Time to Roam Magazine Issue 4 - August/September 2013 | Page 18

modifications. It proved to be a very major
task as I discovered a vast amount of rot in
the timber framework. The job was made
even more difficult due to the fact that I
continued living in the caravan throughout
the conversion.”
And so Plonk was born, the name having
nothing to do with wine, in case you were
wondering.
“It’s mainly to do with the fact that we could
plonk her in the water anywhere we chose.”
Despite being a land lubber for most of its
life, John says Plonk performs surprisingly
well on water.
“I have encountered reasonably adverse
conditions and have never felt out of control.”
Throughout the conversion, John said he
always aimed to keep his much-loved caravan
as close to original as possible.
Necessary additions include an ensuite
bathroom and grey water tank.
The pop top has become a roof-top
aluminium “moon deck” and John has rigged
up his own steering system, allowing him to
take in the view from up top while controlling
and the five-horse power motor at the rear.
Also up top are two solar panels powering
the electrics on board, including a 47 litre
fridge/freezer and an entertainment system
-for nights when weather doesn’t allow for
roof-top star-gazing.
Plonk is fitted with navigation
lights as well as travelling lights for on

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the road, not to mention life jackets,
boat hook, ropes and paddles.
John says Plonk has taken to water like
the proverbial duck, having already set a
record for being the first caravan to complete
a 14km circumnavigation of Admiralty
Island in the Trinity Inlet at Cairns.
Another more recent trip has seen Plonk
travel down the Hawkesbury in NSW
from Windsor to the Brooklyn Bridge.
“Best of all is you can always easily
choose your neighbours when you’re
on the water. If you find yourself near
someone too noisy, you just pull up anchor
and find a nice quiet backwater.”
John looks forward to spending
many more happy days and romantic
nights on board Plonk.
“I’ve spent many delightful nights on the
water. It’s such a treat to wake during the
night or early in the morning and look at the
reflections on the still water or to see the mist
hanging mystically by, the moon glistening on
the water or the sun rising!”
Capturing that magic, John devised
and trademarked the name “aquadisiac”
with the aim of possibly working
with a caravan manufacturer to go
into production at some stage.
“On the road and the water I am constantly
stopped and quizzed by interested folk
wanting to know more about Plonk. I could
have sold her many times over!”

(Above) John Hogan and Plonk
(Below) More of the intricate
detail of the 1930s camper