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Melanesia - Sailing and Paddling versions

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Hitia 17

The Melanesians have been building outrigger canoes for thousands of years. The 16ft Wharram MELANESIA design is a very simple and economical to build outrigger canoe, based on the original Pacific canoes.

The main canoe hull is built from just two sheets of plywood, stitched and glued together with epoxy and glass tape. All other parts are constructed from naturally grown saplings/timber. She is steered with a steering paddle and uses a traditional hand made 'crabclaw' sail.

The paddling version uses a more curved laminated float and two shorter laminated crossbeams.

Length Overall:
16'
4.90 m
Length of float:
12'
3.65 m
Weight of hull:
46 lbs
21 kg
Overall weight (sailing version):
110 lbs
50 kg
Overall weight (paddling version):
75 lbs 34 kg
Sail area:
58 sqft 5.35 sqm

Build time:

 

115 hrs

 

 

 

 

 
£120.00

Please choose type..