A Beloved Vessel Returns Home Distraction’s Journey Back to the Burdekin
A wave of nostalgia has swept through the community with the return of the iconic vessel Distraction to the Burdekin Shire, rekindling memories of an ambitious backyard build that became part of local maritime history. The mighty catamaran was originally constructed over nearly four years, with work beginning in 1994 and culminating in a celebratory launch in December of 1997. The project was led by local boatbuilder Chris Cannavan, alongside his sons Lee and Murray Cannavan, with frequent help from friends. The vessel’s name, Distraction, was chosen with a smile. The build proved to be a constant diversion from farm work, something Chris often joked about. True to its grassroots beginnings, the design process involved no formal plans. As Chris famously said, “It was a very successful boat build for a toe-in-the-dirt idea,” referring to his habit of sketching concepts in dirt or dust to bring them to life. The story of Distraction is closely tied to an innovative piece of equipment built a year earlier. In 1993, Chris constructed a custom six-metre press in his shed, using concrete, railway tracks and earth-moving rams, after discovering there were no such facilities north of Brisbane. That press went on to shape several Cannavan-built vessels, including some of the largest ever produced locally. Among them was Ocean Karma, a 13.8 metre catamaran completed by Lee Cannavan in 2011. Still owned and operated by Lee, the vessel gained international attention after featuring as a water taxi in the 2022 film Ticket to Paradise, starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts. Other notable builds include Popeye, a 14 metre catamaran named after Chris’s father, Arthur. Remarkably, Chris continues work on the vessel at 80 years old. At 15 metres, however, Distraction remains the largest of the Cannavan-built boats. In December 2004, Distraction was sold to a resident of Bowen, where it was lovingly maintained as a pride-and-joy vessel for many years. On 1 February, 2026, the story came full circle when Distraction was purchased back by Lee and Jane Cannavan, returning the vessel to the family and the region where it was born. The homecoming carries deep sentimental value, not only for the Cannavans but also for residents of the Burdekin who remember the boat and the extraordinary effort behind its construction. With a range of modifications and improvements planned, the family hopes to see Distraction back on the water within the next two years; a fitting next chapter for a vessel that has always been more than just a boat. Photos curtesy of Jess Cannavan. CAPTIONS:
The day Distraction left the Cannavan shed with Chris hoping she floats! Excitement filled the air when Chris launched Distraction in December of 1997
Distraction touched the water for the first time on 13 December 1997
The build took around four years to complete
Back in the family! Lee and Jane Cannavan celebrated the purchase of Distraction in Bowen
Distraction was launched in Groper Creek to a lively audience of spectators
After just over two decades, Distraction is now officially back home
