by Andrew Bedggood
Bruce Ramsay and Vicki Ramsay, now living in Carrara, have been boating for around 30 years. They purchased a 1959 38’ timber sedan cruiser in 2000, and then their current 1936 50’ Bridge deck Halvorsen, named Silver Arrow, in 2010.
Silver Arrow was built by Lars Halvorsen at Neutral Bay in Sydney and launched on October 31st, 1936. She was involved in WW2 in 1943/44 where she was used to patrol waters in Papua New Guinea, before being refitted by Halvorsens in February 1946.
After the war, she spent time in the Hawkesbury River followed by many years in the Georges River at Lugarno, Sydney.
Bruce (a mechanical engineer) really admires the classic lines of the early Halvorsens, and the Ramsays feel privileged to own a Halvorsen boat – especially a recognised “boat of significance” which has served its country. Fittingly, they belong to The Halvorsen Club.
In 2003/4, Silver Arrow was extensively rebuilt in Sydney by Beashel’s boatshed, but the project was unfinished when the opportunity to purchase her arose in 2010.
To complete the job, the Ramsays proceeded to modify the interior to improve the functionality and appearance of the boat. They modernised the covered bridge deck area for entertaining and upgraded the bathroom facilities. Bruce even built and installed a ventilation hatch forward for the second bathroom. Internal stairs have been constructed from the main saloon to the bridge deck area, which has made moving from the inside to outdoor areas much easier. The original inward-opening side doors to the main saloon have been replaced by doors which slide externally, maximising the usable area inside the cabin.
Bruce personally handcrafted all the main saloon furniture, from overseas-sourced teak to suit the main cabin, spending each day after work for two years to accomplish the task.
Further improvements include modifying the mast so that it folds to fit under low bridges, and designing and installing a new windscreen with stainless steel supports as a fashion piece to bring her into the modern era. He also installed a second helm position, including hydraulic steering, to operate the boat from the main cabin in bad weather, and fitted solar panels to charge the batteries.
Silver Arrow has 2 Perkins 6354 diesel engines. She has 3 cabins for sleeping, and 2 bathrooms. The hull is carvel-planked with New Zealand Kauri Pine below the waterline and has the original 1936 splined Oregon planking above.
One of the best features of the boat is the bright work on the sides of her cabin, which is rather unique and has been admired by many ‘timber tragics’ and boaties on the Gold Coast.
On the topic of maintenance, besides the expected mechanical upkeep, Bruce says wooden boats require constant attention to keep them looking good, like using covers to preserve the bright work, and regularly applying good quality paint, varnish and antifoul.
Bruce says you need to be a “handy” and very motivated person to really look after a wooden boat, as the amount of work required is ongoing. You can never leave a timber boat unattended.
The Ramsays moved to Queensland from Sydney in 2012, not knowing anything about the fabulous waterways of the Gold Coast and further north to Moreton Bay. They fell in love with the Broadwater and Stradbroke Island.
Bruce and Vicki often use the boat for day trips with friends, mooring at Carters Bay or Budds Beach and enjoying lunch on board. The whole experience is enhanced by the attention that Silver Arrow attracts. For long weekends and holidays, the couple like to sail to Tipplers Passage.
If you are buying a boat, Bruce advises that you get a vessel that your partner truly likes going out on. That way it will get plenty of use, rather than remaining tied up in a marina or on a pontoon, like many boats.
If you own a beautiful boat you want us to feature, send photos to editor@boatgoldcoast.com.au
Published in print July-September 2023
