Pisces Restoration
Follow along as we restore the 46’ shark fishing boat Pisces.
As we reach milestones in the build, we’ll upload a new episode detailing how
we do what we do. Below you’ll find a short history of the vessel from its launch
in Mordialloc by Jack Pompei in 1977.
History
Heritage
An iconic boat
Built in 1977 by renowned local boatbuilder Jack Pompei, Pisces is a 46’ shark fishing boat. Our restoration plans (see below) have been informed by legendary boatbuilder and designer Ken Lacco. Pisces is largely considered by many to be a sister ship to the Ken Lacco designed, Garry Stewart built Jane Kerr. Jane Kerr is just 2’ longer than Pisces and was built as a crayfishing boat for Garry Kerr in Portland in 1981.
Pisces was famously involved in a collision with the bulk carrier Iron Prince off Port Nelson in 1995. While she sustained damage from the 539’ ship, she did not sink and was escorted into the Portland area for repairs.
A true blue fishing boat...
From her early days Pisces worked from Apollo Bay, venturing into Bass Strait for shark fishing and netting. After a stint at a few other Victorian west coast ports, she was eventually taken to Queensland where she was used as a vessel for fishing the black tipped reef shark.
A few years ago, Tim Phillips, director of The Wooden Boatshop was aboard Jane Kerr in Bowen, North Queensland, when he sighted Pisces underway. Following a rigorous inspection of the boat, and enquiry with the current owner, it came to be understood that Pisces was languishing on her mooring, with the intent that she eventually sink.
From her early days Pisces worked from Apollo Bay, venturing into Bass Strait for shark fishing and netting. After a stint at a few other Victorian west coast ports, she was eventually taken to Queensland where she was used as a vessel for fishing the black tipped reef shark.
A few years ago, Tim Phillips, director of The Wooden Boatshop was aboard Jane Kerr in Bowen, North Queensland, when he sighted Pisces underway. Following a rigorous inspection of the boat, and enquiry with the current owner, it came to be understood that Pisces was languishing on her mooring, with the intent that she eventually sink.
An incredible discovery
Tim arranged to purchase the boat, and have her slipped and trucked to Victoria, where she currently resides. We have since found a new owner for Pisces who is passionate about restoring her authentically. Our plans include improvements and updates to create a perfect blend of modern technology and comfort, with traditional beauty and style.
Tim arranged to purchase the boat, and have her slipped and trucked to Victoria, where she currently resides. We have since found a new owner for Pisces who is passionate about restoring her authentically. Our plans include improvements and updates to create a perfect blend of modern technology and comfort, with traditional beauty and style.
Specifications
Length 47’
Beam 16’1”
Draft 5’5”
Power John Deere 6068T
Sail Area 655 sqf
Berths 10
Displacement Mass 25.3 tons
Beam 16’1”
Draft 5’5”
Power John Deere 6068T
Sail Area 655 sqf
Berths 10
Displacement Mass 25.3 tons
Launch of Pisces in 1977
