Moondara; Birth of a small ship

Two fishermen discuss the construction of the 60 foot timber cray/shark Moondara at Newhaven Victoria in 1968. Designed, built and fished by that doyen of fishing boats builders, Ken Lacco. A wooden boat.

[@matsamuels9197]

Im only a young fella,74 model in fact. I have the utmost respect for the men of this time. The youth of today wouldn’t have a clue what hard work was. Love to watch these old videos to see exactly how things were done back then. Excellent work thanks.

[@kaynefryday6637]

True

[@davidwolff1789]

Even still today there is no better boat than a Lacco.

[@kaynefryday6637]

Fascinating , god bless the old boys

[@Headwind-1]

fantastic . . . those were the days thanks for this . . .a lovely vessel ..

[@romandybala]

What a piece of Aussie history. Well done. I enjoyed it very much.Probably crossed that bridge with my dad while the boat was building there. Had no idea at the time.Knew of Pompeis yard too, used to pass it when dad took us down the east side of the bay from Williamstown in the early 60s.Got to know Jack and Joe when I was in my 30s. Took some photos in the shop . Joe asked me for some copies. I dont think they did much photography themselves.

[@reillyhi4097]

Wow Aloha from a old now but a youngster at heart. I have a few Pacific Ocean crossing to share but sea the undivided tranquility in the times and days before my youth at I only inspire to try harder! Thank you my fellow sea wavers and builders! I built modern custom homes that your old souls would question the seashore integrity. I tip my hat and arms to honor your no nonsense and abilities to sea it through! Aloha from Hawaii! Thank you all for your undeniable selflessness! My best and dreams, Rich Reilly!

[@andymack5093]

The last time I saw Moondara was about 5 years ago on one of the small tug berths inside Main 4 Wharf in the Hatea River of the Whangarei Harbour (New Zealand), I had my own tugs and barges berthed nearby on a contract we were doing out at the Cement Plant Wharves. I think she was being used as a live-aboard and was in very good order. Great Video, such hard case similarities between the Ozzy's and us Kiwi's - great days the young buggers of today will sadly never have the opportunity to have...... I'll do some homework to hopefully find out where she is and report back.

[@kaynefryday6637]

I loved living in Whangarei in 84-85 , was only 10 years old then but loved fishing down the harbour . The Woods family that owned a electrical shop were a awesome family that took me camping and fishing . Live in Perth now , god I miss those days .

[@jamesthefisherman832]

Absolutely love all your vids Garry, this one is absolutely no exception, love it 👍🏼 I’ve been a commercial fisherman for 34 years in WA, have just had a couple years in off and considering starting back up again

[@vaughanatkinson8421]

Really fantastic stuff, as an ex HMS Conway Cadet in the UK (72-74) we were taught by old guys that knew about wooden boats (the original Conway was a our Wooden Mother), and all these skills are still relevant today...and long may they last!! And listening to the stories of these old boys is amazing!!

[@Leosarebetter]

Lacco were always legendary boat builders, strong as, very well built. Thank you for this.

[@user-le1xm9jj4k]

I was one of the crew that sailed her from Apollo bay south of Melbourne to Nelson in New Zealand (2001?) I have pictures and some video of some adventures aboard. She actually went to work fishing for Tuna to pay her way.

[@janickgoudeau6126]

The brilliant narrator towards the end of the film rather reminds me of the New Zealander from xjetx channel.

[@timothytrespas]

Thank you

[@lancaster8464]

Great content, a real pleasure to watch. Thankyou

[@denisiwaszczuk1176]

Great footage and stories

[@dogtiredd]

The boat was in Apollo Bay during the 80's with Paddy Hutchins. Had a few mates deckie on her, when I pointed this clip at one of them and asked if it was her, he replied with, "Sure is, that's the money maker". Sitting down to dinner with paddy Hutchins and Jack Ford at the Bay Pines was an experience everyone should of had... 🤣🤣🤣

[@sama5946]

The old school fisherman of the Island!

[@biffer24]

Really fascinating stuff. A lost art.

[@metoosmath]

Moonbarra is for sale on trademe in NZ listed as small ship

[@roberthall8198]

Gary can you do an article on the building of the wooden Ballina trawler boats

[@roberthall8198]

Thankyou they where a great looking fishing boat

[@rsinclair6560]

FANTASTIC STUFF . Were the threaded bolts machine/ die cut then galvanised? Was this for the keels and floor frames? Were all the timber stringers frames, and keel kept underwater until cut? How long do you steam for each inch thickness?

[@johnelliot9854]

Hi , You tube video on Moondara, absolutely excellent, i know the boat, also knew the guy, Jack Hazelwood and his partner who purchased her in Tassie??, and bought her home to Nelson nz. ,top end of Sth Island of New Zealand, they also converted her for pleasure, shifting wheelhouse Frd., she looked better as original, last time i saw her was 6mths. ago, moored on the Fishermans finger piles Nelson harbour, looking down at heel unfortunately, sad when one knows her pedigree. John Elliott.

[@begbieyabass]

Where was the guy in Oakleigh that was mentioned ?

[@antipropo461]

Top story doesn't happen that way any more.

[@begbieyabass]

The wooden boat at mentioned did they build that one too

[@begbieyabass]

Mentone

[@voornaam3191]

Red gum? Red gum? Then you must polish yer teeth better and use alcohol mouth water. Red gum? Are you crazy?! Yes, Aussies. This is not a boat. It is a ship. Aussies have their language screwed up, all the time. Yuck! Men called Can or Kerr, why not proper names?! Just saying. They are weird. They really are.

[@stonehartfloydfan]

Red Gum Tree, Eucalyptus Tree.

[@Headwind-1]

@@stonehartfloydfan thanks

[@jasonellis5877]

What a bizarre little rant.

[@rsinclair6560]

​@@stonehartfloydfanyes, the only wood so dense it sinks. All Murray River paddle steamers and barges were framed and planked River Red Gum.