A much loved little boat brings people together

Hammond boats are arguably the darling of classic Australian skiboats. In 1945 Harry Hammond made his first timber skiboat, a centre-mount by the name of Zooma

, which he used to commute between the NSW Central Coast and Sydney’s Pittwater to court his future wife, Lorna. From the get go, Hammond Boats were a labour of love.

Manufacturing began in earnest after the war years at Harry’s factory in Brookvale, in Sydney’s north. Harry’s son Mark began to lend a hand in the ‘70s, and as demand grew for fibreglass boats the father-son partnership reluctantly moved away from their timber roots. While no official records were kept, it is thought that up to 170 wooden Hammonds were built, and a similar number of fibreglass.

During the ‘60s Hammond boats were referred to as the Rolls Royce of skiboats, and like Rolls Royce, they are treasured today as classics and attract a dedicated following of keen-as-beans enthusiasts.

Mark Hammond and his wife Di regularly run informal, social get-togethers for owners of Hammond boats. One such event is scheduled for Sunday, February 19 at Dargle Ski Gardens in Lower Portland, near Sydney.

The Hammonds say the day is a great opportunity to socialise with other Hammond owners, share restoration and DIY tips, and chat with Mark directly about anything and everything to do with Hammond boats.

If you’ve got a Hammond and would like to get involved, head down to 312 River Road, Lower Portland NSW with your boat in tow. Or if you fancy making a weekend of it, call Dargle Ski Gardens on (02) 4579 1291 to book accommodation and camping sites. Alternatively, visit www.hammondboats.com.au for more info.