Superstyle, 1971
Length: 5.3m, Beam: 2.3m, Draft: 0.25m
Propulsion: Outboard
Construction: Timber
Owner: Greg Price
Superstyle was built by my father and myself from 1969 to 1971 using plans purchased from Robert Hartley in New Zealand for $30. It was built in our garage in Box Hill, Victoria over two years with dad and I spending most weekends toiling away on the construction. The hull was built upside down with the plywood hull receiving a Dynel fabric and resin covering to seal the wood surface. It was then painted with Epiglass 2 pack paint.
Once the hull was rolled over, the deck also received the Dynel covering before the cabin was built. Instead of the cabin being built in plywood as per the plans, Dad elected to build it out of Meranti which is a light but dense NZ/Asia wood. This provided the option of being able to instal sliding side windows for improved ventilation.
The outboard motor was originally a Red Band 65 HP Mercury motor which lasted for over 40 years (including a crankshaft rebuild) before changing to a 75HP Evinrude. The original motor was installed by Stylecraft Marine in Blackburn in 1971.
It is stored in a special temperature controlled boat shed at home to preserve its wooden structure.
The trailer was built by Nobel Trailers in Moorabbin back then using BMC Mini hubs/wheels and brakes – it also has a Molco electric winch which is still used today to retrieve the boat.
