Early boating in Lismore

[paulg]

Just new to this site, havnt been able to get this right but Ill try again, pictures to big.

My Dad, Bill Galea, ran a canvas goods manufacturing show in Lismore from the early 50s to late 70s. As a side line and to supplement his fishing passion he set up a bost shop.
He sold Seagulls, Westbends and Scotts with locally produced timber boats. both ply and clinker. I often wonder if any still survive.
With the change over to Mercury he picked up Carribean then Swift craft.
Dad was heavly involved in the Richmond River Powerboat club including the boat races held at Coraki.

see this link   <a href="http://s366.photobucket.com/albums/oo103/wpaulg/" target="_blank"><img 
to see some of his boats.  (HOPE IT WORKS)
I have a few old race boat pictures from that time early to late 60s

[Chair]

Some great pics there Paul. When our hard core members return from Christmas shopping (been a bit quiet) I'm sure you'll raise some interest. I hope you don't mind me posting this stolen from your photo bucket
Chairman

[paulg]

Pleased you like the old photo.
There are actually 6 boats in that line up.
100HP Merc on a Merlin,I think was called Fury, from Kyogal-owner/driver Harry Fordham
110hp on a swiftcraft 1500, actually sold with a 65hp into Alstonville, boat called Redwings driven by my Dad, Bill
90hp on a Swiftcraft 1300, called Blondie,owned by Len Vidler.
40hp on a 12ft Bondwood called Resco, (Reids Engineering supply Co.)
45hp on a, I think, Bellboy, called Sparky, Earl Smith.
85hp on a 14ft bondwood called Swift, owner/driver unknown(Cant remember)
In the Richmond river in the town of Lismore at the rowing Club.
about 1963-4 I think. Its such a long time ago!

[slowpoke]

Paul,
Very interesting ... and some great photos on the linked site. Thanks.

Is much of the Richmond River a "no go" area now?
I plan some boating discovery travels this year, exploring rivers and dams - I know the coast but some rivers need to be seen. The Richmond is high on my list, being only 4 hours away.
Local knowledge is always the best.
Ken

[paulg]

Ken,
   I'm no longer a "Local"  having been away from "home" for 40years or so.
I put my Pride Premier with a 115 on the river in Lismore at the Ballina st bridge boatramp about 20 years ago and ran up the creek at speed to a place called Boatharbour. It frightened me. I dont remember the river being so narrow. We never skied above the greyhound dog track but even to there was a worry.
I believe powerboats or at least ski boats are restricted to below the Ballina st. bridge. I would think from there to Ballina would be unrestricted except for any ferry crossing limitations.
The Boat harbour was called that because they did transport timber from there to Ballina when the Big cedar Scrub was cleared, (What a pity.) I dont know what size boats were used but the Premier seemed to fill the creek.

[paulg]

In late 2019 I took my boat of the day, 10ft flat bottom with a jacked up/out 10hp Merc (quite quick) to Lismore and played around my old stomping grounds.  Launched at the Ballina st bridge early one morning with the intent of running to Ballina, didn't happen, my back up crew, car support to pick me up in Ballina ended up in hospital with a unrelated issue.
SO, just ran from the ramp in Lismore upstream to BoatHarbour,  end of tidal influence and back, that Wilsons creek, as I knew it once, is narrow,  thought same last time in the Pride Premier, back to Lismore and up the other branch to where the old bridge lays in the river(creek) and back.
Many memories of skiing the same area,  mid 60s , don't know how we turned around, no wonder we clipped willow trees.
The skiing starting point was below the dog track , but, the boat ramp there has been removed and the area completely overgrown.  We skied from there to Coraki, skied all day, and skied back,  large family, not enough room in boat so had to drag a couple behind,  many stories flicked through my mind.
Great bit of river,  totally underused today, pity. 

[paulg]

Returning to Lismore from Coraki after a days skiing. Passing under the Woodlark st. bridge.
Dad driving with Mum, myself, youngest brother, in boat, two brothers and sister out the back.
Very badly flood damaged photo.

[paulg]

Returning to Lismore from Coraki after a days skiing. Passing under the Woodlark st. bridge.
Dad driving with Mum, myself, youngest brother, in boat, two brothers and sister out the back.
Very badly flood damaged photo.

Mid 60s