• Built Circa 1945
• Construction Keel, Stem, Ribs are Australian Hardwoods.
• Planking is Oregon, Decking is Beech (under renovation)
• Displacement tonnage 16 tonnes
• Dimensions Length 40’ Beam 12’ Draft 5’
• Passenger capacity 49 + 2 crew
• Power Gardner Marine Diesel Engine Model 5LW 5 cylinders of
• 4.25” Bore & 6” Stroke developing 70BHP

The hull of the CODOCK II was built during or immediately after World War II, as a standard 40’ workboat destined for the defence forces.  Originally CODOCK II would have been fitted with very limited accommodation for two in a short trunk cabin forward, with a shelter for the crew the steering station, with an open well aft of that for carrying cargo and or personnel.

This particular vessel was acquired by Cockatoo Dockyard in 1947 and converted to the layout seen to-day as a passenger vessel to ferry employees to and from Cockatoo Island and to and from ships around the harbour.

CODOCK II shared these duties with a number of similar vessels, some of whom are still working on the harbour, however CODOCK II was given special attention such as her interior finish in teak to also serve as the VIP launch assigned to other duties such as transporting special guests of the company and carrying management when attending special functions etc.

Much of the construction, modification and repair work on these vessels were done by the apprentices on Cockatoo Dockyards. It is not unusual when removing fittings etc for repair or replacement, to find a name or a date written underneath. The interior varnished teak trim was the waste or off cuts salvaged from the refitting of merchant and passenger vessels that had seen war service and were restored at Cockatoo (and other shipyards) for handing back to their owners for normal civilian service.

Despite her years, CODOCK II is a very sound vessel, her under planking is protected by copper sheathing, but most importantly whilst she has had a busy sixty or so years of continuous hard service, CODOCK II has undergone annual slipping and survey as a passenger carrying vessel.