On board is my second son Arien who came with his girlfriend Nicole from Auckland to visit the old man.
This is how I transport Toroa
Mast stepped for the first time Sunday
Toroa on our front lawn
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Another outing on Toroa
Rawene; Saturday 16th May.
On board is my second son Arien who came with his girlfriend Nicole from Auckland to visit the old man.
This is how I transport Toroa
Mast stepped for the first time Sunday
Toroa on our front lawn
On board is my second son Arien who came with his girlfriend Nicole from Auckland to visit the old man.
This is how I transport Toroa
Mast stepped for the first time Sunday
Toroa on our front lawn
Sunday, 10 May 2009
Some thoughts
The weather was awful with a squally, cold southwesterly wind gusting to gale force. The sunny intervals allowed for photography, thanks Julie!
Several brave souls turned out. Julie my long suffering and patient wife, my son Robert and his girlfriend Hannah, Paul and Liz Bowker, their daughter in law Ha ping and her two daughters Anna and Madelaine also in attendance was a colleague of mine from the Hospital, Louise and her son.
The launch went as planned but for unexpected problems with Toroa's old trolley.
Mike and I had built this trolley to roll Toroa on and off the road trailer (road trailers and salt water do not mix well).
The day before the launch I inflated the tires on the little trolley to a pressure I judged suitable.
We rolled Toroa off the trailer at the Rawene boat ramp but as soon as we began maneuvering there was an enormous bang as one of the wheels exploded. The rims are of a red plastic material quite faded after 10 years in the sun. The faded outer rim decided to give up the fight for gestalt and defaulted to its equilibrium (in this case several jagged pieces).
We continued the launch and successfully motored around the boat ramp staying well inside the sheltered area. On retrieval the second wheel joined its partner in a terrifying under water explosion that covered Robert in water. Getting Toroa back on the trailer was achieved thanks to the support of the onlookers.
I discovered later that the motor was limited to half throttle which I adjusted at home.
Even at half throttle Toroa easily motored at 6-7 knots with the 2.5 horse motor.
As expected a little slow to turn to starboard (against the ama) however maneuvering to Port away from the ama went well.
Some cavitation occurred whilst turning which was expected. I'll modify the shaft with a fairing at Gary Dierking's suggestion.
The next step is for me to set up on the lawn and re assemble the rig. I'll chose an auspicious day and re launch with some pomp and ceremony, perhaps even a Maori blessing if I can persuade one of our local elders to attend.
I'll keep you posted.
Several brave souls turned out. Julie my long suffering and patient wife, my son Robert and his girlfriend Hannah, Paul and Liz Bowker, their daughter in law Ha ping and her two daughters Anna and Madelaine also in attendance was a colleague of mine from the Hospital, Louise and her son.
The launch went as planned but for unexpected problems with Toroa's old trolley.
Mike and I had built this trolley to roll Toroa on and off the road trailer (road trailers and salt water do not mix well).
The day before the launch I inflated the tires on the little trolley to a pressure I judged suitable.
We rolled Toroa off the trailer at the Rawene boat ramp but as soon as we began maneuvering there was an enormous bang as one of the wheels exploded. The rims are of a red plastic material quite faded after 10 years in the sun. The faded outer rim decided to give up the fight for gestalt and defaulted to its equilibrium (in this case several jagged pieces).
We continued the launch and successfully motored around the boat ramp staying well inside the sheltered area. On retrieval the second wheel joined its partner in a terrifying under water explosion that covered Robert in water. Getting Toroa back on the trailer was achieved thanks to the support of the onlookers.
I discovered later that the motor was limited to half throttle which I adjusted at home.
Even at half throttle Toroa easily motored at 6-7 knots with the 2.5 horse motor.
As expected a little slow to turn to starboard (against the ama) however maneuvering to Port away from the ama went well.
Some cavitation occurred whilst turning which was expected. I'll modify the shaft with a fairing at Gary Dierking's suggestion.
The next step is for me to set up on the lawn and re assemble the rig. I'll chose an auspicious day and re launch with some pomp and ceremony, perhaps even a Maori blessing if I can persuade one of our local elders to attend.
I'll keep you posted.
A few thoughts after the launch of Toroa
The weather was awful with a squally, cold southwesterly wind gusting to gale force. The sunny intervals allowed for photography, thanks Julie!
Several brave souls turned out. Julie my long suffering and patient wife, my son Robert and his girlfriend Hannah, Paul and Liz Bowker, their daughter in law Ha ping and her two daughters Anna and Madelaine also in attendance was a colleague of mine from the Hospital, Louise and her son.
The launch went as planned but for unexpected problems with Toroa's old trolley.
Mike and I had built this trolley to roll Toroa on and off the road trailer (road trailers and salt water do not mix well).
The day before the launch I inflated the tires on the little trolley to a pressure I judged suitable.
We rolled Toroa off the trailer at the Rawene boat ramp but as soon as we began maneuvering there was an enormous bang as one of the wheels exploded. The rims are of a red plastic material quite faded after 10 years in the sun. The faded outer rim decided to give up the fight for gestalt and defaulted to its equilibrium (in this case several jagged pieces).
We continued the launch and successfully motored around the boat ramp staying well inside the sheltered area. On retrieval the second wheel joined its partner in a terrifying under water explosion that covered Robert in water. Getting Toroa back on the trailer was achieved thanks to the support of the onlookers.
I discovered later that the motor was limited to half throttle which I adjusted at home.
Even at half throttle Toroa easily motored at 6-7 knots with the 2.5 horse motor.
As expected a little slow to turn to starboard (against the ama) however maneuvering to Port away from the ama went well.
Some cavitation occurred whilst turning which was expected. I'll modify the shaft with a fairing at Gary Dierking's suggestion.
The next step is for me to set up on the lawn and re assemble the rig. I'll chose an auspicious day and re launch with some pomp and ceremony, perhaps even a Maori blessing if I can persuade one of our local elders to attend.
I'll keep you posted.
Several brave souls turned out. Julie my long suffering and patient wife, my son Robert and his girlfriend Hannah, Paul and Liz Bowker, their daughter in law Ha ping and her two daughters Anna and Madelaine also in attendance was a colleague of mine from the Hospital, Louise and her son.
The launch went as planned but for unexpected problems with Toroa's old trolley.
Mike and I had built this trolley to roll Toroa on and off the road trailer (road trailers and salt water do not mix well).
The day before the launch I inflated the tires on the little trolley to a pressure I judged suitable.
We rolled Toroa off the trailer at the Rawene boat ramp but as soon as we began maneuvering there was an enormous bang as one of the wheels exploded. The rims are of a red plastic material quite faded after 10 years in the sun. The faded outer rim decided to give up the fight for gestalt and defaulted to its equilibrium (in this case several jagged pieces).
We continued the launch and successfully motored around the boat ramp staying well inside the sheltered area. On retrieval the second wheel joined its partner in a terrifying under water explosion that covered Robert in water. Getting Toroa back on the trailer was achieved thanks to the support of the onlookers.
I discovered later that the motor was limited to half throttle which I adjusted at home.
Even at half throttle Toroa easily motored at 6-7 knots with the 2.5 horse motor.
As expected a little slow to turn to starboard (against the ama) however maneuvering to Port away from the ama went well.
Some cavitation occurred whilst turning which was expected. I'll modify the shaft with a fairing at Gary Dierking's suggestion.
The next step is for me to set up on the lawn and re assemble the rig. I'll chose an auspicious day and re launch with some pomp and ceremony, perhaps even a Maori blessing if I can persuade one of our local elders to attend.
I'll keep you posted.
Unofficial launch of Toroa
The unofficial launch of Toroa at Rawene Boat ramp Hokianga, Northland, New Zealand.
All photos by Julie Holton
Robert (Harmen's oldest son) and Harmen
I'm adjusting the trim bracket.
Harmen & Paul Bowker
Harmen, Hannah & Robert
Paul Bowker and Toroa
Paul Bowker and Robert Hielkema with Toroa
Thursday, 7 May 2009
Toroa painted and ready for assembly May 8th 2009
Thanks to those of you who commented on my last post I appreciate all your contributions.
No Time for graphics before my trial launching on Saturday.
Julie, my son Robert and his girlfriend Hanna are coming to assist me with the launch. I can hardly wait!
I'll post pictures of the day on the water once I have them.
This image shows the slip on outboard bracket that I contrived.
It slides off and stows in the cockpit.
No Time for graphics before my trial launching on Saturday.
Julie, my son Robert and his girlfriend Hanna are coming to assist me with the launch. I can hardly wait!
I'll post pictures of the day on the water once I have them.
This image shows the slip on outboard bracket that I contrived.
It slides off and stows in the cockpit.
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