2015 to 2018 Articles

Russell and Margaret Hurren’s restoration project

On a return form a recent quick trip to Brisbane and back, I took the opportunity to call in on Russell and Margaret Hurren at Nagambie to check on the progress of their current project.

Russell and Margaret took their 18’ half cabin boat Agnes on the Murray trip from Echuca to Goolwa last year, and at the completion of this journey, they decided they need a boat with accommodation, rather than camping on river banks.

Russell saw a boat advertised in Shavings “Free to a good home”. However it was in Nowra NSW and the cost of transport turned out to be plenty.

Now installed in Russell’s backyard work is progressing at great speed. According to Margaret it is like their own Men’s shed, as there are three local Nagambie residents who are keen to work on the boat and often ring Russell and say “I am coming around what have you got to do” and this has kept the pressure on to keep things happening.

When I saw the boat, new ribs had been installed throughout with only another six or so to go. Some planks had been replaced, and the cabin top was soon to be removed and taken to Russell’s son for renovation.

Note the unusual stem arrangement that I have not seen before.

This boat will be trailerable and Russell and Margaret plan to use this boat on the inland waterways, and want to do another Murray trip but in more comfort this time. Goolwa 2017 is the aim at this stage.

Good luck with your project, Russell and Margaret.

David Stott.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://woodenboat.asn.au/articles/2015/315-russell-and-margaret-hurren-s-restoration-project.html#sigProId007a071468

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