About this object‘’Pops Last’’ also known as ‘’Popsa’’ was owned by Crofton Spoule
One of Port Stephens longest serving and well-known boats, “Popsa” because she was to be the last of many boats built by Sammy ‘Pop’ Thompson. She still sits today in the Nelson Bay Marina.
Popsa was purchased as a 45-foot tug that was being built for the war effort at Slazengers Boat Builders at Stockton. When the war finished the partly completed boat was purchased by the original crew of Crofton Sproule, Jack Evans and Bernie Thompson. Sam Thompson completed the work in Jimmy Hill’s back yard, added a 40hp Southern Cross Diesel below deck, and launched off Nelson Bay Beach in 1948.
Athol and Crofton Sproule worked on ‘’Popsa’’ for the next 30 years from 1948. On one occasion close to Seal Rocks they lifted 44 traps for 176 dozen lobsters.
Place MadeOceania, Australia, New South Wales, Port Stephens, Nelson Bay
MakerThompson, Sam
Maker RoleBoat Builder
Date Made1964
PeriodMid 20th century
Formatjpeg
Object TypeFishing Vessel
Subject and Association KeywordsBoat building
Subject and Association KeywordsBoats
Subject and Association KeywordsFishing - commercial
