Errol McKenzie’s love for boats began when he was just a child, going out for trips with his grandfather Ernest Johnson – the original founder of the Boat Shed.
Now he is more of a motor collector, and will be taking his outboards to the 14th New Zealand Antique and Classic Boat Show in Lake Rotoiti this weekend, along with an original Johnson clinker dinghy.
His most notable outboard motor is a 1974 Seagull which has never been used and never will be. Errol says the seller had it stored away in a shed, but he was unsure why it had never been used. “He bought it for a new boat but he just never got around to fitting it. So it just sat there for years from 1974 until now,” says Errol, who will be attending the show for the sixth year.
“I take it up every year and put it on a stand. I’m not going to use it; it’s just too good to do that to.”
When questioned as to why he will never use it – which was obviously the purpose for the motor, Errol says he wants to keep it in prime condition. “That’s the thing these days, you go to buy a second hand one and it needs to be done up and repainted. This is just a classic. I don’t want to use it. I had ten Seagull motors at one stage but this one I’ll never use.”
Errol, who like many Nelson boat-lovers, is a member of the Picton Clinker & Classic Boat Club, says the show in Lake Rotoiti is by far the best of its kind in the country.
Event founder Pete Rainey believed it has carved a niche in the national boating calendar. “Owning a classic boat, whether it’s an early Hamilton jet, a cedar kayak or a new steam boat built to traditional design is inevitably a labour of love,” he says. “Owners really relish the opportunity not only to show off their own boat but to relive the complex restorations with others who have taken the same time-intensive trip.”
The programme is for displays on land in the morning, with activities and races on the lake from 1pm both days. Judging will take place on Saturday, ahead of an evening awards ceremony at the Alpine Lodge. At stake is the Jens Hansen Trophy where the judges are after good looks as well as history, construction and a boat with a story to tell.
Other awards include prizes for best new restoration, best steamboat, best jet-propelled craft and best themed display. Races will be held for yachts, row boats, seagull motored dinghies, poppers, canoes, child rowers and swimmers.
For further information visit www.nz classicboats.com.
