This encounter was a turning point for Tim who with considerable assistance from Ken Lacco set about turning his building skills to the preservation and restoration of the Couta boat fleet of Port Phillip Bay. With a committed kernel of enthusiasts the Couta Boat revival was started, an active fleet of over a hundred boats in three states of Australia are testament to their success. The aim, when restoring is to keep the boats as authentic as possible. The only materials used are timber, Kauri Pine from New Zealand for the hulls. Local Australian timber for the ribs and thwarts and Tasmanian King Billy Pine for the decks.
Copper is used for the nails and some fittings.
Designed and built by Mitchie Lacco, she was launched in 1917. Her original owner, Gus Johnson, sailed her for only eighteen months before passing her on. There is no running backstay. The jib is set on flying on a long bowsprit. Repowered with an 18hp Yanmar she is now capable of pushing along at about 6.5 knots.