17m 1936 Ernest Digby Huon Pine Historical Vessel Just Listed

With its incredible history, stunning traditional aesthetics, and significant recent upgrades, "Victory" is a vessel which turns heads where ever she goes! Designed by renowned Naval Architect and Master Shipwright Ernest Digby, this vessel was built by the Melbourne Harbour Trust in 1936 as one of three tugs used to transport explosives from Altona to waiting ships anchored in Port Philip Bay. Carvel built out of 50mm thick Huon Pine, Digby's yacht racing background can be seen in the vessel's fine lines which created an easily driven and elegant hull. Built to withstand the riggers of working as a commercial tug, the hull features massive beams, closely spaced frames, and heavy bilge stringers. In 1967 Victory was sent to Western Port to carry out Port Light maintenance, before enjoyed an extensive refit in 1971 where the deck, wheelhouse, and engine were replaced. Remaining in commercial survey until 1995, the vessel has since been under private ownership. The current owner purchased the vessel in 2008 and has featured the vessel in 2017 and 2019 Wooden Boat Festivals in Hobart. He also undertook a major refit of the vessel in 2017 which included ALL NEW HUON PINE VERTICAL PLANKING ON THE WHEEL HOUSE, NEW TOUGHENED GLASS WHEELHOUSE WINDOWS, REPLACING DECK BEAMS WHICH HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REMOVED, ADDED A TRADITIONAL DRY EXHAUST STACK IN KEEPING WITH THE ORIGINAL APPEARANCE OF THE VESSEL, INSTALLED A TRADITIONAL TOWING LOOP, the list goes on! With much of the hard work done, and plenty of scope to enjoy the vessel for a range of applications, Victory is now looking for her next custodian.

Stepping inside, the stunning wheelhouse features a superb mix of NEW Huon Pine trims, and clean white finishes. With a comfortable settee, and plenty of room for additional seating, this is a great space to relax and enjoy the views. From here is the access to the interior of the vessel. This generous space offers plenty of potential to create accommodation, or simply utilise it as storage. It currently includes an electric toilet, and full access to the 114HP Gardner 6L3 Diesel Engine. Recently fitted with a new stainless steel dry exhaust, this low rev-ing engine purrs like a kitten, and provides comfortable cruising at 9 knots.

Up on deck, the cast bronze stanchions and stainless steel guard rails provide excellent protection when moving around the wide side Celery Top Pine decks. Forward is the generous Hydraulic anchor winch for easy handling of the 40kg Admiralty anchor. Aft, there is easy access to the steering system.

This stunning historical vessel is sure to delight on inspection. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of the Victory's story. For more information please call Jo Breen on Call Seller or John Radonic on Call Seller .

Derwent Boat Sales offers the information on this vessel including condition, in good faith as provided by the Owner/Vendor. While confident about the accuracy we cannot Guarantee or Warrant it but will assist any prospective purchaser verify this as part of the purchase process.