WETA MARINE - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Here is a list of frequently asked questions about the Weta:

Is the Weta a One Design Class?
Yes. The rules for the class allow for some equipment changes that do not enhance performance, but accommodate for personal preferences.

Where can I find Weta fleets?
Weta fleets are established in China, France, Croatia, Netherlands, Thailand, New Zealand, Sweden, UK and USA.  At least 200 boats will be manufactured by Dec 2008.

Where was the Weta designed?
The Weta was designed in New Zealand by Weta Marine after 4 years development with input from various design experts. Click here for the full story. The boats have been in production for 1 year.

What is the Weta construction?
The main hull and floats are a solid fibreglass laminate. The deck of the main hull is a foam sandwich laminate. All components including the frames are vacuum bagged to get an excellent laminate bond and to eliminate any excess resin.  This ensures a fine tolerance on the weight of all boats.  Vinyl-ester resin is used for added strength and rigidity.  Epoxy glue is used in all hull/frame/beam joins.
The mast, beams, prod and tiller extension are carbon with fibreglass blended in certain areas in some components. The deck gear is mostly Harken mixed with some other top quality components.

Does the boat come with a Warranty?
The Weta comes with a 1 year Warranty. To date no claims have been made under warranty. For more information please contact your local Weta agent

What sailcloth is used?
All sails are manufactured by Gaastra (world renown for its high quality windsurfing sails) using Dimension Polyant fabric from the USA. The main and jib sails are constructed from X-PLY which is a top of the range Mylar/fibre laminated cloth that is durable and holds its shape well. This transparent cloth gives the skipper high visibility making the Weta a safe boat. The gennaker is constructed from S/DLN150 – a high quality, non-stretch, rip-stop spinnaker cloth that comes in a variety of bright colours.

Can the Weta be used to teach people to sail?

The Weta is an excellent boat to teach sailing in.  It has the following advantages:
  • Light and responsive on the helm
  • Easy to tack
  • Sailors are on the same boat as the instructor or friends can learn together
  • Extremely stable. In less than 12 knots it is all but impossible to capsize even when there is random involuntary gibing problem
  • No boom – so no one can get hit on the head
  • Wide so you are able to look at the sails and discuss sail shape
  • Minimal sail controls so you focus on the basics
  • Even in high wind there is no drama as the sails are quiet and sail area can be reduced so the boat is manageable.


How much weight can the Weta take?
The Weta copes with 3 adults very well.  There is plenty of space but because the power to weight ratio is reduced, the boat will have a lesser performance. In a bit of breeze the boat is still very lively and in light winds makes for a nice social sail.  It is very safe for young inexperienced sailors.

Can an outboard motor be fitted to the Weta?
It is possible to mount a German manufactured electric 2HP motor on the back beam. It weighs approximately 12kg, lasts 4 hours and costs around EUR1200.  Weta Marine recommends using a simple paddle which is a fraction of the price and works well as the boat is light weight and cuts through the water efficiently. This method has been successfully used in Shanghai to get in and out of the dock.

What are the individual weights of the Weta components?
The approximate weight of the main hull is 60kg and each float (including beam frame is 18kg.

Can you capsize the Weta?
Yes. Although the Weta is very stable – like any boat it can be capsized when pushed to the limit in a strong breeze. The boat is very forgiving to sail, so you will find it a challenge to tip over!

How do you right the Weta after a capsize?
“Capsizing is hard ~ righting is easy”
Brute strength and weight is not required, no ropes, no powerboats etc as this only causes damage.

Strategy
When boat is upside down one of the inspection ports in the floats is undone.
The float is then allowed to completely fill with water. Sometimes a little weight on the bow of the float helps to burp out the air.
The float will then sink and the Weta becomes horizontal.
The skipper then puts some weight on the centreboard and the Weta will right itself.
The skipper then boards the boat on the float which is buoyant and lets the water drain out of the (leeward) float.
When the float is drained put he inspection port back in place.
The Weta is then ready to sail again!

Are there options for the arrangement of the mainsheet system?
The Weta mainsheet system comes standard with cleats on the deck. Owners can modify theirs to suit their personal preference. Modifications to date have included ratchet blocks, swivel cleats and stainless bridles.

Can the main sail be reefed?
Weta Marine is developing a smaller mainsail for sailing schools so they can still teach comfortably in 20knots of wind.  It will also be great for lighter sailors so they can also sail in higher winds using the jib as well.  The Weta is nicely balanced and sails well under main alone in a good breeze and is a very good sail combination for the single sailor when the wind gets up. Owners have the option of adding reefing holes to their existing mainsail.

How does the Weta sail in light winds?
The Weta is an excellent light weather boat, most catamarans find it hard to keep pace especially cats with deep hulls and no centerboards.  The Weta tacks easily in even the lightest of breezes.

Can the Weta be sailed as a high performance boat?
Yes! When the wind is up and the boat is tuned the Weta is a “rocket ship”. Although the boat is simple – a lot can be learnt about tuning and racing. It is a boat that is fantastic to race and tests even the best sailors. The Weta has been raced, tested and had design input from many experienced sailors including:

  • Americas Cup Skippers
  • Olympic Medalists
  • World Sailing Champions

The Weta has not been a quick design and build boat.  It has evolved over 6 years and every component has been tested for strength and efficiency. This has been recognised at international boat shows and has taken the small sail boat community by storm.

Is the mast difficult to put up?
The mast is carbon fibre and weighs 6kg. With the correct simple technique the average person (male and female) can do it by themselves with minimal effort. Weta Marine is also currently developing a self stepping tabernacle for those with disabilities that cannot step the mast conventionally.  The only other lifting required is when assembling the 18kg float/beam when putting the boat together. This is a simple lift that requires minimal effort.

How much buoyancy is in the floats?
3 adults can safely sit on a float so getting on and off the boat causes no stability problems.

Is it easy to get spare parts?
Your Weta dealer will have a supply of Weta components.  All hardware and ropes are off the shelf items from your local marine dealer.

Is there a longer version of the Weta Sport Trimaran?
Currently the 4.4 is the only model and has total focus. Weta Marine may develop a longer version of the Weta or perhaps a high performance fully carbon version of the Weta 4.4 with foils.