The Viator - Boat Restoration

More than 100 years after renowned Williamstown boatbuilder J. R. Jones first launched her,

Warrnambool’s historic ‘couta boat, "Viator", is set for a return to the water. Flagstaff Hill has secured funding to fully restore the vessel, which is on display in the maritime village’s dry dock. It was built between 1890 and 1905. The vessel is the most significant of Flagstaff Hill’s fleet of 22, due to its age and connection with local and state maritime history. The Viator is a fine example of the style of boats believed to have originated in Port Phillip for the once lucrative barracouta fishing industry. Very few early examples of these fast and seaworthy craft remain.

Viator was a familiar sight in the Warrnambool harbour for decades, serving as a barracouta fishing boat until the mid-1930s, then as a mail ferry across to Portland before becoming a general fishing and recreation boat for local families.

This hull is being restored to its original condition under a grant from the Australian government.

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