Norman Wright 45 Sedan Cruiser 1961 Norman Wright 45ft Gentleman's Sedan Cruiser
A Genuine Piece of Moreton Bay Maritime HistoryOffered for sale is Hi Moon, one of Moreton Bay's most recognised and admired timber cruisers. Designed by legendary Queensland naval architect Norman R. Wright and built in 1961 by master boatbuilders Ken Caterson and Tiny Thomas, Hi Moon represents a rare opportunity to acquire an authentic Australian classic with documented provenance and over six decades of continuous care.
Beautifully proportioned and unmistakably elegant, Hi Moon combines the charm of traditional timber boatbuilding with practical cruising capability, spacious accommodation and dependable twin diesel power.
Hi Moon is a beautifully preserved 45ft Norman R. Wright timber cruiser and a genuine piece of Moreton Bay maritime history. Built in 1961 and cared for by only six ownership groups throughout her lifetime, she combines classic craftsmanship, proven cruising capability and timeless elegance. With twin Detroit Diesels, spacious accommodation and an enviable provenance, Hi Moon presents a rare opportunity to become the next custodian of one of Queensland's most admired classic timber vessels
Please contact James Fleay today to register your interest and personal inspection -
All information provided, whilst believed to be correct is not guaranteed by LTB. Prospective buyers should perform their own inspections and rely only on independent confirmation of any information considered relevant to their buying decision and or the consideration re suitability for their purpose and specific requirements.
Region
Queensland
Location
Brisbane Area Gold Coast QLD
Reference
LTBB1114
Usage
Family, Leisure, Cruising
Launch Year
1961
Hull
Timber
Rego
DY507Q
Rego Expiry
19/02/2027
Designer
Thomas & Caterson, Bulimba, Queensland
Builder
Norman R. Wright & Sons
Length
45' 0" - 13.72m
Beam
3.65m
Draft
1.21m
Displacement
Est 24 Tons
Deck Material
Marine plywood sheathed in fibreglass
Engine Make
Detroit
Engine
Twin GM Detroit Diesel 3-53 marine diesel engines renowned for their simplicity, reliability and longevity. Freshwater cooled and coupled to Borg Warner hydraulic gearboxes, providing dependable displacement cruising ideally suited to Moreton Bay and coastal Queensland waters
Number Engines
2
Horsepower
180HP (90HP Each)
Power Source
Diesel
Engine Hours
3831.2
2nd Engine Hrs
3831.2
Fuel Consumption
8KTS, 13LTS
Max Speed
9 KTS
Cruise Speed
8KTS
Drive Type
Inboard Shaft Drive
Genset
Sea Wasp Model: 5WD905,1311 HRS
Fuel
840 Litres
Water
840 Litres
Accommodation
Hi Moon offers surprisingly spacious accommodation for a classic 45-foot cruiser, with a practical layout designed for comfortable family cruising and extended stays aboard.
Forward is a generous owner's cabin featuring a large double V-berth with overhead hatch and natural ventilation. Moving aft, the guest accommodation provides three additional single berths arranged in a traditional cabin layout, making the vessel well suited to family cruising or overnight guests.
The accommodation area also includes an enclosed marine toilet and shower compartment, ample storage lockers and cupboards, and excellent headroom throughout much of the vessel. Natural light is provided by opening portholes and deck hatches, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.
The 1994 refit relocated the galley to the main saloon level, significantly improving the liveability of the vessel and creating a more open and social layout. Rich Philippine mahogany joinery throughout the saloon and wheelhouse complements the vessel's classic character and craftsmanship.
Forward is a generous owner's cabin featuring a large double V-berth with overhead hatch and natural ventilation. Moving aft, the guest accommodation provides three additional single berths arranged in a traditional cabin layout, making the vessel well suited to family cruising or overnight guests.
The accommodation area also includes an enclosed marine toilet and shower compartment, ample storage lockers and cupboards, and excellent headroom throughout much of the vessel. Natural light is provided by opening portholes and deck hatches, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.
The 1994 refit relocated the galley to the main saloon level, significantly improving the liveability of the vessel and creating a more open and social layout. Rich Philippine mahogany joinery throughout the saloon and wheelhouse complements the vessel's classic character and craftsmanship.
Cabins
Sleeps 5
Berths
4
Galley
The galley aboard Hi Moon is thoughtfully positioned within the main cabin, creating a practical open-plan living space that is ideal for cruising and entertaining. Raised into the saloon during the vessel's major 1994 refit, the layout allows the chef to remain part of the conversation while preparing meals and provides excellent visibility and natural light throughout the living area.
Finished with beautiful Philippine mahogany joinery, the galley is well equipped for extended stays aboard
Finished with beautiful Philippine mahogany joinery, the galley is well equipped for extended stays aboard
Refrigeration
12 Volt Portable Option, Fixed Built In
Freezer
Fixed Build In with Fridge
Stove
Gas, Four-burner gas cooktop with integrated oven
Hotwater System
Stainless steel marine hot water service providing hot water via both engine heat exchanger and 240V
Shower
2
Toilet
1
Entertainment
Hi Moon has been designed for relaxed cruising and entertaining. The spacious saloon features comfortable seating, dining space, a Philips LCD television and GME marine stereo system. The large aft cockpit is one of the vessel's standout features, providing an inviting area for entertaining family and friends while enjoying Moreton Bay's anchorages and waterways. The open-plan layout seamlessly connects the saloon, galley and aft deck, creating an ideal social environment for cruising and overnight stays.
One of the strongest selling points from the photos is actually that huge aft deck. Many classic timber cruisers of this era have relatively small cockpits, whereas Hi Moon's 1994 extension created a genuinely useful entertaining space that modern buyers will appreciate
One of the strongest selling points from the photos is actually that huge aft deck. Many classic timber cruisers of this era have relatively small cockpits, whereas Hi Moon's 1994 extension created a genuinely useful entertaining space that modern buyers will appreciate
Dinghy
Stacer 359
Outboard
Johnson 15hp two-stroke
Ground Tackle
Muir Storm electric anchor winch with 45lb plough anchor, 8mm galvanised chain and additional 40lb spare plough anchor. Designed for reliable anchoring throughout
Bilge Pumps
Two TMC 2000 GPH electric bilge pumps
Epirb
RescueME EPIRB EXP MAY 2032
Life Jackets
Yes
Flares
Yes
Fire Protection
Fire protection includes portable fire extinguishers, a fire blanket, engine room ventilation system
Electrics
The vessel's electrical systems have been configured to provide dependable power management for cruising and entertaining. A Sea Wasp 8kVA generator, Victron Skylla battery charger, shore power connection and multiple battery banks ensure reliable operation of onboard systems, refrigeration, lighting and entertainment equipment whether underway, at anchor or connected to marina power
Electronics
Navman Tracker 5500 GPS / Chartplotter
TMQ AP50 Autopilot
JRC FF30 Depth Sounder / Fish Finder
GME GX558A VHF Marine Radio
Steering Compass
GME GR9200 Marine Stereo
Philips LCD Television
Ship's Clock
Barometer
TMQ AP50 Autopilot
JRC FF30 Depth Sounder / Fish Finder
GME GX558A VHF Marine Radio
Steering Compass
GME GR9200 Marine Stereo
Philips LCD Television
Ship's Clock
Barometer
Deck Gear
Muir Storm Electric Anchor Winch
45lb Plough Anchor
Spare 40lb Plough Anchor
8mm Galvanised Anchor Chain
Stainless Steel Bow Fitting & Bow Roller
Solid Timber Sampson Post
Stainless Steel Cleats
Stainless Steel Safety Rails & Stanchions
Timber Bulwarks
Aft Cockpit with Transom Door
45lb Plough Anchor
Spare 40lb Plough Anchor
8mm Galvanised Anchor Chain
Stainless Steel Bow Fitting & Bow Roller
Solid Timber Sampson Post
Stainless Steel Cleats
Stainless Steel Safety Rails & Stanchions
Timber Bulwarks
Aft Cockpit with Transom Door
Remarks
Hi Moon presents a rare opportunity to acquire one of Moreton Bay's most recognised and historically significant classic timber cruisers. Designed by Norman R. Wright and built by Thomas & Caterson in 1961, she combines timeless lines, proven seakeeping ability and genuine maritime heritage with the practicality required for modern cruising.
Extensively refitted during her lifetime and maintained by only six ownership groups since launch, Hi Moon remains a highly authentic example of a Queensland-built gentleman's cruiser. Her spacious saloon, raised galley, generous aft entertaining deck and dependable twin Detroit Diesel engines make her equally suited to family cruising, entertaining and extended coastal adventures.
A comprehensive maintenance program, documented ownership history and recent professional survey further reinforce the vessel's standing as a respected and well-known member of the Moreton Bay boating community. For buyers seeking a classic timber cruiser with provenance, character and enduring appeal, Hi Moon represents a truly unique offering.
More than simply a boat, Hi Moon is a genuine piece of Queensland maritime history, carefully preserved for future generations to enjoy
Extensively refitted during her lifetime and maintained by only six ownership groups since launch, Hi Moon remains a highly authentic example of a Queensland-built gentleman's cruiser. Her spacious saloon, raised galley, generous aft entertaining deck and dependable twin Detroit Diesel engines make her equally suited to family cruising, entertaining and extended coastal adventures.
A comprehensive maintenance program, documented ownership history and recent professional survey further reinforce the vessel's standing as a respected and well-known member of the Moreton Bay boating community. For buyers seeking a classic timber cruiser with provenance, character and enduring appeal, Hi Moon represents a truly unique offering.
More than simply a boat, Hi Moon is a genuine piece of Queensland maritime history, carefully preserved for future generations to enjoy
ABOUT THE DEALER
Lifetime Boats
Runaway Bay Marina
Shop 13,251 Bayview Street
Shop 13,251 Bayview Street
Gold Coast
QLD 4216 Australia
QLD 4216 Australia
Buy this Boat with Confidence
Boating Industry Association Accredited Member
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