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Comment by Jeff plentovich on December 19, 2022 at 8:36pm

Wow….I am the current owner of morning star, 8 years now.  We sail regularly along the west coast of Florida.   You will be happy to know I am the third of fourth very attentive owner.   I’d honestly say she is in better than new shape.   I surfed in through hurricane pass near Dunedin yesterday doing well over 10 knots most of the way.   She is my favorite of all the boats I have ever sailed.   I have enjoyed sailing her so much I’m actually building a 30’ with the intent of doing some more extending cruising as retirement approaches.   I’d Love to see any other pictures you may have or any more of her history.

Comment by James T Bircher on December 19, 2022 at 9:18pm

Morning Star, my favorite as well, although smaller, is a way better boat than my older 46 foot ORO design.  Don't get me wrong, the ORO provided more fun than we could have ever hoped for but the 46 was a 'wet' boat in the heavier inlet situations or shallow estuary short steep seas.  While very seaworthy, the ORO was difficult to bring about so mostly we had to wear ship (jibe).  She didn't foot nearly as well as the TIKI 26.  Morning Star was way way way less wet. Maneuverability was a dream in tight places and comming about easy as pie compared to the Oro. The 'ride' was more comfortable, not as jerky as the older 46' Oro design.  I think that perhaps the 'TIKI" series being the better, more modern designs are better to own and sail.  I always felt safer in Morning Star than in Wahini Irene, the ORO 46.  I've heard that the PAHI designs are wetter still, than the ORO and TAHINI designs but that's not verified by myself.  The builder of Morning Star narrowed her width and shortened the rig to suit.  That made her a better performer I'm pretty sure however I have not personally experienced a comparison.  The Boatbuilder magazine that went with Morning Star tells the whole builder's story and changes etc.  I'll look for photos but I didn't get many other than the buyer got in/with our add.  Thanks for the post.

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