Thread: 1932 Couta Boat

Victoria has been for sale for a long time !.
Interesting to see her on a trailer , which comes with the boat.
That would be handy .
I don't know how well she sails.
Correctly , I think she is probably a net boat . I thought about buying one at Portland , they are included in the Couta boat register , but are correctly called a net boat.
Regards Rob J.

G'day Rob
Didn't know there was anything but Couta boats.
How are they different ?
am guessing that a couta boat was more of a long-liner ?
and a net boat... set nets ?
AJ

My chief reference is the magnificent book "First Home" , and also the boat I thought seriously about buying .
It was built in the late 1800's , 26 ft double ender net boat.
The true net boat didn't have a bow sprit , it interferred with its work , it was added later , when the netting days were over.
I've got plenty of photos of it though , a beautiful boat , even when the Kelvin was added , in 1920 or so.
But "First Home" is a perfect reference if you have any interest in these net boats, or 'couta boats , and their history.
Regards Rob J.

Originally Posted by b.o.a.t.

G'day Rob
Didn't know there was anything but Couta boats.
How are they different ?
am guessing that a couta boat was more of a long-liner ?
and a net boat... set nets ?
AJ

A netting boat is also of a shallower draft for access to the shallows eg in locations like Westernport, and the sand banks and gutters of Port Phillip.

The Net boat pictures from friends & fun photos on webshots is my photo collection of the net boat.
Yes , they were made to push around on the sand and mud , and of course they had a centreboard.
They are certainly no where near as deep as a Garry Stewart 'couta boat , built for the Port Fairy/Portland waters.
Rob J.

$40,000 spent on refurbishment (not including original purchase price) and now wanting to sell for $22k. Ouch!

It has been for sale for a while , and I've spoken to the owner , he sounds a good bloke.
Its not competitive as a race boat , so that makes it hard .
Its very easy to throw money at a boat , and have little likelihood of getting that money back.
Regards Rob J.

As It's not a couta boat, I doubt it will fetch that sort of price even if it's immaculately restored.

Ah , but its on the Couta boat register !.
For whatever reason , they are accepted on the Couta Boat Register.
Which may be their undoing , as they aren't competitive as a racer , against Couta boats.
The one at Portland was absolutely beautiful , but its not meant for open waters , or racing , it was built for netting in Port Phillip Bay.
I'm glad it is back there , in its own waters.
Regards Rob J.

One interesting thing about the net boat that was here , was that it had a clinker hull , that blended beautifully in to a carvel bottom , all the better to slide over the sand with.
Beautiful woodwork !.
Regards Rob J.