed only about 400 hours since the rebuild. The engine is very economical to run at about ten litres per hour at a cruise speed of 7 knots. She has a fuel capacity of 600 litres and also a fresh water capacity of 600 litres. The steering and anchor winch are both hydraulic.

The main saloon has been modified with a large table and seating area that folds down into a king-sized bed for sleeping on-board up the Swan River or at Rottnest Island. There is also a toilet and shower in the main saloon as well as plenty of storage area behind and under the seating. The forward section of the vessel has a well-designed galley with a 3 burner gas cook top and an electric fridge. Forward of the galley are two single berths with a sofa. This accommodation was originally the skipper's cabin when she was operating as a Pilot Vessel in Qld.

The back deck is great for entertaining with seating all around the outside top of the saloon and plenty of room for a day bed in the middle of the top of the saloon. The back deck also has lots of room for additional fold out chairs for family and friends. There is also a large aft lazarette for storage of ropes and sails that can be used for stability when venturing out of the Swan River on windy days! Irene is a very unique classy old Moreton Bay Cruiser with classic lines and a timeless charm.