Destroyed and reborn

"Zenataos" was partially destroyed in a fire whilst at anchor upriver of Burrum Heads in 2003. I purchased the remaining Starboard hull, mast, rigging and sails and , with the help of a Burrum Heads local, I motored the remains across Hervey Bay and up the Mary River to Maryborough where I rebuilt her over the next 16months.
None of this would have been possible without the tireless help, humour and innovative design of Eddie Hinsley and Brendan Holden. Launched in August of 2005 as a bridgedeck cat "Zenataos". Consequent voyages to The Whitsunday Islands and Hervey Bay from a base in Brisbane, showed up some of the shortcomings built into the boat as well as her ability to consume miles in an effortless manner when conditions are right.
Recently I removed the large pods from beneath the boat that housed the 25hp Yamaha outboards and replaced them with lowering sleds that now have 9.9hp Yamahas. The new motors were purchased from Stones Corner Marine and are up to the usual Yamaha standard. The fuel tanks however are of inferior quality and really are a dissapointment. Removing the pods has greatly reduced the pounding experienced when in a seaway. I also made box section beams to attach the hulls to the central pod and replaced the mainsail track. The mainsail was always difficult, to the point of impossible, to raise and lower due to wear in the existing track. Because I could not replace the sail track I used an innovative product from Tides Marine in the States. It consists of a nylon track which fits inside the existing mast track and has another track moulded into it. The track is supplied with cars and slugs, excellent quality, very precise fitting guides and quickly delivered by their agent in Australia, Marine OEM Supply P/L. I fully recommend this company for their attention to my needs and consequent inquiries as to the suitability of their product.
I have also opened up the front section of the boat and moved some weight there to get "Zen" to sit level and almost on her marks. This has led to better sailing performance as she no longer sits "bum heavy". New antifoul and back in the water. There is still quite a bit of deck painting to do but that will all happen in good time. Meanwhile I am preparing for a trip to Papua.