First things first.
We’ve got to go back to Thursday’s visit with my cousin, Brad Heald, and his wife, Sapi (and dog, Watson). The storyline is a bit complicated, since here in New Zealand, we’re a day ahead of the calendar back in Hawaii.
There’s another whole part of that day’s story I skipped over in the first telling.
In a large shed attached to their small home, Brad is building a boat.
Not just any boat. This isn’t a “hook-it-up-to-your-truck and tow it to the boat ramp for a day of fishing” kind of boat.
It’s a 52’ trawler he is building by hand. Mostly alone. From the conceptual drawings, to plans, to design details, he’s pushing forward by force of will. It’s probably half completed right now, but what a sight! Here are a couple of his many drawings. Click on any picture to see a larger version.
Right now, the boat is taking shape. The hull is upside down during this phase of construction, its bottom facing the sky. Inside is a sign reminding you of this orientation. “This side up,” it announces, with a large arrow pointing down.
Brad is a genius. He seems to be able to get almost anything from concept to creation.
Although only about half completed, this boat-to-be is an amazingly impressive sight.
Sometime soon, it will be time to turn the hull right-side-up. It currently weighs about 6-1/2 tons. I asked if it will take a crane. No, he replied. How many people? Two, he said. He explained how it would be done, a bit at a time, but I still don’t quite understand how two people will manage all that tonnage as it is flipped over. It’s all over my head.
Here are a few photos that give you a feel for what’s going on there in the shed.
When the boat is done, they plan on living on it and traveling far and wide. The first test will be a trip of about five days to Australia. Then on to the rest of the world.
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WOW, impressive!
Wow. I had a friend in Hawaii Kai who built his own fishing boat. Big , but not this big. When finished it, he put it in the marina and then moved all his stuff and himself to Kona.
And your iPad story was exciting : )
I was wondering why in the world your cousin would want to build a huge 52-foot boat, then I reached the end of the story explaining why. Fifty-two feet is longer and wider than my house! Looks like your third cousin, twice-removed, has inherited the Lind wanderlust gene that you think you don’t have. You’ve got some really interesting relatives!
Nice lines! Your cousin Brad obviously understands naval architecture as well as wood/epoxy construction. Kind of a trigger for me: I was 90% through a major “restomod” of a 26 ft. sailboat, also using wood/epoxy construction that I was forced to abandon, so I know your cousin has put an INSANE amount of work into his project! I wish your cousin all the best!
I like Watson too. He LOOKS like a Watson!
You have the most interesting relatives, whether
Your great great grandmother or newly found.
What a craftsmanship.
I hope the family will enjoy many happy journeys and adventures .
For you and Meda some more happy holidays and safe return home to your kitties and dogs on the beach
All equally awaiting your return ?
One detail missing (unless I missed it) – how long has Brad been working on this and how much longer to completion?
Truly impressive – does he have a “real” job?
Not sure on when the project began. But the link below shows what it looked like last year about this same time. And Brad estimates another year at best to completion, but more likely it could take two years. Some jobs can’t be done in the winter due to the higher humidity, which then impacts the overall schedule.
Last year’s photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBExzF
Mahalo for sharing, Ian! Been enjoying reading your stories and find them interesting. Happy travels!
Link to video of today’s Atlantis 50-foot ship surfing! It’s an amazing video.
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/08/09/breaking-news/boat-runs-aground-near-kewalo-basin-as-high-surf-hits-south-shores/