In the Beginning
Ada Hardy is a 60' (18.65m) timber "cray" (Aussie term for lobster) fishing boat launched in October 1987. She was built in Triabunna, Tasmania by Bernard Wilson to a design by a Mr T. Parker.
After having fished the rugged waters of Tasmania for over 40 years, original owner Max Hardy's adult sons convinced him it was time to give the game away. He sold his beloved boat, the Cindy Hardy, which he had worked for the past 26 years and headed off to retirement. Within 6 months Max realised he had made a terrible mistake and immediately commissioned the construction of Ada Hardy - named in honour of his mother Ada - to take up fishing again! Max Hardy Article
She is constructed primarily of celery top pine, a durable and tough, slow growing conifer (which matures over about 400 years) and is native to Tasmania.
Hull planks are 2" (50mm) thick with glued and splined seams laid over laminated Blue Gum ribs at 9" (225mm) centres. The keel is a single piece of 12"x 12" (300mm x 300mm) Stringy Bark protected by a 3/8" (9mm) thick stainless steel shoe. The decks are 2" thick laid over 9" x 3" tapered deck beams at 18" centres.
Under Construction
Triabunna, Tasmania 1986
Original sailing ketch configuration .... (with green and orange paint detail!!!) Date and location of photo unknown.
Launch Day October 1987
Ada Hardy is powered by a Gardner 8L3B diesel engine and previously (since replaced) a Gardner 4LW auxiliary engine driving generators, freezer compressors and hydraulic systems. Gardner Engine Stories for more details about Gardner engines
Main engine Gardner 8L3B (after complete overhaul in 2016)
As constructed, Ada Hardy carried 7,500L diesel and 2,500L fresh water. Freezer capacity was 10T and the wet well carried 8.6T of seawater
