My aim was to get a Classic old Boat, the V19r in particular has an awesome build and reputation, and modernise it. This has been done with the new Edencraft Boats. I wanted it to be spacious, practical for fishing and 'Look the Part'. I wanted to restore this classic better than when it was new.

 

This is not the first time. When I was 17 it all began when I was given a 16ft Half >Cabin which I began to restore and brighten up cosmetically. I enjoyed this Boat for a number of years but then realised it didn't really suit my needs. I then moved onto a bigger 5.2m Savage Escort. A better riding Runabout with more space and better layout for Port Phillip Bay fishing. This Boat was quiet good structurally but needed a new floor, which ended up getting a new paint job and full re-fit. The engine was quiet old so a newer engine was then bolted on. The Boat was awesome, sparkling shiny new and fitted out great. It caught me lots of Fish and I enjoyed it immensely, but wanted something bigger. You can never have a big enough boat!!! I wanted something a bit better riding and bigger, so I could venture outside of the bay. Then the research was done, decision made and a V19r was found. Round three, let the fun begin.

 

This V19R is the >Reverse Chine model, first Made in the late 70s to early 80s. Designed by John and Gary Haines, it was based on the original Bertram 19 Hull. It was a big winner for Haines. A capable, predictable, Deep V, well mannered offshore fishing Hull, that handles well in most sea conditions. This Hull in particular was originally fitted with an Inboard Engine set up, which was later changed to a Outboard Engine with a Pod, however this was not done very well by the previous owner. A draw back of the original V19R was the low windscreen and lack of protection. This was one bit of the restoration I wanted to overcome, as well as 'beefing up' the Hull to make it virtually indestructible www.haineshunter.com.au

 

The Boat was 'seaworthy' but pretty run down at the time of purchase, which is what I was wanting and expecting, as I knew that I would be totally transforming it into a 'like new' serious fishing Boat. It needed some TLC but I was more than ready for that. It did and does disappoint me, how Boat owners can let their vessels get so run down. Safety should be a premium out on the water!

 

                         

 

Most of the work was undertaken by myself but I did get a lot of help from some friends for specialist areas like Fibreglassing, Painting and Engine Fit Up. Happy to provide contacts on request (more information in Andrew's Haines Hunter V19R Project Part 2).

 

What was the process?

The search was out for a Haines Hunter V19R and nothing else! I knew this was the Boat I wanted to invest my time and money into because of its reputation and capabilities. I looked over a few boats but it did come down to price also, as I knew there were many dollars that needed to be spent on it. Upon purchasing, I put pen to paper to sketch out how I wanted my Boat to look, its layout and what I wanted to put into it. It is important to have a plan to go by and you save time when all your thoughts are on paper. Many hours were put into this along with research into which new products I would like in my completed Boat. Having a plan to refer to and knowing what's going to be going into the Boat during the process, helped immensely.

 

 

I cannot track how much time was invested into rebuilding this Boat but it was over a 3 year period. An unbelievable amount of hours have gone into this. It was well worth the blood, sweat and tears that were poured into it.

 

One very important thing is to have a budget when undertaking a rebuild like this. Sticking to that budget is another thing. I lost track a long time ago as it was coming along so nicely and I wanted it to represent the fantastic model of the Boat. Let's just say that no dollars were spared in making sure it had all the good Gear, as shown in the products list used (Andrew's Haines Hunter V19R Project Part 2). Also time is money but we won't go there.

 

This was a full rebuild. Full Structural and Cosmetic overhaul. When the right Boat was found, it was fully stripped of all fittings and cut apart to basically just leave the shell of the V19R. I then set about the make over from the ground up with a new 'beefed up' stringer system, new floor, additional 200l Fuel Tank, Kill Tank, Under Floor and Transom Storage, live bait tank, side pockets, new fibreglass pod, Windscreen spacer, moulded Bowsprit, Bow shelving and Anchor Winch compartment. Then adding a new Windscreen, new gunnel Rubber, re Gelcoat and paint of Hull, flowcoat floors, fit outboard, all Stainless Steel work, mount all rod holders and fittings, fit all electronics, full re-wire and re plumb.