Slipstreamarine Enterprises Pty Ltd : Marine Surveyor, Pre Purchase Reports, Damage REports, General Valuations, Repairs, Fitouts, Restorations, Constructions

Blue Goose | Mr Christian

Mr Christian

In mid 1998 Slipstream was approached by a client to repair Mr Christian, a Swanson 36 built for Mr Peter Kurts in 1962. Mr Christian was seriously damaged after breaking from its mooring in Felix Bay and hitting a large sandstone ledge outside a Point Piper mansion. Photo 1 (left) shows the extent of the damage to Mr Christian prior to any repairs.

Work commenced in September 1998 where the boat was to be repaired and refurbished at a yard in Rozelle Bay.

Approximately 32 ribs were laminated and scarfed into position (Photo 2: right), with a further 16 planks from the gunnel to down below the waterline replaced. The main stringer, which sustained substantial damage, was also replaced. In January 1999, only 4 months after it was deemed irrepairable, Mr Christian was completed with the installation of a new 10hp engine and a minor fitout below.

Within 2 weeks of completion an offer was made to our client for the sale of the vessel.

For a boat destined for the scrap yard via a chain saw, it shows that with the combination of a lot of thought, expertise and modern technology that anything is possible. This classic lady of the sea was restored to her old self on show once again in the greatest harbour in the world.