FOR SALE: 1908 WOODEN PEARLING LUGGER
KIM is a wooden pearling lugger from West Australia that was used for pearling operations around the country over a long period. Although most of its existing structure probably dates from 1958 and changes made in the 1970s, she has a story that goes back to 1908.
This boat is for sale. Find out more information here.
KIM’s long history reflects some intriguing practices relating to vessels used in the industry. It still retains the final arrangement used by traditional sail-powered craft up until they were retired from operation in the 1980s. The hull is carvel planked with a heavy sheer strake and has the classic shallow, moderate deadrise hull shape used by Broome luggers to suit drying-out on the low tide mud flats.
However, it had one unique feature – aft sections had a planked heel rather than a more abrupt exposed deadwood, suggesting KIM was re-built to be used as a yacht as well as a working vessel.
KIM also features twin verandah platforms aft that can be raised and lowered, pivoting from the sheerline, from where the crew tending the divers handled the lines and hoses of two or three divers at one time.
The lugger’s story goes back to 1908, when a standard 40ft pearler called KIM was built by Murray and Howson in Fremantle, and registered to owners George Streeter and Arthur Male. From 1912 to 1927 KIM was sold or relicensed to about seven different owners and in 1931, underwent a rebuild that saw significant alterations, including having an engine fitted.
KIM remained operating in the North West until she was commandeered by the Royal Australian Navy in 1942, but survived war service unlike many other luggers taken over by the military, and in 1948 KIM returned to the pearling fields, finally being retired from the industry in the 1990s, when KIM worked as a charter vessel on Darwin Harbour until 2006.
Current owners Dean and Susan O’Loughlin have a passion for the history of the Top End of Australia and felt the need to preserve and protect such a significant vessel to ensure locals and visitors alike would have the opportunity to experience a traditional working pearl lugger.
Currently based in Darwin Harbour and in survey for up to 34 persons, she can be purchased as either a business or as a leisure vessel.
Although now retired, KIM still holds a pearl shell license, and with authentic artifacts and information on display of a bygone era, KIM really is a link to a colourful piece of Australia’s history.
1908 PEARLING LUGGER SPECIFICATIONS
FOR SALE $125,000 (negotiable)
YEAR BUILT 1908
BUILDER Streeter & Male
MATERIAL Timber
LOA 18.56m
BEAM 4.45m
DRAFT 1.6m
RIG Ketch/gaff
ENGINE Perkins inboard 124hp
FUEL 1200lt
WATER 1000lt
CONTACT Dean O’Loughlin
Phone 0412 467 438
Email tebs@live.com.au