A Christchurch man is on the crest of a wave after completing a project more than three decades in the making.

Richard Lowen yesterday launched his boat, the Eunice Brenda, in the Waimakariri River, 35 years after he bought the first parts.

After a long spell on dry land, Lowen faced another delay yesterday, albeit short, when it was found the boat's battery was flat.

However, any concerns the 11.9-metre launch may not float were soon eased.

The retired Lincoln University technician, 81, said he was not sure he would ever finish the project.

But his son Jonathan pushed him all the way in recent years.

"All sorts of things got in the way, including the reconstruction of an aeroplane.

"There was about five to seven years taken out of the boat building," Richard Lowen said.

"The fitting out's taken probably a couple of years and it's not completely finished yet."

The boat was named after his wife of more than 50 years, who eagerly watched yesterday's launch.

Friend Frank Haynes, who did most of the 4.5 kilometres of welding, was also on hand.

The boat will be moored at Cass Bay, but Lowen hoped to get some use from his labour of love.

"My time is running out, I'm 81 now. It will go to my No 2 son [Jonathan]. He's done a lot towards it."

- © Fairfax NZ News

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