Mataroa: A Timeless Wooden Launch From 1928
Some boats aren’t just vessels — they’re living pieces of history.
Mataroa, a stunning wooden launch designed by the legendary Joe Slattery in 1928, is one such boat. With her classic lines, craftsmanship, and enduring presence, she tells a story that spans nearly a century.
The Legacy of Joe Slattery
Joe Slattery was one of New Zealand’s most celebrated boat designers in the early 20th century. Renowned for combining elegance with seaworthiness, his designs ranged from fast launches to graceful yachts. Every Slattery boat carried a signature balance of beauty, performance, and durability – a balance that makes them treasured even today.
Mataroa exemplifies this philosophy.
Built as a wooden launch, she was designed for smooth handling, speed, and comfort — perfect for both leisure cruising and day-to-day use on New Zealand’s waterways. Her design captures the spirit of the 1920s, an era when wooden craftsmanship and attention to detail were paramount.
A Piece of Maritime History
Launched nearly a century ago, Mataroa has witnessed decades of life on the water. She’s a reminder of a time when every plank was hand-fitted, every joint carefully crafted, and every curve designed with both function and beauty in mind. Wooden launches like Mataroa were more than boats – they were social icons, family treasures, and testaments to the skill of their builders. Over the years, the dusting of age and the wear of countless journeys have only added character to Mataroa. Every mark in her timber tells a story – of summers spent cruising, of family adventures, and of life lived on the water.
The Restoration and Revival
At Burnnand Marine, we’ve had the privilege of caring for Mataroa, preserving her heritage while ensuring she’s ready to glide through the water once more. Restoring a classic wooden launch is never just about aesthetics – it’s about respecting history. From repairing her timbers and varnishing her decks to maintaining the integrity of Slattery’s original design, every step has been a careful balance between restoration and conservation.
Today, Mataroa is not just seaworthy – she’s a living tribute to Joe Slattery’s genius and to the golden age of wooden boatbuilding.
Why Mataroa Still Matters
Classic wooden launches like Mataroa are more than vessels – they’re storytellers. They connect us to a past where craftsmanship mattered, where leisure and elegance met the water, and where every boat had a soul. As she sits ready to meet the waves again, Mataroa reminds us that some things never go out of style. A classic design, a masterful hand, and a touch of care can ensure that even a 1928 launch can still turn heads, inspire wonder, and carry her legacy forward for generations to come.
