The term applied originally to a pre-17th century seagoing canoe about which little is known.
A later “vaka” also known as “hamatafua” was used until the 1880s.
The “hamatafua” used in the Cook Islands and Central Pacific was a deep hulled, either plank-built or a dugout; sharp ends; ribs lashed to residual lugs along the sides. Three to seven booms attached to the slender float by means of paired divergent stanchions.
Platform built over the hull, part of the outrigger booms, and on the lee side; supplemental booms helped support the platform.
One or two hatches in the hull area.
Steered with an oar attached to a triangular piece on the lee end of the platform.
The single mast could be raked in either direction. Probably set a triangular sail with apex down.
Sculled in calms.
Reported lengths 12 – 20m.
Aitutaki 1992 50c sg633, scott465 and 50c sg638, scott?. 1999 50c sg703, scott525
Norfolk Island 1986 36c sg 403, scott?
From: Aak to Zumbra, a dictionary of the World’s Watercraft.
HAMATAFUA
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aukepalmhof
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Last edited by aukepalmhof on Sun Sep 02, 2018 9:23 pm, edited 3 times in total.