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SKI-BYE
SKI-BYE

SKI-BYE

Builder
DateMay 1954
Object number00001300
NamePowerboat
MediumPacific maple, copper, chrome, stainless steel, perspex, nylon
DimensionsOverall: 92 x 502 x 153 mm
Vessel Dimensions: 5.02 m x 1.68 m, , (16.47 ft x 5.51 ft, ,)
Display dimensions (Dimensions on cradle): 1,780 x 1,530 x 5,360 mm, 960 kg
ClassificationsVessels and fittings
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA 17 foot motor boat SKI-BYE made by Hammond Craft. SKI-BYE is 5 m long and 1.6 m wide, clinker or lapstrake planked in Queensland maple and it has a 'hockey stick' profile bow. The deck is plywood. SKI-BYE has a single 6 cylinder Lycomming engine built in Pennsylvania, USA cica 1930. The layout of SKI-BYE features a ‘walkabout’ arrangement whereby the aft compartment had a passage between the engine box and the side decks. Two other interesting details concern the painted finish. The deck edge and trim are an off-white rather than black, and it has a blue bottom and white boot top, whereas most other Hammond Craft had a red bottom. It is understood that the bottom finish is the original colour scheme but the off white trim is probably a recent change as it was originally finished in a dark colour when launched.HistorySKI-BYE was built to order for Les O'Neill in 1954 by Hammond Craft which operated out of Brookvale on the northern beaches of Sydney. Hammond Craft were recognised as builders of the top of the range for craft of this type. Harry Hammond only made one boat at a time, and they were always built to order. The owner Les O'Neill chose a 52.5 kw (70hp) Lycoming engine originally from America to power the SKI-BYE. It is believed the engine is a 1925 vintage model that had probably been in Australia for many years. Import restrictions in the 1950s would have made it very difficult to purchase such an engine from outside of Australia. According to Garry O'Neill, the son of the owner, who was quite young when SKI BYE was in the family the O'Neills were keen on water skiing. Over the years they owned a number of ski boats along with big American cars to tow them. SKI-BYE was towed behind a luxurious black Packard with automatic suspension, and this was a typical scene that 'turned heads' in the 1950s. Les O'Neill's brothers also had Hammond Craft built for their own use, including one of the largest Hammond Craft ever built, a 5.63 metre long hull that was almost 2 metres wide called MISS AUSTRALIA. It was built for Laurie O'Neill. SKI-BYE was used on Sydney Harbour and then later on Pittwater for many years by Les O'Neill and two subsequent owners.