"TUAHIWI"

Model                      :                   Norman 20

Cockpit                   :                   Rear

Year                         :                   1977

Engine & Fuel       :                   Evinrude two stroke outboard petrol

Capacity                 :                   25 hp        

Toilet                       :                   Portapotti

COMMENTS

We only bought Tuahiwi a couple of months ago. I say "we" because this is a joint venture with my son. Where we end up with the boat I do not know. I suppose we would like to keep her in as original state as possible whilst making her as comfortable and reliable to use as possible. This is going to take a bit of research before we make any firm plans. What we do like is the spacious cockpit and internal layout. A new canopy might be something to consider in the next year. Although keeping her dry, it is quite stiff with some of the zips beginning to pull free. The zips were very difficult to use initially but silicone spray has completely eased them
 
Tuahiwi is a settlement about 15 miles outside of Christchurch, New Zealand. The previous owners bought her about 3 years ago. Strangely, they had lived in New Zealand for some time but they were not the ones who named her. Previous to them an RAF "pilot" owned her for a number of years. In truth we do not know the origin of the name.
 
She still has her original gel coat and may be in quite an original state as the cabin floor, bunk edges and the sink all seem original as does the fiddle rail at the edge of the cooker shelf. Much of the joinery may be original as well but this has either been painted white (quite poorly) or has an awful woodstain/shelac finish. The engine, a 1984 25hp Evinrude, was made with the capability for charging a battery and maybe electric start. The electrics seem to have been removed to help with complying with the Boat Safety Scheme. We hope to reinstate this but have no background with outboards like this so it will be a steep learning curve. Like all 2 strokes it is relatively noisy and smelly and we have thought that a 15 or 20hp 4-stroke might be more environmentally sound in an area like the Broads as well as saving some money on fuel costs. However, the advice is that the Evinrude is a very sound and reliable engine and if we look after it, it will save the outlay on a newer 4-stroke.
 
Tuahiwi has a mooring in Horning, on the River Bure. We foresee that the normal cruising range will be the Northern Broads with the occasional trip to the Southern end of the system.
 
I have added a few pictures and any feedback, questions from you or other members, will be welcomed but may not be answered immediately due to business commitments. We will also find the forum most useful, no doubt.