The Portland scow has been a prominent feature of the Owaka River, at the entrance to Pounawea in the Catlins, since it was relocated there as a houseboat in 1979.
About 10 years ago, current owner Karl Hishon acquired the vessel, and said at the time he planned to restore the decaying 113-year-old vessel and convert it into accommodation.
However, yesterday, Mr Hishon, who lives in Northern Southland, said his interest had waned over the years and The Portland needed a skilled rescuer or rescuers to restore it to its former glory.
"Unfortunately the boat has deteriorated substantially since I bought it about 10 years ago, and it’s getting to the stage where it probably either has to be demolished, or salvaged by a heritage group or maritime enthusiast.
"Part of the problem is I’m too remote to get to it easily, and my business interests don’t allow me the time it deserves to do it justice.
"That has also meant there’s been some theft and vandalism over the years, which is a huge shame.
"I’m just hoping there’s some interest in the local community to bring it back to life as a static display or heritage attraction of some sort."
He had not approached any heritage organisations regarding the scow, Mr Hishon said.
He declined to provide an asking price, but said that "all serious offers" would be considered.
"People love it for the same reason I bought it. It’s aesthetically pleasing and just an appealing bit of history, in an appealing location."
Owaka Museum manager Mike McPhee said the boat suffered — in a heritage context — from its lack of connection to local maritime history.
"I believe it may be the only original hold scow remaining in New Zealand, and certainly local people are used to seeing it there.
"But it was built in Auckland, and plied its trade for many decades out of Nelson. So it’s a bit of an anomaly local-history-wise as it only arrived in the Catlins 40 years or so ago."
Similar boat restorations in the North Island had cost as much as $750,000, and he did not believe the Catlins Historical Society would have the means or appetite for such a project, he said.
"It’s a little beyond our resources. But it’s a pity to see it there decaying into the mud."
Those interested can contact Mr Hishon by email at mortimorshomebase@gmail.com
‘The Portland’
- Built by George T. Niccol, of Auckland, in 1910.
- Traded in the Auckland area until 1932. In 1934, it went to Nelson and traded between the Tasman Bay harbours and Wellington for more than 40 years.
- The Portland arrived in Pounawea as a houseboat in 1979, and is one of a very few surviving hold scows in New Zealand.
- Originally powered by sail, it was later fitted with diesel engines.
