Leilani II
Leilani II was built in Tauranga in 1978 by Tauranga Boat Builders,
she is of a Pelin, Cape Brett Design, and constructed of triple skinned
Kauri, which is one of the strongest types of construction for this type of hull.
She was sold to 'Fishing Guru' Bill Hall in 1979, in which he fished as
far north as the North Cape. His first job was to install the tuna tower.
This was the first tuna tower to have full controls in New Zealand.
Bill Hall owned Leilani II for approximately 6 years, in which he made Leilani II a
very well known and respected name in fishing circles. Bill and Robyn Hall set
numerous world records on Leilani II, in which two still stand to this day.Without a doubt Bill and Robyn were the top fishing couple of their day, if not still.
In 1986 she was sold onto two prominent Auckland Businessmen, who used Leilani II for fishing and entertaining purposes. Some of the more famous people who have been on Leilani II are Rock Legends 'Pink Floyd' and 'Jimmy Barnes' and also racing driver 'Jimmy Richards'.
Chris Mosen has been one of the longest serving Skipper/Owners. He skippered for the Auckland Businessmen for 5 years before purchasing Leilani II for himself. In this time he totally refurbished the exterior. Chris on sold Leilani II to a Wellington Businessman who spent a vast amount of money on interior improvements ie: Leather setting, carpeting and a mechanical refit.
I purchased Leilani II in 2001, and after upgrading her to survey standards, brought her home to Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Leilani II is now operating as a Charter Vessel and is surveyed for 7 people overnight and 28 people for inner harbour activities.