The North Coast Speedboat Classics Inaugural Show Day
Photos by Narelle and Jeff Reardon
The North Coast Speedboat Classics held their inaugural Show Day at Garage 25 Car Museum and Espresso Twenty5 Café, located at The Boat Works. This event brought together enthusiasts of classic speedboats, with a focus on raising the profile of these beautiful vessels. The club, which boasts over 5,000 members, hosts regular events and river runs throughout the year.
“We started the group in 2017 after struggling to find an existing community that shared our interest in enjoying social outings with classic boats, rather than focusing on racing or single-make boat groups. Our only requirement is that the boats must be 30 years or older,” said founders Narelle and Jeff Reardon. The couple has a deep-rooted family tradition of boat ownership, having skied on the water since childhood. They were part of the massive boating culture of the 1970s when it seems nearly every family would spend weekends out on the water.
The event showcased around 30 classic boats from 24 different brands. Some standout examples included a HydroSteam Vector, imported and restored by Narelle and Jeff, which is the only one of its kind in Australia. Also notable was a restored Adventure Craft TD race boat, one of only a few ever built and fitted with an original Mercury XS 150 HP racing outboard, a hand-built 1928 replica of a 22′ HackerCraft, and a hand built timber Fletcher “Skimmer”. Lewis boats were represented with “Wild Cat” a beautifully restored labour of love project. “Miss Moneypenny” a 1964 original Col Kliese has been in the same family since new and was on show.
Adding to the collection was an 11’7″ Haines Spyder, “Tiger Hunter”—winner of an Australian Championship and one of the first John Haines-built boats. It was saved from being scrapped. A 1978 Bullet 1750 Streaker 200, originally raced by Don Bannings, was also on display. The lineup also featured Everinghams, Hammond Boats, including the well-known “Ruby” owned and built by Mark Hammond, who was present and is the son of the original builder. Other standouts included boats by Swift Craft, one of which had been towed to the show by the legendary Rod Hay from central Victoria, Savage, Bearcraft and a Sawcraft.
“We love bringing people together to share their passion for these older boats,” said Jeff, group president. “Members often reconnect with people they haven’t seen in decades. While we don’t race, it can be hard to contain the excitement for some drivers.”
Jeff began restoring classic speedboats in 2015 and has restored nine different models so far, with two more awaiting their turn. Though he no longer races cars and bikes, a former passion, he still enjoys taking classic speedboats out on the water.
“This is a dream day for classic boat lovers,” added Jeff. “There was so much to see, including Tony Longhurst’s incredible collection of vintage and classic cars, as well as plenty of food and entertainment.” Classic boat enthusiasts appreciate the craftsmanship and unique character of these older vessels and motors. Owning one of these boats attracts likeminded individuals who share a love for boats from an earlier era. There’s also great satisfaction in rescuing an old boat from the scrap heap.
The following day, the group launched their boats from Gold Coast’s Santa Barbara boat ramp, cruising to Paradise Point beach for a lunch stop.
The Boat Works invited the group to nominate a charity for their donation box, with all donations going to Dementia Australia.
Facebook: North Coast Speedboat Classics
Published in print January-March 2025