After two long years of building Utuma`atu was finally launched at Kopu boat ramp in December 2016.
This was a very interesting build quite different from the builds in the past. Built to service the outer Niua islands of Tonga with cargo and passengers. This was an important build for both us and Tongan people.
The build was completely funded by donations world wide.
The build has been watched world wide with other island communities having the same problem, having a easily maintained vessel which is affordable for the local communities to run.
The Dick Newick trimaran has a 3.5 ton cargo capacity and has seating for 12 passengers on the deck in purpose built covered areas with roll up plastic clears to keep out the weather.
The boat has been kept as simple as possible to keep build costs down and maintenance easy.
The cockpit has both tiller and Hydraulic steering. A small saloon area is set fwd of the cockpit which leads down to a small galley with enclosed toilet opposite.
Sleeping areas are accessed in the fwd cargo hold through a deck hatch out on the wing deck.
The masts are self supporting built form spar grade Organ timber standing 14m high.
The vessel has a lug rig which will be fitted in Auckland before sea trials are undertaken and then the vessel will set sail for Tonga.