HAWAII AND WOODEN BOATS

[jos_coh]

Are there any wooden boat resources in Hawaii?

I've done a little sailing and I would like to someday own a sailboat--a 10 or 15 year goal. I am particularly interested in learning about wooden sailboats. I am moving to Oahu in a couple of weeks. I'm also looking for a place that gives sailing lessons. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.
Thanks.
Josh

jos_coh
@lycos.com

[WWheeler]

On my last and only trip to Hawaii/Oahu, you could rent Hobies on the beach at Waikiki, something high-priced for the tourists. Lessons may be available in a more congenial setting, too. The challenge with Hawaii is that you're going from coral reef to blue water in minutes. With small boat sailing, it's easy to get in trouble either way. You'd need to find protected water without a lot of boat traffic. (There was a goodish size bay E. of Waikiki I've forgotten the name.) Large wooden boats are a challenge too, because I would guess that there's not a lot of wood or experienced craftsmen. OTOH, there'll be lots of water around you.

[Bayboat]

That bay east of Waikiki is Kanehoe Bay, where a lot of dinghy sailing is done. There was an El Toro fleet there some years ago, perhaps it still
exists. If you nose around Ala Wai basin you'll probably find one or more good yards with wood craftsmen. My memory of this goes back to the 1950's, but I would be surprised if it's all gone now.

[ 09-13-2002, 04:39 PM: Message edited by: Bayboat ]

[Mr. Know It All]

Hmmmm.....might not be a wooden boat source but Bill Kelly should know the marina's in Hawaii. He's got an interesting outboard motor website and he's based in Hawaii.

http://www.maxrules.com/fixusedoutboard.html

Might be worth an e-mail.
Peace---> Kevin in Ohio

[Meerkat]

Hey Jos - don't wait! Prices aren't going down and you're not getting any younger! Heck, sailing will probably increase your lifespan! smile.gif

[jos_coh]

Thanks for the replies.

I would love to buy a sailboat right away, except that I don't have the money. Although I have sailed, and love it, I don't really know how to sail and I don't know enough about boats to buy one now, especially not a wooden one. I just have my basic ASA certificate, and have done the coast of Mexico as crew. So I am hoping to really learn to sail now, and learn more about wooden boats.
This has been more of a long-term goal--to eventually buy a boat instead of a house or an apartment. I think 10 years is a realistic goal for saving enough to buy the boat, establishing a source of income, and learning to sail well. Someone recommended a length of around 36-38 feet and told me that $20,000 plus a bit of elbow grease would do the job. I'd like to sail it in the Med. for starters.
Josh

[DougWilde]

I lived 8 years in Hawai'i, 6.5 in Kona and the last 1.5 on Oahu.

Kane'ohe is north and on the other side of Oahu from Waikiki. I sold Martin Marine's Alden sculls in Hawaii and often put in at the Ala Wai for a row on Mamala Bay.

An odd fact about Hawai'i is how hard it is to own a boat and especially keep it in the water.

Turn your attention to Ke'ehi Lagoon, between Sand Island (Honolulu Harbor) and the airport. At least when I was there ('84-'86) this was the location of the funky, more boater-friendly waterfront. It may well have been developed by now.

It is expensive. EVERYTHING has to come in by barge. If you have a lot to ship, think about your own container. You know the threatened West Coast strike? If it goes on for a long time the islands really suffer. During the last strike toilet paper became an incredibly valuable commodity.

All this being said, it is called "Paradise" for a very good reason.

Doug Wilde

PS. There also are the mythical boats for sale, cheap, by couples that sailed from the coast only the hate each other's guts and sailing and just wanting to get away from their horrible experience. Never met anyone who every scored such a boat.

[WWheeler]

As an afterthought, if you're interested in wooden boats, what about investigating the Hawaiian/Polynesian heritage? There's a whole legacy of catamarans/proas etc. with different sail types. Their navigation skills was/are fabulous. Take the opportunity to learn from the people while you're there.

[jos_coh]

Thanks for the advice. I hope to learn as much as I can while I am there about all aspects of boats. I hope to get on the water as much as possible...I will try any kind of boating opportunity I can find.

[DougWilde]

When on Oahu look for the Aloha Tower. At the base, or at least Waikiki side, is the Hawaii Maritime Center. There you will find contacts and information, at least regarding Hawaiian maritime traditions. You also will find the Falls of Clyde , only four-masted full rigged ship left. Sorry, built of iron. Use to give tours on it. Was a tanker, hauling molasses to the West Coast and bunker oil on the trip back. Yeah, same tanks. Never had an engine installed, other than a donkey engine.

Also tied to the pier you will find, when she is home, Hokulea, of ancient navigator fame. Very nice.

You are in for a good time.

Doug