Koru is a Didi 23 fractional rig sloop that was built between 2020 and 2022. It is designed as a high performance easily trailered boat that can be raced and used for cruising. The lifting keel allows the boat to be launched at regular boat ramps.

Inside, there are comfortable berths for up to 4 people, a small galley, and even a fully separate head.

Auxiliary propulsion is provided by a 1 kw ePropulsion 1.0 Pod drive. A custom retraction system allows the motor to be out of the water to reduce drag when sailing, and for trailering or berthed at the dock. The battery bank is a custom 48 volt, 5.2 kilowatt hour LiFePo4 that allows for about 5 hours of full throttle use.

This boat was built using Dudley Dix’s radius chine technique. This involves using 9mm marine plywood on the flat areas and 2 layers of 4mm ply on the rounded chines. The entire boat was sheathed in fiberglass with some areas of carbon fiber.

I made a few modification to the original design. First, I added the sugar scoop transom, which extended the length from 23 feet to 24 ft. 8 in. Second, I made the companionway larger to make it easier to go in and and out. Third, instead of an outboard or diesel inboard, I installed the electric pod drive.

Future add ons will include a retractable bowsprit so an asymmetrical spinnaker and code zero can be used.

The number one comment I get when people look at the boat is, “wow! I bet she is fast!” She is fast indeed, I have had her up to 7 knots several times. Many people also love to talk about the electric drive, including one memorable occasion when the Governor of Washington stopped us for a chat about it!