Dinghy [Seaplane Tender]
Maker and role
Eric Paton, Maker
Production date
1917
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Object detail
Accession number
1978.2634
Maker
Production period
Description
Wooden dinghy, constructed of cedar boards. The hull is V-shaped with 150 mm keel. There are 3 seating positions - back, centre and forward. There are 2 rowing positions. The rowlocks are situated behind the centre seat and forward of the centre seat. The hull inside the dinghy is lined with cedar straps to reinforce the boat floor. Inside the bow is a metal ring for securing the dinghy. There is a hole in the forward seat for a foremast. There are 4 rubber cushions spaced on the port and starboard uppers for berthing protection alongside any seaplane, etc. The dinghy was used as a seaplane tender by Walsh Brothers at Mission Bay, Auckland in 1917. The dinghy was built by Mr Eric Paton.
Brief History
This cedar dinghy was built by Eric Paton for use at the New Zealand Flying School.
The school used flying boats to instruct their students and this dinghy was used as a tender – carrying supplies, students, instructors and passengers to the flying boats. The dinghy was also used by students for recreation during time off.
George Bolt was a student and later a flying instructor at the school. Eric Paton, who made this dinghy, lived near George Bolt, and the pair became friends. Eric has donated this dinghy to MOTAT as well as a large collection of photographs and other archives relating to the Flying School.
The school used flying boats to instruct their students and this dinghy was used as a tender – carrying supplies, students, instructors and passengers to the flying boats. The dinghy was also used by students for recreation during time off.
George Bolt was a student and later a flying instructor at the school. Eric Paton, who made this dinghy, lived near George Bolt, and the pair became friends. Eric has donated this dinghy to MOTAT as well as a large collection of photographs and other archives relating to the Flying School.
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Eric Paton. 1917. Dinghy [Seaplane Tender], 1978.2634. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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