63 Ilex, 1885

The ILEX. was built in a paddock alongside the old Paynesville Pub in 1885. She was built for and shared by the Church of England and the Salvation Army. It is believed she was a community build by several shipwrights, one being Harry Reynolds. She sailed many trips around the lakes to visit prominent homesteads, one being Strathfieldsaye on the shores of Lake a Wellington. ILEX was sold to the Barton family who owned Rotamah Island. In the early 1900's they converted her to a motor boat and carted goats and vegetable produce to Paynesville markets. ILEX remained at Rotamah Island after the island was sold to the Colmorgens. She was later purchased by the Schelt family in Sale who kept her at the Port of Sale. They did some extensive work on her including a total re-fastening. After a couple of other owners the Cross family from Sale purchased her in 1974. They used her extensively throughout the lakes for recreation etc. and continued the maintenance needed. ILEX is a much loved and admired boat by many and has been enjoyed by her current owners Geoff and Jill Cross, Metung, for the last 25 years, who have brought her into the condition she is in today.  She is moored in Chinamans Creek Metung.