Magneto from a Simplex marine petrol engine used in fishing dinghy NEVER FAIL
DateMid 20th century
Object number00000068
NameMagneto
DimensionsOverall: 130 x 150 x 93 mm, 2.5 kg
ClassificationsVessels and fittings
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from William Jenkins
DescriptionMagneto from a Simplex marine petrol engine used in the clinker built fishing dinghy NEVER FAIL.HistoryThe dinghy NEVER FAIL was built in 1946 at Clyde Street, Bondi by Dick Feeney, Alex Andrews, Bob Morris and Len Healey. It was a collaborative effort and she was built over a period of five weekends. There were no plans or half block models and was built purely from a 'boat builder’s eye'. According to Bob Morris, NEVER FAIL'S high bow and 'whaler - like' shape was a mistake caused by a mis measurement on the part of the plank of New Zealand kauri pine used. The lengths were apparently too short and caused an elevated bow. The effect was an odd shape that led her to be nicknamed the 'banana boat'. As a positive result however, she was able to ride the ocean waves very well, in much the same way as the earlier style surf boats which had a very pronounced 'banana' shape'.SignificanceNEVER FAIL is typical of a ubiquitous, ordinary fishing dinghy/runabout of the early postwar years. She is a lovely example of a locally built clinker boat construction.
