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In November I saw a post on the Yahoo Proafile group about an 18' trimaran hull available in Tampa. I had been looking at designs to build a stich-and-glue sailing outrigger, and figued it was at least worth a look to get some ideas. Well, I bought it on the spot, though it took aver a month to get a trailer and have time to go down and pick it up. The goal of this project is to produce a sturdy 18' tacking outrigger sailboat which is light enough to launch single handed, but strong enough to handle and adventure race like the WaterTribe Everglades Challenge and coastal cruising around Florida.
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In the process I got a chance to meet Jerry, whom I'd only
previously known through his posts, and see some of the projects he is
working on. I was particularly impressed with his Electric Vehicle. If
you get a chance, find Jerry on the boards and ask him about it, it is
a really cool vehicle with great practicle aplications. Oh yeah, and it
is not just a one off, he has molds and will be making more. I wish I
would have thought to take a picture.
I had purchased a second
hand beach cat trailer which Jerry, his friend Mike and I manhandled
the main hull and ama onto. The vaka is 18' long, with fore and aft
decking, Jerry had said it was similar to an old Sunbird Trimaran. I
have not found any pictures of the Sunbird, but I have found a Sailbird
matching these dimensions. If anyone knows about either of these boats
I would love some more info. It has a cockpit measuring seven feet by
two, and an overall beam amidshipsjust shy of three feet. I would have
to guess it is over 200lbs. Jerry had cut out the centerboard trunk, so
there is a 4 inch by 3 foot hole. This is great though, as I would
prefer a leeboard for this boat. The ama is a port hull from a hobie 16
which has seen better days. I have not decided whether to scrap it and
build a new one, or try to patch it enough to get out sailing quickly.
I
also picked up 2 10' aluminium crossbars and the rig. The standing
rigging seems to be in ok shape. Jerry said it was from a hobie 14 I
think. It is 18' tall, and the boom is 10' long. I need to figure out a
mast step for it, so I will be cruising the hobie sites to find one.
 
I
wrapped up the day scrubbing the hull down and cleaning it up so I
could take stock and begin to figure out my plan of attack. I couldn't
resist bolting on the crossbars and placing them on the ama just to get
a feel for what she will look like.
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