Preview: A First Time Builder’s Family Boat, the Australian Couta Boat MY GIRLS

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So glad to make this video our 500th. Vernon and his “girls” have deeply inspired us.

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38 Responses So Far to “A First Time Builder’s Family Boat, the Australian Couta Boat MY GIRLS”

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    John Diacopoulos says:

    Great story and great video. A superb addition to the traditional boat scene in Tassie.
    Congratulations to all involved.
    John Diacopulos a Sydney wooden boat tragic.

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    Scot Copeland says:

    Another construction curiosity: in photos of Couta boats and other planked wooden boats from Down Under I see that the planks appear to extend past the transom a bit. I’d like to know more about that practice.
    Thank you!

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      Vernon Powell says:

      Adds a bit of “meat” to the plank at the transom. And it just “looks better”

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        Allan Burke says:

        It may also help to make a clean break in water flow for the wake & reduce drag?

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    John Shaw says:

    Inspiring story of the love and dedication to sailing, family and traditional construction methods that went into building MyGirls.

    I’ve always wondered why the bowsprit on the Couta boats bends downwards.
    Does anyone know the reason?

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      Philip Myer says:

      Steam bent ‘downward bowsprits are a traditional design feature of Couta boats- not sure of the exact reason but it could be to increase the fore stay length- eg a bigger headsail to race home with the first load of fish for market, whatever the reason they look good and a straight one stands out like a sore thumb.

      Philip Myer- Tasmania.

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        Vernon Powell says:

        Thanks Phillip. Yes, traditional, but very functional. You’ll notice the sheer sweeps up, so a straight bowsprit would stick up into the sky and look pretty strange. But the stem head is also proud, so a bow sprit has to bend around that structure to keep the fore stay in the centre line. To build a bend into the bowsprit is simple and clearly it only bends in one direction. It is then canted/ rotated to drop the tip down to deck height, at the same time cantering the forestry. . So, yes, a longer fire stay. Now look at the result of that beautiful sheer, with a decent sea going stem, being counterbalanced by the sprit. Just like a wave. I can say that running downwind, in 22 knots in the open sea, surfing to 12.6 knots, that the tip of the bow sprit never buries !

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    Eric Child says:

    Fantastic story, goodness all around…! beautiful boat, INSPIRED…!!!

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    Peter Gossell says:

    Great story. It doesn’t get much better than Huon Pine and Couta Boats.

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    Theresa Brown says:

    How wonderful to see the dreams of youth realized. Then to have the vision that the boat will live on with your children and even a century beyond – fabulous!

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    mark monteverdi says:

    Yet another great video…makes you want to go out and build your own .
    Well done gentlemen …well done!!

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    David Newell says:

    Great choice for #500 – Couta boat dreaming – lovely job Vernon and so great to have “the girls” behind you.
    Davo

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    Glenn Williams says:

    Just wonderful !!
    Well done OCH and very well done Vernon and his Girls.

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    Mark Bray says:

    Well done beautiful couta and video
    Love Tassie to.

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    Michael A. Reesby says:

    Excellent video, the shot of the skeleton was amazing, that takes some serious thinking and planning to get it right. I’m a trawler guy, 38’ of aluminum loveliness that I love. Not wood but there’s lots of wood inside. I learn things from these builders and appreciate it.
    Mike
    Baton Rouge, Louisiana
    Captain, MV Old School

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    Theodore Gentsch says:

    That was incredibly special. Thank you so much for sharing and all you do to bring these experiences to us all! Best Ted

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    Michael Vaughan says:

    An eximious bloke and an eximious boat.
    The Derwent comes alive when My Girls sets sail!
    This is the essence of OCH.
    Happy 500th to youse all!

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    Kamin Lambertson says:

    Perfect video to explain how to choose, build and use a wooden boat. All the reasons are there: heritage, family, getting somewhere quick, safe and comfortable to camp. All that in a few years of building and some timber and fittings? Sign me up. Very inspiring. Thanks!

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    Clint Chase says:

    What a gorgeous design and well done job by Vernon. And by you, OCH. Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to get down under.

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    Gregory walsh says:

    #500 very nicely done. ..and a most impressive sailing vessel . GW

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    Vernon Powell says:

    Its a while back that Steve introduced himself to me on the dock at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival, and I invited him aboard My Girls, and we just started talking and then filming. I enjoy the OCH site so much. Thank you. Your collective vision and the product you have produced, Gives me that same warm, fuzzy feeling I get when I row away from My Girls on the mooring and look back, for that one last glance. You have captured so beautifully what it is to be involved in a wooden boat. Keep up your great work and see you in Tas next time around.

  • Richard Greenway

    Richard Greenway says:

    I am struck by the great people who indulge their passion in wooden boats.
    It sets us all apart from the turmoil of everyday life.

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    John Bukowsky says:

    I look forward to video #1,000 and trust it will have content reflecting the same joy as video #500. Congratulations on creating a sustainable business model that brings quality content highlighting not only the passion of traditional boating industry, with focus on wooden boats, but more importantly the universal forms and natural rhythms reflective in the spirit of so many people connected by their love of the wooden boat. OCH is the collective and the fragrance of our vast marine centered cosmos. Thank you and thanks for all of past and future content.

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    William McCullom says:

    Perfect choice for #500 – a family project, she will always be a member of the family

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    Lorentz Ottzen says:

    It is a remarkable build, and had me on the edge of my seat.
    Beautifully filmed.

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    Jeffrey Kopczynski says:

    An outstanding achievement for both your crew and that of “My Girls ” !

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    Charles Coull says:

    Happy 500th from Scotland folks. Another cracking video about another cracking boat.

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    Sean Hogben says:

    I second that, you couldn’t have chosen a more iconic Australian sail boat, beautifully realised. It’s that Tassie air, it makes you want to make stuff.

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    Philip Myer says:

    Happy 500th Steve, Eric and Maynard- great video.

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