Relax-Ay-Voo1997 Kauri Lake Classic Launch
BOATS FOR SALE
Price: $90,000
Key Specifications
Length Overall 8.15m
Beam 2.5m
Draught 600mm
Displacement 2.64m3
Engine Volvo Penta MD2030 Diesel, 29hp
Fuel Tank 64 litres
Steering Two-station manual hydraulic, timber-constructed wheels
Construction
Relax-Ay-Voo has an 8 m kauri-planked hull, copper-nailed, splined and fibreglassed over — a construction method valued for its strength and longevity.
The topsides feature teak and mahogany, with high-quality joinery and timberwork throughout. The overall finish reflects the craftsmanship of a custom-designed launch rather than a production-built boat.
Layout and Features
The panoramic window configuration and surrey-top roof give Relax-Ay-Voo a particularly attractive appearance, while the generous timberwork and twin steering stations make her both practical and enjoyable to operate.
The Volvo diesel engine is positioned forward in the bow and drives through a relatively flat propeller shaft. This arrangement keeps the cabin floor area clear and provides a generous cockpit space.
History & Condition
Relax-Ay-Voo comes with the full set of original design plans and has been carefully maintained over the years, reflecting genuine pride of ownership.
She has spent her life on Lake Rotoiti and has been kept under cover in a boatshed when not in use. The hull was repainted around 2019.
The kauri hull is reported to be free of rot.
With her traditional design, quality timber construction and dependable Volvo diesel power, Relax-Ay-Voo would make a wonderful lake launch for someone who appreciates classic wooden boats.
Performance
Relax-Ay-Voo has a cruising/top speed of approximately 10 knots.
Trailer & Transport
There is no boat trailer included with the sale. The purchaser will need to arrange transportation.
Contact
Date Posted: 10 Sept 2026
$26,000
This boat is seriously fun!
Since purchasing her we have;
repainted her hull and antifoul
completely rewired her to include solar trickle charging and interior lighting, stereo and fish finder
replaced battery with 3 batteries (house and engine) and isolation switch to prevent batteries from going flat- replaced external covers
rebuilt the interior for a more comfortable layout including adding skippers chair- rebuilt dashboard and purchased and installed new dials-
had a new propeller custom made and installed- replaced the old lees marine diesel engine with a more reliable diesel Yanmar
installed bilge pumps (also has a backup manual one)
installed a stereo system- replaced the front teak deck
installed a VHF radio
All the work was done by a qualified boat builder and marine electrician.
She has a cabin up front with 2 beds that we have slept in overnight a few times, a gas stove, a fridge and sink (although we have never used these last two so I’m not sure they are working, the last owner said they were). There’s a cupboard on board that used to be a toilet however it’s used for storage now, toilet fully removed before we bought her and now has anchor, brushes, 1st aid kit and life jackets.
We have spent countless hours cruising, had loads of picnics on her, caught lots of trout, she’s great in all weather conditions due to her length and width - incredibly reliable and easy to drive.
She’s got plenty of room, especially in the back with a large, u-shaped stern where 10 people can easily sit and chat, enjoy a drink or eat a picnic. This boat is seriously fun, great in the winter (you can close the doors and stay warm and awesome in the summer (load it up with friends and family and cruise).
If you have any questions feel free to email or call. Selling because we can’t use her enough anymore and time to go to someone else to enjoy!