Killara is one of a handful of remaining Stephens 34 Footers; a stock trunk cabin cruiser built in 1929 and described by Pacific Motor Boat magazine, as “Shippy in appearance, and fast-lined.” Powered by a Scripps engine, the 34 could reach speeds upwards of 20 miles per hour, and was perfect for the protected inland waterways of the west coast as well as passages along the coastal seas.

At 34 feet, Killara is like Goldilock’s proverbial chairs: not too big—nor too small. She is single screw and was repowered in the eighties with a 160 horsepower Mercruiser engine. She draws 3 feet, and has a maximum beam of 9 feet and weighs in at 6 tons. She is planked in Port Orford Cedar on oak frames and her topsides are Teak. Her open main cabin above, with generous built-in bench seating across the stern, and the original bench seats for the captain and guests facing forward and aft, create plenty of light airy space for entertaining guests. Below, there is a simple galley and berths forward to sleep four. There is deck space forward for comfortable seating near the bow to enjoy the passing scenery.

Killara has remained in Northern California throughout her life, and currently calls the Petaluma River her home waters and is berthed at the Petaluma Marina. She has done extensive river cruising with friends and family, as well as annual trips to ports throughout San Francisco Bay and less frequently into the Delta reaches. Killara was named after a city of the same name in Australia, by a Bay Area owner in the late 60s originally from down under. She has been a regular participant in activities of the Northern California Fleet of the Classic Yacht Association during her years in the CYA. Killara has also been known by the names Chota Peg II, Mari Grace, Leprechaun, Melinda, Non Nag, Fran-An-I and Anacaroline over her many years.

Sisterships: Makoto, Skal, Uncle Roy (ex-Pemia), Dunya (scrapped), Lady Carolyn, Florence