John Hansen says he and Rex Jones are undertaking a labour of love to restore the Signa, a 50 year old wooden boat that has called Kiama home since 2005.

“It is a bit of history that deserves to be saved,” he says.

“Rex and I love old boats and being out on the water, and we estimate it will take us two years to restore it.

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“The bones of the boat are very good - it's hull of triple laminated timber is beautiful, but we are going to rebuild it from the hull up.”

This will include new engines, wiring, decks, rudders, cabin and interiors.

The Signa, with a dry weight of 18 tonnes, was lifted out of the harbour today to be transported to Albion Park for its restoration.

It was launched in 1970 after being built by its first owner, Jack Patten.

“He was a coffin maker, hence the cabin area was made of teak and there were teak fittings throughout,” says John.

It became Sydney’s first true game fishing boat, with Hollywood actor Lee Marvin fishing from it from there and in Cairns and Bob and Dolly Dyer of BP pick-a-box fame fishing from it regularly.

John has heard it was used as the starter boat for the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

In 1990 restauranteur Peter Doyle purchased the boat as a luxury harbour cruiser for his favoured guests.

From 1996 it returned to service as a fishing charter boat, first out of Sydney and then out of Kiama, after it was bought by Ross O’Brien in 2005. On retiring last month, Ross sold the boat to John and Rex, fellow members of the Kiama Boat Owners Association.

“It is a major restoration and our aim is to return the boat to its former glory so it once again is the pride of the harbour,” says John.

“Any volunteers in the skills of shipwright, glaziers, electricians and carpenters who would like to contribute with their knowledge and /or time would be most welcome.”

He and Rex have dreams of sailing their piece of boating history down to Tasmania for the Timber Boat Festival once it is fully restored.

If you are interested in being involved with the project, contact John on 0428 152 806 or [email protected].

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