The fishing industry continued to be essential during the late 30s and throughout the war years and local fishermen as in this example continued their efforts while contending with petrol rations and other expenses.A collection of photographs of fishing and couta boats belonging to Charles Jurgens.fuel ration tickets, wwii, fishing, couta boats, fishing boats

Couta fishing boatsCouta fishing boat VALMAB & W photo of the Couta fishing boat VALMAReverse - " Albert Johnson's boat? / at Port Fairy see Murray Johnson at Pt Lonsdale / From Lewis Ferrier / VALMA built by Jones. Melb. c1918 / Owner Cyril Stephens ".historical references

gaff-rigged fishing boatblack and white photograph of the fishing boat JOYCERefer Notes section for detailsfishing boat

Con Kroker Private CollectionBlack & white photograph of part of the couta Boat fishing fleet at Portland. There is a clinker-built couta boat with man in it, in the foreground and another man in a clinker-built dinghy hanging on to the couta boat. There is a second clinker- built dinghy tied up to the couta boat. Henty Beach and Botanic Gardens are in the background.

Con Kroker Private CollectionHand tinted photograph with a cream border. 7 small boats anchored close to shore. View is from the ocean to shore. 4 boats are white 3 are brown. 2 people can be seen the furthest boat. A pier is featured on the middle left and the grassy shore and trees in the back ground. Sky is blue with 3 clouds. city of portland

This smock was hand sewn by Florence Kelly for her husband Reuben Kelly to be used as protective clothing when catching couta in Port Fairy 1948.Fishing industry from Queenscliffe to Port Fairy up to the 1950s /60s. A hand sewn fishermen's smock used by the maker's husband as protective clothing when fishing for couta.couta fishing, protective clothing, fishing industry, port fairy, fishermen's smock

A Couta boat is a type of sailing boat originally designed and built in Victoria, Australia, around Sorrento, Queenscliff and along Victoria's west coast as far west as Portland. It was originally used as a traditional fishing boat from around 1870 until the 1930s, although it survived as a commercial fishing vessel until the 1950s. From the 1970s onwards a community of enthusiasts started restoring old couta boats to use recreationally.The Couta Boat has been associated with the fishermen of Queenscliff from the first quarter of the 20th Century, and still is of significance due to the popularity of this boat as a leisure sailing vessel.2 Reproduced photographs of couta boat fishing fleet under full sail in Queenscliffcouta, couta boat, sailing, fishing, port phillip, queenscliff

The historic Victorian ‘couta boat “Viator” was built by renowned boat builder J.R. Jones of Williamstown in Melbourne, between 1890 and 1920. He was one of the early builders of this design. The features of Viator - carvel planked, open cockpit, vertical stem and straight keel, single mast and a pivoting centreboard - are all characteristics of an early Bass Strait ‘couta boat. This has been confirmed by experienced Victorian ‘couta boat restorer Tim Phillips. Viator served as a ‘couta fishing boat in the Warrnambool area until the mid-1930s, then some say she served as a mail ferry across to Portland. Later it was used as a fishing and recreation boat for local families. For years Viator sat in a paddock in East Warrnambool until purchased in 1975 and donated to Flagstaff Hill. ‘COUTA BOATS - The ‘couta design for vessels is believed to have originated at Port Phillip, Victoria, for the purpose of the Barracouta (‘couta) fishing industry, being both fast and seaworthy. , The 'couta fish was an important food fish in Australian waters, supplying Melbourne with plenty of inexpensive fish. VIATORY’S OWNERS - Some of Viator’s history is known: - 1940, registered Port Fairy and owned by G.J. Richards. - 1941-1945, registered in Port Fairy and owned by Jens “Peter” Petersen. - 1950’s “Brusher” Richards of Warrnambool and Port Fairy used it for fishing. - Peter Watson and his son also went fishing in Viator. - Frank Ferrier, boat builder, was an owner (son of ‘La Bella’ hero, William Ferrier) - Arthur Rogers owned Viator too, then sold it to Terry Pridmore and Wayne Moorefield - The Viator was stored in a paddock, unused, in Fairmont Avenue, Warrnambool, where it was gradually deteriorating. - 1975 Viator was purchase at a very reasonable price from Pridmore, then donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. RESTORATION - Shipwright Erik Mikkelsen soon started restoration on the Viator after it arrived at Flagstaff Hill in 1975. In 2006 the Maritime Museums of Australia awarded a grant to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village to assist with the restoration and renovation of the Viator. Its restoration continues today in the care of Flagstaff Hill’s boat builder. J R. JONES - boat builder The photograph of the EVA MYRL shows the builder J R Jones with his team of workers. The other photograph shows a vessel built by J R Jones' son, J B Jones of Footscray, and his team of boat boulders. The photograph of the EVA MYRL was taken by E. A. Dond---. The other photograph is of the Sturrock Coot, taken a Albert Park Lake in St Kilda.The Viator is the most significant boat in the Flagstaff Hill's fleet, being the last remaining local 'couta boat and one of few existing examples of this craft. Viator received Heritage status with the Australian Maritime Museums Council and is listed on the Australian Register of Historical Vessels in 2006 (ARHV Number: HV000561). Viator was built in Victoria in the early days by renowned boat builder J.R. Jones, and sailed by fishermen for many years, both local and on the coastal waters of Victoria, and was possibly used for the mail service. It is significant for being used for the fishing trade, for government service, perhaps as a mail boat, and for recreation by local families.Vessel, the ‘Viator’, an historic Victorian ‘couta boat, handmade by renowned boat builder This J.R. Jones 'couta boat, the Viator, was built in Williamstown, c.1890-1920. The single mast vessel has a Caravel hull built from New Zealand Kauri, blackwood, with a red gum keel and a jarrah stem and stern. It has a pivoting centreboard. Two photographs are included; one of the builder with his team, the other is of his son J B Jones, with his team. Marked "Viator" Photograph 1759.2: "E. A. Dond---" (indecipherable". Handwritten on back "Grandfather / J R Jones / Built" Photograph 1759.3; sign within photograph "J B JONES / BUILDER / FOOTSCRAY", stamped in the card, bottom right " ----- / MELBOURNE" and handwritten on the back "I think this is Mr Abel Sturrock Coot Albert Park Lake"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, arhv hv000561, arthur rogers, bass strait ‘couta boat, “brusher” richards of warrnambool and port fairy, clinker hull boat, ‘couta crafted boat c 1890-1905, ‘couta fishing boat, erik mikkelsen shipwright, g.j. richards of port fairy, jens “peter” petersen, john lindsay, old mail boat, pivoting centerboard boat, peter watson, single-masted ketch, terry prodmore and wayne moorefield, vessel viator, viator a historical vessel, victorian ‘couta boat, victorian barracoota boat, warrnambool ‘couta boat, western victoria fishing boat, western victoria mail boat, hv000561, australian register of historical vessels, erik mikkelsen, j b jones, j b jones boat builder, footscray, sturrock coot, sturrock, j r jones, j r jones boat builder, williamstown, eva myrl

Couta fishing boatsCouta fishing boat RFD399B & W photo of the registered fishing boat RFD399Reverse - " Registered Fishing Boat 399 / see Frank Ferrier for details ".historical references

Couta fishing boatsCouta fishing boat RFD399B & W photo of the sunken rescue dinghyReverse - " L to R / Frank Ferrier, Ron Shapter, Tony Jergens, Tom Warren / sunken 14 ft dinghy used in rescue of wreck of Merlan / This sat on Lonsdale pier for a considerable time (2 years?) prior to rescue. When they put it in to rescue the dinghy commenced filling and rescue were carried out while bailing. ".historical references

Robert 'Curley' Wood was born in Yarram in 1949 and fished from 1962 to 1990 on a 23 foot huon pine boat 'Whykickamoocow'Framed pencil drawing of prominent Queenscliff fisherman Robert 'Curley' Wood. One of a series of 10 drawings entitled 'The Old Salts''whykickamoocow', robert 'curley wood', queenscliff, couta fishing

Allan 'Jim Wells was born in Queenscliff in 1919 and fished between 1933 and 1990 on a 28 foot couta boat 'Lillian'Allan Wells was one of the founding fathers of the QMMFramed pencil drawing of prominent Queenscliff fisherman Alan 'Jim' Wells. One of a series of 10 drawings entitled 'The Old Salts'lillian, allan wells, queenscliff, couta boats, fishing

Frank "Megs" Ferrier was born in Queenscliff in 1911 and fished between 1926 and 1989 on a Couta boat 'Eva JF27''One of the founding fathers of the Queenscliff Maritime MuseumFramed pencil drawing of prominent Queenscliff fisherman Frank 'Megs' Ferrier signed by artist Dr Mike Birrell 1996. One of a series of 10 drawings entitled 'The Old Salts'A framed pencil drawing of Frank Megs Ferrier, signed by the artist'eva jf 27', frank ferrier, fishing, couta boats

A collection of a group of photographs donated to the Society by Lun Blom, from the Photo Shop in Thompson Avenue, Cowes (was opposite the museum)A collection of 19 photographs of Phillip Island and surrounds. 293-01. Koala sitting in enamel bowl on table 293-02. 20 farmers having a break. 293-03. Reproduction of painting of The Nobbies. 293-04. Photograph of a Trophy for 1st prize for ploughing won by Mr L Morrison 1859. 293-05. Photograph of three men standing in front of a motor vehicle. 293-06. Photograph of view of Cleeland's House at Cape Woolamai. 293-07. Photograph of a whale beached on Phillip Island with people standing around it. 293-08. Photograph of a family and children in front of car - unknown. 293-09. Photograph of a painting of "Innishowen" Harbison's Property. Mr Harbison's portrait inset on the painting. 293-10. Photograph of an early map - possibly drawn by Bass & Flinders. 293-11. Photograph of the San Remo-Westernport Hotel, with vehicles in front. 293-12. Photograph of a fishing boat at the San Remo Jetty with the township in the background. 293-13. Photograph of a couta boat under full sail in Westernport. 293-14. Photograph of an aerial view of the Two Bridges taken from San Remo side. 293-15. Photograph of the Mutton Bird Eggers Camp - Bergins Bay Cape Woolamai. 293-16. Photograph of a Steam ferry decorated with flags. 293-17. Photograph of Fisherman's hut at Cowes with pier in the background. Possibly Mr Cox's. 293-18. Photograph of a couple standing on the bridge in Lover's Walk Cowes. 293-19. Photograph of an aerial view of Phillip Island looking towards Mornington Peninsula and the Heads to Port Phillip Bay in the distance.293-01. "Koala Pie" Cowes. 293-06. Mr Cleeland's Station. 293-09. "Innishowen" Mr. Harbison. 293-10. Phillip Island. 293-17. Phillip Island - Fisherman's Hut, Cowes. 293-18. Phillip Island - Lover's Walk, Cowes.wildlife - koala, wildlife - whale, the nobbies, ploughing trophy, cape woolamai - cleeland's house, innishowen, mr harbison, phillip island map, westernport hotel san remo, fishing boat san remo pier, couta boat westernport, the two bridges san remo, mutton bird eggers camp, steam ferry, fisherman's hut cowes, lover's walk cowes, aerial view of phillip island, lyn blom

Model of Maud made in 2012 by Malcolm Gibson in Geelong. Actual couta boat Maud was launched in 1927 built by Lars Halvorsen and now moored in QueenscliffMAUD is a wooden sailing vessel built in Victoria for fishing. It is an example of the Victorian couta boat class with a design adaptation for local conditions. It was built and designed by Peter Locke Jnr, at Queenscliff Victoria in 1931, with shallower draft than most couta boats so that it could operate from Barwon Heads. It is the only remaining couta boat from the Barwon Heads fleet.Scale model of Couta Boat Maud housed in a purpose built display case made by Showfront (owned by John Tiller)boat model, couta boat, maud

Couta boatsBlack & white photo of the Couta boat COOMA on the Yarra River c1911Reverse - " COOMA fishing boat / built PEEL Melbourne 1911 / for George Jurgens / photo: sailing out of Yarra R after taking delivery "historical references

KARA Couta boatKARA Couta boat in a gale.KARA, Jurgens' Couta boat in SE gale in 1953Reverse - " late Arnold Jurgens fishing boat KARA / She was deliberately beached between the piers to save her from being wrecked like the P & H survey launch FLINDERS [refer 1985-146] / South East gale February 1953 "historical references, kara, couta boat

For over 45 years, Richard has used Wendy regularly for recreational fishing and occasional sailing out of Queenscliff. He has the original cotton canvas sails that were fitted on the boat when she was built, and which still are in working condition. Richard says that one of his favourite pastimes has been trolling for pike around Swan Island, close by Queenscliff, ensuring that the heritage of this Lacco-built boat fishing boat is preserved. In about 2015, Wendy underwent a rebuild including: a new centre-case, ribs and deck, and a new Yanmar engine. The works were done by Bryon Miller of Peninsula Wooden Boats. Wendy remains berthed, fore and aft, at Number 12 pile in front of Queenscliff Lonsdale Yacht Club. Well known couta boat in QueenscliffeAustralian made Kopsen vortex bilge pump.Kopsen Vortexcouta boats, 'wendy", bilge pump

William Withers and Edward Ryan drowned near Point Lonsdale on 19 October 1954 when they tried to enter the Rip at Port Phillip Heads against an ebb tide with a strong south-west wind blowing. They were sailing a large crayfishing boat, the 'Robert John', returning with a load of crayfish from King Island.Photograph shows William (Bill) Withers and Edward Ryan who worked in the local Queenscliff and Victorian fishing industry. The commercial fishing industry developed in Queenscliff from the 1860s, with early fishing developing around the couta boat and barracouta fishing. Crayfishing and shark fishing also became important, especially as the supplies and popularity of barracouta as a commercial species waned. Local Queenscliff fishermen often fished outside Port Phillip into Bass Strait and had to navigate the dangerous entry to Port Phillip, known as 'The Rip', with its turbulent and variable water and weather conditions. This added to the everyday dangers of sailing faced by fishermen in their industry. The local fishermen often had the local knowledge of these waters, but the fishing community in Queenscliff also lived with the threat or fear that the Rip could rob them of one of their own. The entrance to Port Phillip with this Rip is the scene of many shipwrecks,often resulting in tragic loss of life or injuries, including passenger and cargo ships travelling to/from Melbourne and Geelong as well as accidents to local Queenscliff and Port Phillip sailors such as the fishermen or sea pilots. A B/W photograph of two Queenscliff fishermen, William (Bill) Withers and Edward Ryaninformation about photo and donation handwrittten on backfishermen, queenscliff fishermen, withers, william withers, ryan, edward ryan, robert john crayfish boat, shipwreck, port phillip

Petrol rationing was introduced in Australia in late 1940 and early 1941, but was not strictly enforced until 1942. The first ration tickets had a currency of six months. After that, issues were made every two months, to avoid forgeries and black market hoarding.A collection of ration tickets for fuel in various colours depicting volume and validity dates.fuel ration tickets, wwii, fishing

Queenscliffe fishing fleet and panoramaRealismBlack & white photograph of the landward view of moored Couta boats with Queenscliffe beyond c1926.Reverse: "signal station Q'cliffe built 1886 - photo before it was raised on brick base in 1936 - c1926?"queenscliffe, fishing fleet, signal tower

The fishing boat 'Bluenose' a well boat was built in 1923 by Ned Jack at Launceston; owned c 1927 by Johnstone and Main when it first visited Port Fairy - bought by Syd Patterson and N.A.McDonald at Portland 1927. Sold to George Williams at Port Fairy 1928. From c 1930 to June 1937 it was owned by Williams and Ralph Davis in partnership - then owned by Ralph Davis alone. Port Fairy 1928- c1955 Wrecked at Port Albert RFB 989 45 foot x 13foot 6inches x 5footImage of the fishing boat “Bluenose” owned by George Williams in 1928. Then in partnership with Ralph Davis between 1930 and 1937 and then Ralph alone.Black and white photograph of ‘Bluenose’ fishing boat at the wharf in Port Fairy with her sails furledfish, fishing, boat, industry, couta, moyne river, bluenose, well boat, ralph davis, george williams, syd patterson, n.a.mcdonald, portland

"Amarylis" was built on Griffith Island by the Haldane Brothers when they were lighthouse keepersBlack and white photograph of Amaryllis with her coloured sails furled near the slipway on Griffith Islandboat, industry, amaryllis, fishing, shark, couta, griffith island, haldane bros