Length: 6.5m, Beam: 8.43m, Draft: 0.45m
Propulsion: Sail, inboard, oars
Construction: Timber, Carvel Clinker
Owner: Maria Sims, Raymond Island, Vic.
Propulsion: Sail, inboard, oars
Construction: Timber, Carvel Clinker
Owner: Maria Sims, Raymond Island, Vic.
The Thistle is a typical 19th century estuary waters net fishing boat. Double ended, lug rigged, with a centreboard. The boat was launched in Sale in 1901. (It was then regarded as an old boat.) It had been transported probably from Port Albert. The estimated build date is about 1880. It was worked fishing on the Gippsland Lakes until it retired from fishing in 1974 and has been owned by local artist Brendon Sims since. Brendon uses it daily for transport as well as his art expeditions.