Kevin Hutchinson's Blog (6)

Im in Hawaiin now visiting family. I discover some inetresting boats in a near by port. I was suprised to see the two voyaging canoes Hokulea and Makalii. They  are suposed to be going on another voyage in 6 monthes. The little sailing outrigger  was out to sea when I first spotted it. I watched it sail all the way in.  The Proa was built I believe in the Caroline Islands and is made in the traditional way. The Proa needs help . No one around to ask about it or how it got here. 

Hello, I  read  the optimist pram test and the Marchaj wind tunnel article thats why I gave the crab claw another chance.  Windward ability is not the only thing we look for in a rig. We don't all need to point like a race boat . We do however need to point like a cruising boat, especialy when reefed. Getting away from a lee shore in a blow is a very important ability for any cruiser. I believe a  boat should be able to point 45 derees to aparent wind, minimum. I encourage folks to do their own… Continue

Hello Wharram fans! I had a crab claw sail in the past  and  I was disapointed in its performance.The rig is so sexy I thought it needed another chance. So I decided to test it against a lug sail with the same sail area. My test boat was my 14' sailing Kayak(not the most efficient). Last weakend I spent three hours sailing  around a course alternating the rigs. My test results show the crab claw tacked through 130 degrees to windward. The Lug was not much better at 110 dergees. Now a good… Continue

Hello wharram fans! I am puzzeling over the study plans lumber list for an Ariki. There are a number of odd lumber sizes such as:1x7,1x9 1x11. Whatexactly  is a 1 1/2 X1 do they mean a1x2?  We all know a 1x6 normally means the actual size to be  3/4" X 5 1/2"or less . The list seems to imply true dimensions? I am confused(and not just by this either) ...Kevin

Hello all, I am trying to lash a rudder onto a kayak I just built. I understand how to start the lashing (one end has a stop knot) . I understand how to weave the Wharram hing .I just don't know how to finish of the other end? Do you go aroud the top loop or what? I wonder if one of you can post a photo ,thanks ...Kevin

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