Helen B is a 38 foot game fishing boat built in 1965 for Denzel (Denny) Porter at a quoted cost of £8992. Helen B was named after Denny’s daughter Helen who has provided all of the photos and also, amazingly, the original quote for the boat from Peter Bracken.
Quote
Peter says that this is possibly the only piece of paperwork still existing from his boat building days.
Peter also commented “Denny Porter and his lovely wife were a great couple; I remember the whole of my crew were invited to a party one night to celebrate and thank the crew for the work they had contributed to the build of Helen B”.
Helen B’s hull was of strip planked Oregon over a Spotted Gum frame and keel. The keel was sheathed in copper. The decks were laid in beech over waterproof ply. Interior fitout timbers were teak.
Denny later sold Helen B and purchased a larger boat built by Norman Wright in Brisbane.
If you have a connection with Helen B or know of her subsequent history please post on the website.
Hi,
I believe that i have Helen B, she is now named Maluka III.
I am in Yeppoon Qld
i would love to learn more and if you want some recent pictures please let me know.
The advertisement in BoatsOnLine at https://www.boatsonline.com.au/boats-for-sale/used/power-boats/bracken-timber-flybridge-cruiser/252950 says that Maluka III was built in 1971, but the data for Helen B says 1965. Can anyone comment on whether the Maluka III is in fact the Helen B. Comparison of the side views certainly look similar allowing for 50+ years of alterations. Another option could be that they were built to the same plans.
Great photos of the building, launching and early days of Helen B.
I believe the Norman Wright boat built for Denny Porter in 1975 was the Lorellen. Please pass on my email to (the real) Helen B. if she would be interested in information on this vessel.