Images(2)

Clinker built fishing dinghy NEVER FAIL

Maker Dick Feeney

Maker Len Healey

Builder Dick Feeny and Len Healey

Date1946

Object number00000054

NameDinghy

MediumWood

DimensionsOverall: 121.9 x 548.6 x 203.2 mm
Display dimensions: 121.9 x 203.2 x 203.2 mm
Vessel Dimensions: 2 m × 5.49 m (6.56 ft × 18.01 ft)

ClassificationsVessels and fittings

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from William Jenkins

DescriptionClinker built fishing dinghy NEVER FAIL from Sydney, Australia. She was built in 1946 by local Bondi boat builders Dick Feeney and Len Healey and sailed as a family leisure and pleasure boat on and around Sydney harbour from 1946 to 1987.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.