Some boats tell a story. Gipsy tells several – of post-war craftsmanship, of a pioneering Kiwi boatbuilder, and of a seafaring family whose roots go back to New Zealand’s earliest European settlement. At 35 feet and built from solid heart kauri in 1946, Gipsy is more than a classic launch. She’s a working boat that’s stood the test of time – restored, respected, and ready for her next chapter.
She was built in Nelson by Jack Guard, a self-taught craftsman known for his rugged, reliable vessels. In an era when timber was shaped by hand and experience counted more than formal training, Jack stood out. His boats weren’t built to be admired at the dock – they were built to work. Gipsy was one of them, purpose-built to serve the remote corners of the Marlborough Sounds. She ferried freight to D’Urville Island and supported local whaling operations, navigating exposed waters with strength and steadiness.
— Read more about Jack Guard on Boating New Zealand.
Today, Gipsy carries all that history but stands firmly in the present. Darren recalls her as a scallop boat in the Sounds, owned by Mike Harris. She’s since been fully restored, powered by a reliable four-cylinder Perkins 4236 diesel engine that cruises efficiently at 7.5 knots. There’s dual helm control – enclosed in the wheelhouse and open in the aft cockpit – allowing both weather protection and hands-on handling when needed. Wide walkaround decks add to her practicality, especially for docking or line work.
The interior is tidy and simple. There’s generous headroom at over 1.8 metres, two comfortable berths, and a galley designed for function over flash. The boat is equipped with updated systems: radar, plotter, autopilot, VHF, depth sounder, and a fish finder. She carries 700 litres of diesel, 200 litres of fresh water, and features solar power, an inverter, LED lighting, and essential safety equipment. A current survey report is available, confirming her condition and seaworthiness.
What sets Gipsy apart is how well her restoration has balanced old and new. There’s no glossing over her age with plastic trims or unnecessary tech. Instead, the work has been done with a light touch – preserving original features where possible and upgrading only where it adds reliability or comfort. She still looks, feels, and performs like the classic Kiwi workboat she is.
Currently listed for $59,000 (recently reduced), <Gipsy offers serious value for anyone seeking a launch with character, craftsmanship, and deep New Zealand roots. She’s more than a boat. She’s a direct line to a boatbuilder’s hands, a family’s legacy, and the hard-earned traditions of the Marlborough Sounds.
Boats like Gipsy don’t come up often – and when they do, they don’t stay available for long.