Searle Cabin Cruiser / Displacement Timber Cruiser

Additional photos will be posted soon.

The details below were compiled by the current owner with information gathered from the previous owner and edited by Mainsales. All information is passed on in good faith.

Halycon, was professionally built by the renowned boat builder Searl's, for the Stephensen family. On completion she was transported by rail to Paynesville, Victoria, where she was commissioned as the milk boat for their butter factory.

After retiring from her working life, she became affectionately known as the 'Lady of the Lakes" gracing Paynesville and surrounding waterways as a leisure cruiser. In later years Halycon was redesigned then restored using farm milled timber, displaying some exquisite joinery with the Silky Oak brightwork emphasized. The interior timbers were easily removed if required allowing access into those areas usually inaccessible.

The New Zealand Kauri hull is tight for her age, with only small seepage, pumping out a couple of hundred millimetres hourly, a true testament to the builders who obviously gave her exceptionally good bones.

A survey conducted in November 2021 reads "Carvel construction, Kauri planked on ribs / frames. Recently recaulked, antifouled, good cond. Typical solid 1930's work vessel construction. Fully repainted. Full length hardwood keel - good condition"
Powered with a popular Perkins 4:108 diesel, a Borg Warner Velvet drive gearbox, coupled with a stainless shaft swinging a 3-blade propeller provides an economical cruising speed of 6.5 knots. The 110 lts of diesel ensures many hours of blissful cruising. There is a stainless-steel tray under the engine, however she does not appear to lose any fluid and displays clean bilges.

There is standing head room through the forward cabin (fibreglass over timber sheeting), offering plenty of seating to enjoy the scenery and ensure small children are safely contained in the fore.

A huge V berth converts to an access way by removing cushions and adding a ladder to access the anchor or mooring poles. Moving aft from the V berth is a drop leaf table, with built in storage, cushioned side seats / berths, and opposite -an enclosed head and electric flushing TMC toilet.

The galley consists of a 2 burner LPG hotplate, a stainless-steel sink, 300 lts of water with pressure pump and filter, and a 2kw diesel heater.

The Helm is centrally positioned, with dual seating, with a small Waeco fridge adjacent.

The cockpit comfortably seats 8, on upholstered cushions, protected by clears that are easily rolled to enjoy the breeze.

The cabin roof has room for Kayak storage and is home for two large solar panels, one for the start battery, the other for the house battery.

Whilst in Goolwa the current owners engaged Nick Louis, Shipwright and Marine surveyor, to do further maintenance. A duckboard was also added along with rectifying some small areas of dry rot in the upper cabin, complete exterior painting and antifoul, and (not a purist) adding 3 laminated sister ribs. Nick surveyed the vessel as more likely from the 1930's, a perspective corroborated by the specialist Timber boat transporter with Nicks valuation of $65,000 on completion.

The current owners transported the vessel to Brooklyn. They have enjoyed 3 slow summers, exploring Broken Bay and its associated waterways, Berowra Waters, the Hawkesbury River, Mullet and Mooney Mooney Creek with countless adventures shared with children and grandchildren alike. Unfortunately, recent work commitments have reduced the owner's opportunity of enjoying all Halcyon offers.

With her shallow draft, top condition motor and comfortable and spacious interiors, she is the perfect river boat. Halcyon has been actively maintained by the current owners, annually antifouled, and serviced. Her future and ongoing planned maintenance will include fine sand and varnish of silky oak interiors, assessment, and reinforcement of 3 aft ribs and annual antifoul towards the end of 2024. Her asking price reflects the work yet to be undertaken.

Mainsales encourages buyers to make their own inquiries and engage an independent Marine Survey to assess the vessel prior to purchase.

Avoid delays or disappointment by calling Mainsales located at Brooklyn NSW on Call Seller to arrange a suitable inspection time allowing you a productive visit.