20' Staack & Co. Olympic VIP Launch (1970) - SAGE

A VIP Launch built for the Sailing competition for the 1972 Olympics in Kiel, Germany. The Launch was built for the German Navy who operated the boat during the games. It was donated to the Kiel Yacht Club, later purchased by the person taking care of the boat, who shipped it to Canada in the early 2000’s. I purchased the Launch in 2024 after it had been stored for some years and set about undertaking the restoration project. There were many layers of fine Navy Paint over the original Mahogany, which had been originally finished with Varnish. At some point, the Hull -Mahogany planking on Oak frames, then two layers of mahogany plywood fastened diagonally, had been overcoated with a thin layer of Epoxy. The Deck of Teak planking had been left to weather and cupped over time. The Caulking had deteriorated and required replacement. The Launch is powered by a 1970 2 Cylinder 30 HP 308-2 MWM Diesel, which directly drives a Morse Hydraulic pump, coupled through a hose system to the Hydraulic Motor, which turns the Shaft/Propeller. The idea was to have a large open cockpit to carry passengers, which makes it a great Picnic Boat. The below water line has been all refinished, and an epoxy anti-fouling paint has been applied. Three coats of Marine paint on the exterior Hull. Deck was stripped, caulking replaced, sanded and oiled.Pumps /Motors checked, all new Hydraulic Hoses. Fuel/Air lines replaced on MWM Diesel, new engine pads, pulleys, along with a repainted engine cowling cover.