Kingfisher – Returns home

The story so far.      Extract from information supplied by David Lewis.

The 30 foot fishing boat was offered as a donation to the museum,   recently it was partially submerged at it’s mooring near Gosford. Built shortly after World War Two at A.W.M Settree’s (Alf’s Father) boat shed on Currambene Creek for the purpose of fishing for kingfish on and beyond Jervis Bay. Kingfisher has an excellent provenance.  From details of its construction and the men who built her,  through to it’s working history as well as details on all it’s owners which included until recently John Settree,  grandson of the builder.  All major repair work and much of it’s maintenance has been carried out over the years at the Settree boat shed on Currambene Creek. Apart from the Crest, currently undergoing restoration in the Settree Boatshed at the Museum,  there are no other vessels with such a long term attachment to Huskisson than the Kingfisher.  Having recently been sunk up to her gunnels will have had no real effect on the timber hull,  but urgent steps will be taken by a skilled engineer to prevent damage to the engine and gearbox. The museum and local community are very fortunate to have the Kingfisher donated and returned to Huskisson, and to also have John Settree at hand to give direction and advice and a willing band of hard working volunteers The Museum would like to acknowledge the hard work done so far by Graeme Kenny in making it happen. Graeme Kenny standing on the stern of the Kingfisher Friday 8th May 2015 The work continues and our coverage will follow the progress…