In the heart of Brisbane in 1947, a vessel known as Stella Maris was born. Crafted by the skilled hands of Charles Crowley in the boatyard nestled along the meandering Brisbane River, this Baycruiser became the epitome of classic workmanship and timeless design, blending elegance, functionality, and maritime heritage in every detail. Celebrated for his pilot boats that served the critical needs of Queensland Harbours and Marine, Crowley infused his passion into every plank and beam, ensuring that each vessel embodied the spirit of his artistry. The original blueprints preserved to this day, feature designs by Crowley’s own hand alongside the foundational plans provided by John Crowley.
Before Stella Maris came to life, Crowley embarked on a personal odyssey with a vessel named Tamara, a sister ship crafted from those very pilot boat plans. Although he sold Tamara before ever experiencing its splendor, the dream of a personal boat continued. Stella Maris emerged from Crowley’s passion, embodying his vision of grace and resilience on the water.
Crowley was not just a builder – he was a pioneer. His fleet included remarkable vessels that captured the spirit of adventure, culminating in the launch of Vedette II shortly before his passing in 1954. This particular vessel, originally commissioned for police duties, had the honor of transporting the Queen herself on her inaugural royal tour—an emblem of Crowley’s legacy woven into the fabric of maritime history.
Fast forward to 2005, Stella Maris underwent a metamorphosis, stripped down and lovingly rebuilt from the hull up. This four-year rebirth introduced modern touches—an epoxy-glassed hull, refreshed decks, and luxurious living quarters that now included an aft cabin, a wheelhouse with a forward bathroom and four bunks. It also featured a daybed and a double bed with an ensuite in the rear cabin. This vessel was no longer just a boat; it became a sanctuary for memories waiting to be made.
In July 2009, Matthew and Tanya Thompson discovered Stella Maris, nestled in a shed on Brisbane Road in Labrador. With the guidance of local engineer Paul Ramsbotham, they revived her spirit, installing new drive shafts and engines, retaining only the original three-blade propeller. Ramsbotham’s ingenious trolley, crafted from drilling pipe and I-beams, played a pivotal role in wheeling the 12-tonne beauty out of the shed to continue her journey on the Gold Coast. Steve Armstrong, a skilled boatbuilder, completed the exterior fittings, while Lucas Main transformed her with a fresh coat of Awlgrip 2000.
The Thompsons, owners of Brisbane’s Finest Floors, infused their touch into Stella Maris with polished parquetry floors in the forward cabin and wheelhouse, designed in a stunning blackbutt and teak basket weave, finished with five shimmering coats of satin polyurethane. Each detail echoed the couple’s commitment to preserving her legacy while enhancing her classic beauty.
As the years rolled on, Stella Maris found a new custodian in Martin Phelan, who recognised the importance of owning a piece of Queensland’s rich maritime tapestry. Now 77 years old, Stella Maris was modernised with a robust 180HP Daewoo diesel engine, breathing new life into her classic frame. Under the expert hands of Kym Gross from QLD Shipwrights, Martin oversaw a thorough maintenance regime, including cosmetic upgrades and underwater enhancements, ensuring that this vessel would continue to sail the waves of Moreton Bay for generations to come.
All work was conducted at Redland City Marina, and with the team’s unwavering support, every maintenance task became a labor of love. The meticulous care extended to a recent paint job by Bayside Marine Refinishing, ultimately restoring Stella Maris to her former glory and preparing for the adventures that lay ahead.
Stella Maris is more than a boat; she is a testament to the artistry of Charles Crowley, whose vision and craftsmanship have stood the test of time. Today, she sails not only as an iconic cruiser of Queensland’s waterways but also as a cherished vessel that evokes nostalgia and admiration among classic boat enthusiasts. Each journey aboard Stella Maris is a voyage through history, a celebration of the craftsmanship that defined a bygone era, and a promise of countless memories yet to be made on the shimmering waters of Moreton Bay.
Published in print January-March 2025
