113-year-old heritage scow for sale

Published date19 January 2023
Publication titleClutha Leader
The unnamed owner of the Portland scow — moored in the Owaka River at Pounawea since 1979 — advertised the decaying 113-year-old vessel for sale in a classified advertisement before Christmas

The ad sought expressions of interest for the boat, and provided a contact number for ‘‘genuine inquiries’’.

The former trading scow has been the subject of much speculation and occasional community concern during the past decade, changing hands several times and gradually falling into disrepair.

In 2016, a man believed to be the boat’s owner told the Otago Daily Times he planned to restore the scow and convert it into accommodation.

The ODT was unable to make contact with anyone at the number provided last week.

A Pounawea resident, who did not wish to be named, said several locals had contacted the advertiser before Christmas, seeking to clarify his intentions for the notable vessel, which has a community-made information panel nearby.

‘‘Unfortunately it’s been left to rot, and any restoration project would be a considerable challenge now, I’d say.

‘‘It’s got to the stage that locals think it will just be taken away if it’s sold, and scrapped.’’

He said some locals were concerned it was a safety hazard, or could pollute the river.

‘‘It only takes a kid to get up into it and fall down, and no-one would be any the...

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