Halvorsen 42 | 1934

www.motoryachtsunlimited.com.au
Classic boats and classic cars go hand in hand. I often find that an owner of a classic boat also has a classic car parked in their garage. The pleasure of restoring something unique and irreplaceable into that which looks new is only equalled by the enjoyment and pride you feel when people point and stare, enviously admiring the finished product. If you can ever bare to part with your classic, your hope is that her next owner will maintain and love her the way that you have. You are never an owner but a custodian of a classic.
Putting all of this aside, 'Avonita' is a functional and practical two cabin, two bathroom boat perfectly placed for river cruising or trips to Rottnest and Mandurah on the right day.
'Avonita' is rich in Australian history. Launched in 1934 and originally named 'Pollyanna II', she cruised the waters surrounding Sydney until 1936 when she was sold to a Perth local and shipped west to Fremantle where she resides to this day.
Like many other Halversons, in1942 during WWII she was seconded by the Royal Australian Navy, modified to accommodate a machine gun and depth chargers, and used to patrol our waters.
A dozen successive custodians have loved 'Avonita', each person contributing to her upkeep and enjoying owning a part of history and being admired by those on and around as she cruises past.
About forty years ago she was repowered with her third set of engines, this time Chrysler slant six petrol engines which still propel her to this day. Her latest refit was completed between 2010 and 2011 by her current owner where she was stripped by a team of shipwrights and tradesman who meticulously rebuilt her to last another 75 years. Some modification and ergonomic improvements were made during this time. A photographic record of her refit and other works has been maintained and will go with the vessel.
Structurally, after the time and effort put in by her current owner, I would be surprised if 'Avonita' was not better than new. Cosmetically - a handful of weekends and a little elbow grease would bring her back up to scratch.
Recent works include:
Last antifouled June 2022
Carburettors reconditioned 2022
Both engine heat exchangers serviced
Hydraulic steering ram reconditioned
Ball valves and skin fittings replaced December 2020
Two new propeller shafts in 2020
New keel bolts made and fitted
New teak swim board - copied from original and increased in size
Transom shower fitted
New clears fitted by John Davies 2020
Between 2010 and 2011:
Corian bench tops installed in galley and both heads
Flybridge windscreen completely re-manufactured to original specifications
Anchor winch reconditioned
50m of 10mm anchor chain added
LED lighting installed
New teak toe rails and cover boards around the gunwales from stem to stern
Saloon roof replaced
Teak decks all replaced and fitted on top of new 2 x 9mm marine ply
Deck beams replaced where required
After 23 years, Avonita's current owner has decided it's time for him to pass the baton on and let another family enjoy this magnificent craft.
Length overall 46FT
Contact Motoryachts Unlimited
Western Australia
Brendon Grieve [phone]
Peter Milner [phone]