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Grebe Yachts of the 50's and 60's

Discussion in 'Vintage & Classic Yachts' started by donk, Jun 22, 2014.

  1. T. McLaughlin

    T. McLaughlin New Member

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    Hello Bill...As you know I have been trying to find the blueprints of the Gon Waki. I have not had a response from one of the sons of my former boss...Not sure if and when that might happen. Anyway I did follow another lead...I contacted Lisa Pike, Archives Assistant/Co-Editor, The Anchor, Wisconsin Maritime Museum. She told me they do have blueprints from the Grebe Boat company. They are however not categorized. She is looking for the "Gon Waki III" prints. Wasn't the Gon Waki originally built under another name? I seem to remember it was. Please let me know so I can advise Lisa to look under the original name. Will keep you posted! Terry
  2. T. McLaughlin

    T. McLaughlin New Member

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    Bill,
    Hello! did you get a look at the Fullmoon? If not take a look. There is a partial picture of her out of the water. To see it go to fullmoonboston.com...
    Hope you are well! Terry
  3. Bill F

    Bill F New Member

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    Hi Terry,
    WOW! What a breakthrough.

    Yes, the boat was originally built as the "Gallant Lady V" in 1954. My research shows an "O.N." number of 268581 but does not show a hull number. I have no idea what the "O.N." refers to; However she falls between Hull Number 160 and 161.

    Thank you so much for you efforts,
    Bill
  4. SeaEric

    SeaEric YF Historian

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    O/N is the official number from the Coast Guard. Lloyd's from 1959 says Gallant Lady V was then owned by J. Ross Kastendyck home port Newport CA.
  5. Bill F

    Bill F New Member

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    Super!
    It will sure be great if Lisa Pike could find something for us. The man I worked for; "Gordon Norris" always referred to her as a "Newport Yacht".
  6. T. McLaughlin

    T. McLaughlin New Member

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    She does remind me of a "Newport" yacht! Of course East coast not West coast Newport. I forwarded the information you gave in your last e-mail to Lisa...Fingers crossed!
    Will keep you posted...Terry
  7. T. McLaughlin

    T. McLaughlin New Member

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    I just noticed the original owner was from the West coast Newport! Sorry, I think this graceful ship looks East coast to me. Do you know much about the owner of the Gon Waki III? When I met him years ago he was working on a Moon project! Yes a Moon project involving radio waves I think! Also heard he was the inventor of a milk dispensing machine...Was told that was one way he made his $$$. Terry
  8. Bill F

    Bill F New Member

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    I think she gracefully decorate any harbor. The owner of the Gon Waki, when I worked on her was, Gordon Norris. I believe he was the second owner and he changed the name from Gallant Lady to Gon Waki. I got to know him quite well during the year I worked for him. After our Alaska cruise, I did all the upkeep tasks on the boat.

    I never heard of either of these projects. However, did was in love with his "ham radio" station so something involving radio waves might have caught his attention. I lost contact with him a few years later. I know he sold the Gon Waki but I don't know when the name was changed.
  9. T. McLaughlin

    T. McLaughlin New Member

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    Hey Bill an e-mail is coming your way...When my boss bought the Gon Waki in the 80's he changed the name to the "Laelannie" Thanks for the information...Terry
  10. T. McLaughlin

    T. McLaughlin New Member

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    Bill your e-mail address didn't work! Please call me at 707-265-9447. Terry
  11. J Simpson

    J Simpson New Member

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    Yes, the Laelanne was the Gon Waki III, We loved and enjoyed her very much!
  12. Bill F

    Bill F New Member

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    Hi J. Simpson, my name is Bill French. I worked on the Gon Waki III for a year while I was in college. It would have been in the early 1960's.
    I am in the process of building a model of her. I was able to get some profiles, deck layouts and specifications from the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. I still have a few photos that help a lot.

    I would really like to make contact with you. My email is: bfrench21@comcast.net.

    Thanks,
    Bill
  13. donk

    donk New Member

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    Just to stay in the loop here, we've done a ton of research on about 17 or 18 vessels built in the Grebe yard, and are willing to share if anyone needs info. Just drop me a note.
    Blessings,
    Don
    donk@att,net
  14. slhoeltke

    slhoeltke New Member

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    My husband and I purchased "Amalia D" in March of 2018 and have her berthed in Middle River, MD. I would love to know more about her history if anyone has anything to share. Thanks Shannon

    Attached Files:

  15. MoNaH68

    MoNaH68 New Member

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    If anyone knows of a 1947 Grebe still around, please give me a shout, this was my Uncles boat and cruised the East Coast.

    LochLomond PsarasII_psarasJr.jpg
  16. donk

    donk New Member

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    Here's a bit of trivia on the subject, there's a boating magazine ad, which I have, not sure of the date, missing the edges, will keep looking to verify which shows the Loch Lomond, listed at 69'. The history from the owner Robert Cameron talks about her being designed in 1941, lengthened from 68-70' and launched in November 1947. Have an Ad from 1945 and 1948 showing a 70' boat.

    My records are sketchy prior to 1951, though we have every Hull # accounted for 1951-1971 courtesy of the former President, Tom Leonard.
    Many of the Grebes built prior to 1951 were even numbered lengths, and most following that year were odd numbered. The stock boats of the 50's were 47', 55', and 65's as I recall.
    Blessings,
    Don
  17. T. McLaughlin

    T. McLaughlin New Member

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    Am having a terrible time getting on the Yacht Forum website...Yesterday was fine but today very difficult.
    Is the Loch Lomond now called the "Full Moon"? Also Bill F. sent me this information several days ago.
    The U.S. # 254163 was originally "Miss Carol Ann". The owner was "Merritt and Sons, Inc". Launched in 1947. She is listed as 58GT and 66 feet. I am guessing her hull number is 150. My list is missing a lot of hull numbers, so there are a few guesses along the way. Knowing the registration # (U.S.#), the Coast Guard should be able to supply the ownership chain like they did to the Gallant Lady.
    Carl thank you for ALL the information about your Uncle Cameron. Very interesting gentleman!
    Terry
  18. BurleyQ

    BurleyQ New Member

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    Looking for 1966 Grebe 55' hull 196. Originally built for E.B. Flint as Arrowhead, I lived aboard her for six summers in Northern Michigan - from 1975 to 1981. I have seen later names Life of Riley, NorthStar and Scarlet Sophia. I believe she may be in the Seattle area. Can anyone help me locate her? Thanks!
  19. donk

    donk New Member

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    Hello BQ,
    Scarlett Sophia harbored in Seattle was sold a year ago August, and the new owner has, I believe, moved her South. Not sure of where, however yet.
  20. BurleyQ

    BurleyQ New Member

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    Donk - Thanks for the info. My chase continues....