Tahiti Rover

Description

The Tahiti Rover, an improved evolution of the classic 1960s Tahiti Ketch designed by Californian naval architect Merritt Walter, is a rugged 32–33-foot steel-hulled cutter-rigged sailboat crafted for bluewater cruising by custom builders in the 1980s, emphasizing seaworthiness, simplicity, and affordability for voyagers seeking a tank-like vessel capable of extended passages like those to the South Pacific. Measuring approximately 33 feet LOA with a 27-foot-6-inch LWL, 10-foot beam, 4-foot-6-inch draft on its full-keel underbody, and around 12,000–14,000 pounds displacement (ballast integrated into the hull for a modest .30–35 ballast/displacement ratio ensuring stability in heavy seas), it features a heavy-gauge steel plate construction (1/4-inch bottom, 14-gauge topsides) for durability against groundings or knockdowns, paired with a masthead cutter rig offering 500–550 square feet of sail area—delivering a SA/D ratio of ~14 for moderate performance (PHRF around 150–180) at a 6.8-knot hull speed, though its D/L ratio of 300–350 classifies it as a heavy cruiser prioritizing comfort over speed.