Peter Bracken has led an extraordinary life. Born far from the ocean in Yass NSW, Peter became one of the most prolific and respected boatbuilders in Sydney.
Peter’s story is a great “Australian Story” and is well worth reading. While the rest of his generation were mostly filling in time doing jobs to earn money, Peter managed to create maritime history by building an estimated 150 beautiful and practical timber boats ranging from 16 foot skiffs up to 60 foot ferries, cruisers and police launches.
His early stated aim was to equal the best boatbuilders in Sydney and by this he meant the Halvorsens. This was a mighty aim as the Halvorsens were a family dynasty with generational links to Fiordland and Peter was well; just Peter from Yass. Nevertheless through good fortune in finding great mentors and gathering around him some outstanding craftsmen, he certainly achieved this aim.
Peter Bracken’s name as a boatbuilder is highly respected. He may not have built as many boats as the Halvorsens but the quality of his work is on par with theirs and it is a great privilege to own a Bracken as I now do.
In late 2013 I purchased a beautiful Bracken built boat, Kalizma. It had long been my dream to own such a beauty and I decided that I wanted to know more about the man who had lovingly crafted it. This is my tribute to Peter for the pleasure that he has given to me and countless others over the years who have experienced the joy of owning one of his boats.
Should you also be a Bracken boat owner, past or present, please leave a comment so that your part in the history of these vessels, Peter’s life’s work, can be included in this site.
I have a 35ft flybridge built by Peter Bracken Original name Jada then Talisman and now back to Jada.
Great site. My grandfather Jack Clay was the owner of sea chief II which you feature on this site. He had bracken cruisers great boats and great memories.
His last boat sea chief III is up in the Gold Coast and currently for sale I think.
Hello Glen I worked for your Grandfather and Jack McHugh at Onslow Eng.
One Christmas we had a party at his home just after he got the boat and he took us all for a ride.
Nice man and great to work for
Hi Eileen sorry I just saw this reply. Great to know he was nice to work for. He did always throw a great party. He lived until 96 and enjoyed boating up until then. You probably know my uncle Barry who also worked there. I am jacks son Ross’s son
Glenn
Hi, I’m the daughter of George Hutchings, who owned Sea Chief III on the Gold Coast for about 20 years, so many great memories and much love for Sea Chief III, he passed and the boat sold in 2015. I see Sea Chief II is for sale again now.
I worked for Peters at the Shed out at Kurnell down Bonna Point and it was an interesting job..
Just got sick of itching 24/7 with the f/glass so gave it away. Shame, the shed was only 1/2 a klm from home!
I have just completed an extensive restoration and refit on “Adamarie” at Paynesville in the Gippsland Lakes. She is a 42′ Bracken launched in 1972 and lived in Brisbane for many years. Would love to get any information on Adamarie’s history.
I’m sitting with my Dad at Bobbin Head reminiscing the good old days of boating.
Peter built ‘Helen B’ for him around 1968. She was a 40ft game fishing boat and we enjoyed many happy days fishing and cruising the beautiful waterways of Pittwater and surrounds.
Good afternoon I am the proud owner of Stephanie a 24’Bracken
I purchased the craft app.18 months ago in sound condition the previous owner prior to his death spent quite a lot on motor (chevey V8) new bottom hull ply, generally good condition good survey report I will start this year to refurb.to a higher standard Is there any other owner of a 24′ out there
She has been and still is moored at Lake Macquarie
I am the proud part-owner of a Bracken 26-foot raised deck timber cruiser named “South Wind”. Built in 1954 with frames of Spotted Gum and Douglas Fir (Oregon) timber planking, with an anchor and swim platform made of Teak, she is a delightful day cruiser, that could accommodate two on a five to seven day trip upstream. The previous owner still has a financial interest and I am in the process of restoring her to the best presentable standard. She is berthed at The Quays Marina on Pittwater and I’d really like some advice about restoring her control panel at the helm, including the switches and gauges. Anyway, photos are available on request for anyone interested, but she is most definitely not for sale. Registration is JR860N.
Hi,
A friend was chatting to Kate Holland who gave me your details.
I’m trying to track the origins of my boat – Tahiti (Pittwater) – can send you pics – she looks a little like Helen B.
We know nothing about her – probably not even her original name – except for the fact that the engine parts seem to date around the mid 60’s!
Someone mentioned the name “Peter Bracken”
Wondered if you knew anything?
James.
Hi there,
In 2 days I take ownership of the “Southern Osprey” a 43ft Bracken and one of the first he built out of his yard at Kurnell. I’m only a young bloke but as soon as I seen this boat I had a instant connection and just had to have it. Having grown up in Kurnell and remembering many afternoons heading down Brackens shed and my Grandfather having a beer with him just had me feeling this is the one. I look forward to restoring the old solid girl and would like to contact any other owners to assist in any information etc.
Hi Ben
I have just read your message. I came across a reference to a boat called Southern Osprey in Lloyds Register of Yachts 1974. These are the details:-
Name: Southern Osprey
Material: Wood
Type: Cruiser+Yacht
Propulsion: Screw twin
Designer: Wittholz, Charles W.
Year built: 1964 Yard or Job No:
Builder: Conquip Ltd
Where built: Sydney, NSW
Engines: Motor 250bhp 2x 6Cy. Perkins diesels
Official Number: 317896
Dimensions (ft)— BP Length: 41.60 Breadth: 12.80 Depth: 6.90
Volumetric ‘tonnage’ measurements (1 ton = 100 cubic ft):
Gross: 28 Underdeck: Net: 26
PORTS and owners: SYDNEY’67: PORT ADELAIDE’73b74 K.Waterman: ?’16 Ben Patterson
Fate/Status— Year: Unknown Type: Unknown Details: Unknown
History and details: Sydney No.10 of 1967. Port Adelaide No.20 of 1973. 1974 home port at Outer Harbour, SA.
References (see http://www.boatregister.net/RANZS_References.htm): Naa1:Y74
Weblink: , , , , ,
Research notes: Is this the Southern Osprey owned by Ben Patterson in 2016, believed built by Peter Bracken.
As you can see Ben, Lloyds listed the builder as Conquip Ltd. This company seems to have been involved in earthmoving equipment rather than boat building. However, it may be that the vessel was recorded in Lloyds well after it had been launched. Perhaps Conquip was the original owner’s company’s name, and their name was erroneously substituted for Peter Bracken. I don’t know. The best way to check is to contact the Australian National Maritime Museum Library and ask them for the folio entries Sydney No.10 of 1967 and Adelaide No.20 of 1973. The name of the builder should be recorded on both records. BTW. If this Southern Osprey is indeed the same boat, you should find somewhere on the boat the number 317896 carved into a main deck beam, carling, bulkhead or stringer.
I hope this helps.
Do you have any photos that you could share of Southern Osprey please?
Of course, another way of checking is if Peter Bracken recalls the Southern Osprey.?
Hi I have just found this site.
I am in western Australia and have a 1965 Bracken cruiser named M.V. Peterlyn the boat is 55ft and runs a pair of Detroit diesels on shafts.
It is a 3 cabin and sleeps 7 with very large covered rear deck and big galley and salon areas.
The vessel is largely original in its layout and finish and makes for a fantastic restoration to original it is seaworthy and operational.
I know the last 3 owners and have sold this boat previously and now have it back to sell again.
I haven’t got much information on the boat
Have been told it was used as a start boat for Syd to Hob race but don’t know when, am assuming mid seventies.
It is listed as being built by Peter Bracken in the Kurnell yard between 1955 and 1982? (1965 build)
I do have a lot of current photos of the boat and she is in running order with need for cosmetic finishes done.
It was previously owned by a Mark Layer in the 70’s and was a mark laying vessel for the CYC Sydney as attested by the plaques onboard.
Also noted that you have no mention of it on your site I know it has been used as coastal cruiser and been around Australia and has been moored in Canarvon, Bunbury and Mandurah over the last 12 years.
Any help you can give would be appreciated.
Cheers
Thanks Graeme,
Peterlyn was built for Dr. Alexander Dan. She was designed by the American naval architect Edwin Monk. I can’t confirm that she was Sydney to Hobart start boat but since the CYC hosts the race it is quite likely.
Mike
“Peter Lynn” was once owned By Dr Morven Dan
In the eighties, he and his son Peter were My ex partners in Princess St ,Marina, Newport
hello peter
i,m
enquiring about a cruiser you built for my dad bill lyon he named LAL, from memory
it was launched around the early 60,s from Tom Uglies , any info you have would be much appreciated , thanks in anticipation
derek lyon
Peter replied:
Mike Strangely I remember the boat name LAL and vaguely Bill Lyon but am not able to add to that nothing at all the old mind must be getting pretty dusty perhaps if the chap were to send a photo it may help
Hi
I have just purchased a boat and was told they thought it was a Bracken. Its 35ft and the name is Misti Rova. The name has been changed a couple of times. I would like to send a couple of photos for you to have a look at if thats OK.
Thanks
Ian Moore
Hi Ian,
Please send some photos to the email address I have sent to you and I will pass them on to Peter.
Hi Mike
Just wondering if you had a chance to find out any info on Misti Rova?
Thanks
Ian
Hi guys do you know anything about a 38 ft twin screw boat at Paynesville called Lady Julia
Hi
My late father Jim Bradfield had peter build a 40ft cruiser with aft cabin, I think in 1977. I recall it’s launch at tom uglies bridge. I would be interested into it’s whereabiuts today.
Thanks
Chris
Do you recall the name or have any photos?
Yes, boat’s name was Miss Bird III, built 1977-8 and launched at Tom Ugly’s in Feb 1978. Was grounded at inaccessible beach just north of Byron Bay in 1983 (during trip to Qld), then repaired at Ballina and returned to St George Motor Boat Club. Bradfield family eventually sold and I believe it was renamed Flying Bird and last I knew was in the Brooklyn area. As the daughter of Jim, I have many photos of the build, launch and many lifetime memories of family times on the boat.
G’day, I’m a big fan of bracken boats and was wondering if peter has ever considered selling some of his designs so that fans like me can build a bracken ourselves in our sparr time and thus keep his legacy alive?
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for your post.
If you look at the page “Building a Boat: The bracken Way” you will see that Peter basically ‘designed’ in his head without detailed architectural drawings. Once he had the dimensions sorted he just laid out the shape on the loft floor and started building! Sadly he disposed of all his loft records when he retired from boat building.
An exception to this are the boats designed by Edwin Monk in America and built here by Peter. These designs have been saved and are available at a small cost from a maritime museum in Puget Sound Seattle USA. A Google search will get you there. Mike
To Chris Bradfield —Chris the sketch of a cruiser in the section Building a boat the Bracken way was drawn by your father and provided prior to me building his boat– she was the only boat that we ever built that the aft section was raised to provide headroom for accommodation—-your Dad was a great man a pleasure to do business with originally introduced to me by Sid Davies—-brings back fond memories of days past
Cheers Peter Bracken
Trying to find out if the “Salt n pepper” 28 ft Bracken is original name and year of make
I am interested in a Bracken 26′ (7.92m) sedan style built 1962 and powered by twin 300 Mercruisers. It is currently called Elvis although I can’t imagine that would be original. It appears on more than one web site and at vastly different prices. It has been extensively re- done and looks great. Oddly, after confirming it was still on the market, it has disappeared from the sales today.
Any information on her would be appreciated.
Hi John
I own Elvis 32ft sedan i did have it for sale when I was at Sylvania I have moved to QLD now and have boat up here with me
I was going to sell it but have had so many time wasters I’ve decided to keep her
Hi there. We are the proud owners of JACINTA, a 33 footer built in 1972. She was built for a chap named Wagstaff who I believe was a doctor in Sydney. The boat remained in the Wagstaff family until 2000. She still has the original Perkins HT6354 motor and she has served us well since we bought her at Broken Bay NSW in 2011 and dragged her overland to Goolwa near the River Murray mouth. We believe she is the only Bracken in South Australian waters. Jacinta was re-propped after an altercation with a lump of limestone and as a result she now performs more efficiently and more economically. We recently completed a 500 km trip up The Murray and she cruised comfortably at 8 knots, returning about 9 litres/hr. There is an interesting story about a courageous NSW police rescue following a catastrophic accident involving the yacht Votan. The police boat involved was the Falcon, a 32′ Bracken fitted with twin V8’s.
Hi Mark,
According to Peter’s records Jacinta was built for a Dr Tom Bibby. He’s pretty sure of that! The Wagstaff family may have purchased her subsequently.
Hi Mark,
This is amazing. I am sitting with my son at Black Wattle Bay in Sydney looking at all the boats. I asked my son to see if he could find Jacinta online. As you know, Jacinta was built in 1972 in Kurnell by Peter Bracken for my parents Tom (doctor) and Betty Bestic. They absolutely cherished her and handed her over to me and my family after my father became disabled in 1985. We had many years of joy on Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River and sadly had to sell Jacinta in 2000. My four sons (Wagstaff’s) remember her well. I am so thrilled to read the above and hope you are still having many adventures on her.
Kind regards, Jill Bestic.
Hi
I recently purchase a 28ft flybridge cruiser designs by Peter, Named Salt n Pepper
She was built in 1975? And has a 120hp Ford Lehman motor. Can you give me any information on her and if Salt n Pepper is her original name.
From Peter:
About Salt & Pepper I remember only ever fitting one Ford Lehman into one of my boats the photos didn’t give me any help I am afraid the bridge details are somewhat different to my way of doing things the whole superstructure could have been reworked over the years but no boat left the shed with that name
Not a big help but the best I can come up with—- the year of build would be applicable just cant recall
A little more info for you on this.
It started life as a prawn trawler before being converted to a cruiser. The flybridge was added at this time as well.
Does the name “Reef Runner” mean anything?
I’m looking at a Halvo./Bracken boat, 32 ‘ Halvo hull and Bracken topsides with the triangle window aft of the cabin. It appears the same as the NSW Police boats of the 70’s or thereabouts.It was launched in 1976 in Sydney (south) and has spent time in Qld. and currently named Nomad, maybe Viking originally. Any info. available??
Hello great web site
I own a 32ft Bracken sedan 1962 twin V8s
Is there anyway I can send you a pic and hopefully you may know something about it’s history?
I brought it from Cronulla 4yrs ago and had it on a swing mooring at Sylvania before i moved to QLD trucking with me
Regards Daniel
Hi Daniel
Do you own Elvis and a boat in QLd? I’m looking to buy and I’m from Cronulla. I’ve seen both an add for Elvis and your one in QLD (I think)
For sale Peter Bracken boat 32 foot recently sunk and retrieved ford lee’s 6 cylinder motor, pickled for protection, price $1000
Please reply with email
Hi Michael, thanks, this boat is 32 ft, has a triangle Windows forward main deck and another next deck. Maybe was a police boat? 2 forward bunks no portholes, main cockpit large open stern area with flying bridge. Former owners appear to be Màrtin Vidgeon, John Boyes.
Was purchased by people from ORANGE who neglected it. Battery ran down, connections corroded bilge pumps corroded. The owner retrieved boat, washed his hands of it and gave it to us as we had land nearby and he wanted out. Old timers passing by have given us the history. Ŕegards Tony
Hi Tony. Do you have a name for the boat. It would be useful for both Michael and I who are trying to create a record of the boats built by Peter Bracken. Any more about the history would also be appreciated.
Hi, I’ve just been reading about the bracken boats on this site. I worked for Peter from 78 to 82. I’ve got photos of the regal ferry we made back then. Who do I send them to?
Responded privately
Peter Bracken replied to Tony:
Thanks for the photo but that boat is not one of mine —all of my boats planking were tapered and were fastened onto the stem this boat has been planked with a method known as a rim fitted at deckline height to allow the planks to be fastened at that position without the need to taper a method that I never considered—-another thing I noticed was the underwater section in the transom shot the shape indicated a curve which could be taken as what is known as a built heel again this is something that I never included in my boats of this length this method is used in much larger boats such as the Rosman ferries
Such a cool website that I just stumbled onto after visiting Sydney over the weekend and seeing a boat on the harbour that looked like a Bracken. I searched Sea Chief II and landed here!
My dad worked for Peter for a few years until we moved to Queensland in 1974. I have many happy memories of mum driving us out to Kurnell to see dad as he worked on the boats. I also remember his finger being crushed when one of the police boat hulls caught him as it was turned. Burst like a banana!
Sea Chief II (III?) for Jack Clay, Marabou for Keith Storey, lots of police boats, Royale for Charlie Rossman – we saw her out on the harbour on the weekend. My sister went out for many years with a guy called Max Muller and his dad Max Snr had a Bracken up on Pittwater that we went out on once.
So many memories. I’m sure I’ll have slides of pictures taken by my dad of various boats as they were being constructed.
Hi Peter Brown. I would like to chat to you about Sea Chief 11. My email address is mrnanks@bigpond.com. Cheers Dave
Epic comments & a privilege to read Peter Brackens personal input & clarification. I’m hopeful of joining the PB’Happy timber cruiser owners club within days, pending “settlement” on a 1974 PB’vessel presented in exemplary condition by its restorer. As a longtime still active Surfboard builder of 70’&80’s Custom Classic Replicas with Carpenter Sons I now have a deep respect & appreciation of the Peter Bracken story.
Aloha, John Nielsen Gold Coast Surf City.
a little more info for you on this.
it started life as a prawn trawler before being converted to a cruiser. the flybridge was added at this time as well.
does the name “Reef Runner” mean anything?
Hi there.
I am interested in finding out what may have happened to a vessel that I’m sure that Peter built.
If i’m correct it was a 46 Bracken by the name of Leisure-Lee.
She was in Qld for many years both in Raby Bay and RQYS.
If you know of her and/or her whereabouts I’d love to know.
There is a 32 footer up at Careel Bay called Latycia that is said to be a Bracken. Does anybody know about this boat?
I have a Bracken 55 coastal cruiser built in 1965 named Peyerlyn. Currently lying in Indonesia and has just undergone an exterior refit and about to start on the interior refit. Our circumstances have changed and we will have to sell her ASAP.
Anyone interested please let me know and I can forward information.
Delivery can be arranged
Hi All, I’m a journalist with Nine News doing a story on the sad sinking of the Bracken boat ‘Marabou’ last night – if anyone knows the owner we’d love to get in touch. My email is acunneen@nine.com.au and phone number is 0451 341 408
Hi All,
My father and I have just purchased a 30 ft bracken currently named Baru, from Newcastle. We think she has undergone major renovations 10 years ago which we are planning to undo. Story goes that the last owner was an avid fisherman that had half the cabin removed so he could have a bigger casting deck. I can’t find any info of her history and would love to find out more about her origins. Could you provide an email so I can send through some photos? Much thanks, Caleb
Our family owned the 40′ Omega in the late 70’s early 80’s and she was used extensively for deep sea fishing out Mitchells at Church Point.
Rory Grace
Our family owned the 40′ Omega in the late 70’s / early 80’s.
She was regularly used for deep sea fishing out of Mitchell’s at Church Point