Classic Designs

The Maui is the smallest Classic design, very sturdy in build using backbone and bulkheads, with solid timber keel, and hence heavier than the more modern stitch & glue Hitia 17.

Suitable as a small workboat, or when one wants to leave the boat on a rough mooring.

Developed out of the 22ft (6.70m) HINA, designed as a tough dayboat with overnight accommodation in the individual hulls. A decktent will give further accommodation and space for a double bunk.

The sprit sail rig has a short mast and can be quickly brailed when mooring. Though designed as a dayboat, some HINEMOAs have crossed oceans, one even survived a hurricane off the coast of America in 1975.

Based on the 1960s 27' TANE design with more beam and higher freeboard, she can be built in foam/GRP sandwich or in plywood.

The Classic hull seaworthiness of the TANE encouraged many people to make ocean passages on her. We designed the TANENUI in 1973 to give these people on a low budget a sturdy, seaworthy basic boat with just that bit more internal space than the Spartan TANE.

The RAKA class, the same length as the TANGAROA, is a slim-line ship. Originally designed for George Payne who wanted a boat that he could enter in local club races in the Bristol Channel and stand a chance of winning.

He won several.

The NARAI design is a direct descendant of the 40ft RONGO on which James made his pioneering voyage across the North Atlantic in 1959.

NARAIs have been rigged as junks, Polynesian sprits, Bermudan ketch, Bermudan cutter or gaff schooners - powered by deck mounted diesels or outboard engines, the NARAIs attract the pioneering type. Now also available with the Wharram Wingsail rig (extra package).

The Mk I is the basic design. The Mk II has an extended centre cabin, giving more accommodation space. Drawings for both included.

After considerable experience with the Narai Mk I and II we brought out a new design to get more volume on the same length. The Narai Mk IV has wider individual hulls and increased headroom by raising the decks to the level of the gunnels and placing the cross beams in beam troughs. This is a very sturdy ocean cruiser with many ocean crossings and circumnavigations to its name.

A smaller version of the TEHINI and a bigger version of the RAKA. Designed for an Australian who wished to enter the 'Single-handed Trans Atlantic Race' in the early 1970s.

A very rakish looking design with simple to construct, fast, slim hulls. However, if you are looking for more accommodation check out the newer Tiki 46.

The TEHINI is breathtakingly beautiful. She has a timeless look about her and dominates any harbour with her rakish, piratical looking lines. James built this boat as his own and spent 10 years living on her with five others.

The Plans include a design update, increasing accommodation space and overall beam.

DVD available of building and sailing Tehini.