1955 Woody Brown Catamaran Back Home in Hawaii

12 May 2022     Editor    9 Comments.

Manu Iki
Manu Iki
Manu Iki
Manu Iki

GALLERY | Click images to enlarge

Ned McMahon has provided an update on the extremely rare 20’ Woody Brown beach cat that was auctioned off in Wisconsin in 2014:

The little cat was built in Honolulu in 1955 and then shipped to Green Bay Wisconsin where she stayed until 2018. The former owner had passed away and she was donated and then auctioned off.

I bought her sight unseen but knew what she was and drove up to pick her up. All the parts were there and she was in decent shape. I brought her home to San Diego where she was restored. In honor of Woody’s first boat MANU KAI (sea bird) I named her MANU’IKI (little bird). I eventually sold her and the buyer brought her back to Waikiki where she now stays at the Waikiki Yacht Club.

Nice to know the boat has gone full circle. Much thanks to Ned for the photos and the update!

Update 2/6/24: The new owner has sent a long a photo of Manu Iki sailing in front of iconic Diamond Head at Waikiki. Thank you Gene!

Original article here.

 News  Catamarans  History

9 Comments

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  • Aloha, does this cat beach on Waikiki?  If so where?  I would like
    to ride this cat again.  Mahalo, Lory

     

    2022-08-03 14:02 | by Lory
    • I bought Manu Iki and brought it to the Waikiki Yacht Club where I sail it regularly. This is an extremely athletic, lively, and fast boat. I have built 2 of these over the years and havebeen thrilled. They are unique in several aspects of design including the first rotating mast. They are exciting to surf, also.
      2024-02-05 12:21 | by Gene Grounds
      • Thanks for the update Gene! If you have any pics of the cat sailing in its home waters I'd love to ad them to this post. Use the Contact Form to email me.
        2024-02-05 13:56 | by Editor

  • I tried to attach a photo of Manu Iki at Waikiki but could not paste to the comment box   Is there an email address I can send it to?

    2024-02-05 20:29 | by Geme Grounds
    • Got the pic and have added it to the gallery above. Thank you!
      2024-02-06 12:22 | by Editor

  • Is the boat still there?  I love that little boat

    2024-02-06 09:51 | by Rindy formally "Brown" Luciano