In a world of high-tech hulls and glossy fibreglass, Typee, a classic kiwi fishing boat, stands proudly as a timeless piece of New Zealand’s maritime history – a 33-foot kauri fishing boat designed by an artist, built by a craftsman, and loved by every skipper lucky enough to take her helm.
Built in 1968 by boatbuilder Alec Baxter in Whangārei, Typee was one of several beautiful wooden vessels constructed during Baxter’s time in Northland.
Before moving north in the late 1950s, Baxter had spent years in Picton working under legendary boatbuilder Roger Carey – the craftsmanship in Typee is unmistakable, right down to her strong beam and walkaround decks.
Following her launch, Typee had a stint trawling out of Whangārei before making her way to Auckland, where she spent many years seine fishing under the ownership of Ivan Guard.
After Ivan’s passing, Typee found a new chapter in 1993 when she was bought by Brian Cuthbert, who would become her longest-serving caretaker.
In 2006, Brian turned Typee into a charter fishing boat based out of Gulf Harbour. For over a decade, she carried keen fishers out into the Hauraki Gulf – a true local legend among Auckland fishing charters.
Her Gardner 5LW engine kept her cruising smoothlyat 7.5 knots, while her solid build and 10’6” beam made for a steady, comfortable platform for group of up to 12.
She became a recognisable sight at Gulf Harbour Marina, with her classic lines, kauri hull, and old-school charm standing out proudly among the sleek modern fleet. Whether you were heading out fishing or just strolling the docks, Typee was hard to miss.
Now, after nearly 60 years afloat, Typee has sailed into a quieter phase. She resides at Mana Marina, near the stunning Marlborough Sounds, where she’s enjoying a well-earned retirement as a private vessel.
While she may no longer be ferrying hopeful anglers or returning to dock with the day’s catch, her spirit endures – in the gentle creak of her timber, in every tide she rocks to, and in the stories told by those lucky enough to have known her.
This boat has called Gulf Harbour home since 1993, and her final skipper, Brian Cuthbert, has now stepped back from charter fishing after many decades at sea. His legacy – and Typee’s – lives on in the memories made on deck and the generations of fishers she introduced to the joys of the ocean.
From Whangārei to Auckland and now Marlborough, Typee is more than just a fishing boat – she’s a piece of Kiwi maritime heritage, still going strong!
