WHEN Danny van Beek arrived with his wife in Canungra in 2007 they looked over their 100 acre paddock and soon got to work building a kit home on the steep property.
It was a major project and Danny had to overcome many hurdles to finish the home he lived in for more than 12 years.
That experience hasn’t stopped him from getting on the tools again as he attacks his ‘retirement’ project.
The keen fisherman is building a 4.1metre fishing boat using plans he bought online from Canada.
It also hasn’t been an easy project, but the good news this time is he has many mates ready to help.
Danny is the vice-president of the Canungra Men’s Shed and when he told his fellow members about the boat it became a popular project.
“We are building it in the club workshop and I have to almost beat the boys off to stop them from helping,” he laughed.
The now 70 year old said he had always wanted to own a tinny to go fishing in, but had never had the spare cash to buy one.
“One of our members had the perfect wood for the boat sitting at his home and he graciously gave it to me,” Danny said.
“It will mean when finished my new fishing boat will only cost me about $500.
“I’ve already named her Dawn Light and I hope to have it on top of my 4WD for the trip to the Gold Coast by the end of the year for its maiden voyage.”
As an early riser all of his life Danny named the boat after his favourite time of the day.
His biggest decision once Dawn Light is christened will be which members of his Men’s Shed to invite for a quiet fish and maybe a refreshment or two.
“Dennis who gave me the wood already has a seat and then I may have to draw lots as to who comes next.”
Danny is already planning another project for his club and that’s to build a trailer for the boat.
“It’s just one of the many benefits you get when you belong to a club likes our with so many great guys.”
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