She was built in a boatyard in Taiwan for a U.S.Navy Commander.
Arthur Piver drew plans for trimarans that could be built by novices in backyards and garages. Many were constructed, not many were constructed well.
However, this particular example improved the original plans, making it a far sturdier and safer boat.
The joints were scarfed together rather than using butt joints and a pilot house was added.
The hulls are marine grade mahogany ply with fiberglass over, epoxied below the water line.
A 'crash keel' was added, allowing harmless beaching.
I purchased her in May 2006 in San Diego from a San Francisco native who had owned her for 30 years. He was the second owner and literally had tears in his eyes when I signed the paperwork and became her new owner.
Her name was Menage (something to do with him living on her with two ladies) and she was on a mooring in Point Loma, across the bay from downtown San Diego.
A wonderful spot.
My wife and I spent many weekends there, cleaning and removing a mass of outdated marine parts that had been stored on deck and below.
The previous owner made a living buying and selling boat parts and had used the trimarans wide decks and accommodations as a floating storage unit.
I had always dreamed of owning a catamaran, but realized they were out of my price range, whereas a trimaran had many of the same virtues at a more affordable price.
I like the inherent stability that comes with a multi-hull as well as the shoal draft.
My goal was to take the boat to Belize, where she would be well suited to the skinny waters around the coral reef and cayes.
Plans change, dreams change.If I sell the boat I will buy a smaller RV to visit distant places.
I think my dogs would prefer that.
The previous owner made a living buying and selling boat parts and had used the trimarans wide decks and accommodations as a floating storage unit.
I had always dreamed of owning a catamaran, but realized they were out of my price range, whereas a trimaran had many of the same virtues at a more affordable price.
I like the inherent stability that comes with a multi-hull as well as the shoal draft.
My goal was to take the boat to Belize, where she would be well suited to the skinny waters around the coral reef and cayes.
Plans change, dreams change.If I sell the boat I will buy a smaller RV to visit distant places.
I think my dogs would prefer that.
Anyway I eventually (2 years later) brought the boat up to the LA Harbor, to a floating dock in Wilmington.
Although the slip fee is twice what I was paying it is only 15 miles from where I live, as opposed to 96 miles to Point Loma.
I brought her up alone on a beautiful day in February...so beautiful infact that there was no wind at all. I motored the whole way, non-stop, taking 22 hours.
I anchored at 4am at Cabrillo Beach, just shy of my destination and fell asleep for 2 hours sitting upright on a quarter berth.
She is now lying at Leeward Bay Marina awaiting new owners willing to give her a good paint job and set sail to places I had wanted to.
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