Hull #4 is an 18'x6', Gary Dierking designed Polynesian sailing canoe with outrigger. The max beam for the main hull is 18". Mr. Dierking has modified the traditional, round-bottom canoe form into a more aggressive "V" for improved sail performance, especially to windward, and with little sacrifice of rough-surf handling. The capacity is for 1-3 adults. In Hawaii, this general style of canoe is raced and surfed extensively in various classes, primarily paddled. The OC-6 (6-crew boats) is a popular class having a main hull measuring 45' long. The OC-6 teams fly through huge pacific swells and navigate intense breakwater. Often the rear crew member used their paddle as a rudder. H4 will have a non-traditional, fixed rudder with tiller so the sails can be tended while sailing shorthanded.

Here in Nashville, the canoe was chosen for its speed potential under sail, its team-paddling capabilities, and for its stability as a swimming and fishing platform on the lakes.

Shown here are the stem and station molds that the strip-composite hull will be formed over. Next, the stations will be aligned and trued, then fastened to the strongback with screws.