Rumbelow Boats
The Rambler Rescue

• The Rambler rescue

• Rambler in the media

• Rambler Documents

• Rambler in 3D

• Rambler Meeting - 30/03/2025

For the past 20 years, the Rambler's resting place has been the Waitpinga Road dump in Victor Harbor, only a few kilometres from the waters of Encounter Bay, where it spent the first few decades of its working life.

It was transported to Council land near Waitpinga Road, and donated to the National Trust of South Australia following the State Government ordered the closure and demolition of Searles’s Boatyard to make way for a new apartment complex.

A great story to tell. Mayor Corcoran,  City of Victor Harbor

"Hi Matt,

In 2009 I was contacted by the Ramblers then owner Kingsley Haskett in Birkenhead, where he explained the current situation regarding (Searles) boatyard in Birkenhead. He mentioned that if no action was taken within the next three months, the boat would be disposed of.
Upon hearing this, I immediately reached out to Councillor Kay Ewens, a direct descendant of the Rumbelows as the daughter of Florence Rumbelow. Kay was deeply committed to her role in the council and the local community, taking great pride in her heritage and strong ties to Victor Harbor. We had a great working relationship, and during her time on the council, she accomplished a great deal.

Kay engaged in discussions with several family members, while I had multiple conversations with Donald Rumbelow about how we could collaborate to preserve this important part of both Rumbelow and Victor Harbor’s history. The family representatives made it clear that the estimated cost of relocating the Rambler—between $45,000 and $60,000—was beyond their financial reach.

I spoke with the Victor Harbor Council Director of Infrastructure, Peter Bond, who was very helpful, as well as Victor Harbor Council CEO. However, the Victor Harbor Council had no budget allocation to support the project.  I then asked if we could propose a motion to see if the elected members would approve housing the boat at the current operating landfill, provided we could successfully raise the funds for its relocation.

Councillor Kay Ewens moved and spoke in favor of the motion. During council deliberations, extensive discussions took place regarding our long-term commitment beyond simply housing the vessel. Ultimately, the elected members agreed to allow the Rambler to be housed on Council land, under the condition that the Rumbelow family would take responsibility for its future restoration.

I then began lobbying for support to relocate the Rambler. One morning, I decided to call Alan Scott of Scott Transport and Port Power fame. Alan was a close friend of my father, Des Corcoran. As I grew up in Millicent until the age of eight, we spent a lot of time at Scotty’s. I was expecting to leave a message with his receptionist, but fortunately, he was in the office and in good spirits. Allan agreed to move the boat and immediately began explaining the logistics of the operation. Since it was a wide, low load, certain sections of the route would require roadblocks, and we needed a full police escort from Birkenhead to Victor Harbor. 

The move also required a crane at Birkenhead, capable of lifting the vessel over rooftops and powerlines. We would also need a crane in Victor Harbor to unload onto the cradle. Adding to the challenge, we still had no certainty about the Rambler’s structural integrity.  We weren’t sure if it would survive the lift - let alone the long journey back to Victor. I asked Scotty how much this is going to cost?  When he realised I was needing to raise the money he kindly donated the transport costs.

Alan then explained we would still need licences to move the vessel, the police escort and roadblocks, the cranes on both ends, and a cradle to hold the boat. I asked him if he could connect me with some crane operators. He agreed and said he would make some calls.
I explained that this effort would help save an important piece of Victor Harbor’s heritage and assured him that the project would receive great media coverage.

To build momentum, I reached out to several media outlets, including Channel 7, Channel 9, The News, Victor Times, and various radio stations, to gain support for the story. Next, I contacted Minister Patrick Colon, the Minister for Roads, to request his assistance in securing the necessary licenses, roadblocks, and police escort needed to bring the Rambler home. The State Government backed the project, waiving the fees and coordinating the police presence, road closures, licenses, and overall logistics. 

Kay Ewens dedicated significant time to researching the vessel’s history, and I remained in close contact with many family members throughout the process.

Alan Scott’s team handled the arrangements seamlessly, despite the tight timeframe. That afternoon, Alan Scott called me, thrilled to share that the crane company had agreed to donate their services to the Victor Harbor community - on the one condition that the driver be rewarded with a nice bottle of port. ☺️

The only remaining task was securing a crane at the Victor Harbor end. I reached out to Victor Cranes, trusting they would support the project - and they did. We were incredibly fortunate to have so many generous individuals and businesses come together to bring the Rambler home.

On the day of the move, I traveled to the boatyard in Birkenhead, both to witness the incredible feat of relocating the Rambler and to handle media coverage, ensuring we promoted both the vessel and Victor Harbor while publicly thanking those involved.  The experience was nerve-racking. As the Rambler was slowly lifted, the creaks and groans of the aging vessel sounded like an old man standing up after years of being still. We were all holding our breath to ensure the boat made it into the cradle and onto the low-loader. It was great media for all those involved.

As promised, I had a bottle of Port for both crane drivers. The Rambler started its long journey home to Victor Harbor (over 8 hours on the road)

It was amazing it get the Rambler back and we played our role as far as the council resolution allowed me. The boat was handed to the Rumbelow's who I know for a fact had many discussions on the future restoration of The Rambler. I understand at one stage they spoke with the Men's Shed and the wooden boat committee.

In regards to its condition today, The Rambler needs a CHAMPION to lead a project to at least retain the vessel in a stable state.

Even if it never returns to the water (due to the deterioration of the hull) it would be great to have as a museum piece or relocated next to the Whale Centre or somewhere under cover where it can also get some needed TLC.

Thanks for touching base, very exciting to hear of the (Rumbelow)  anniversary. It was great we were able to save the beautiful old boat from being destroyed. I asked a lot of favour from friends, the police, the community and of course your family members."

Victor Harbor National Trust - Rambler Mast

Victor Harbor Branch of the National Trust
1 Flinders Parade
VICTOR HARBOR  SA 5211