26/04/2026
Some of you may wonder why I’m posting these pictures of MV Lady Jane, and the truth is I will very rarely survey a boat like this. However the new owner has taken on this abandoned Lanes 30ft plank Kauri boat with a view to restoring her, and reached out for help. And why? Well because this boat was built in 1915 during WW1 and examples of this era are becoming hard to find so, I was happy to help. And he was quite pleased that I pointed out that half of the skeg had been chopped out to fit a bigger prop (or one they had!) and my screwdriver will go through the keel! Some work to do but great and worthwhile project and I look forward to the outcome. Greg Marsden is an award winning AMSA, MNZ and IMCI qualified and professionally recognised NZ based marine surveyor and qualified marine accident investigator. I provide commercial and recreational marine surveying, accident investigation and consultancy services in NZ, Australia and the Pacific region.
www.mmservices.co.nz