We Find a Hand Built Steel Expedition Sailboat: Interview + Boat Tour [Ep 70]
October 11, 2026 · 33 min · 2K views
What this video covers
The 50-foot steel expedition sailboat *Tiama* is a custom-built, high-latitude vessel designed by Alan Mumrey and constructed by its captain, Hank, over seven years. The boat features a heavy-duty mechanical steering system utilizing a truck differential, a centerboard, and a robust windlass sized for a 25-meter vessel. To manage electrical shore power globally, the boat incorporates an automatic isolation transformer capable of converting 115V or 230V inputs to the boat's 220V system. The hull includes a large, watertight forward storage compartment and a Samson post designed to bear the full load of the anchor chain. Hank and his partner, Bunny, spent decades using the vessel for social justice and environmental campaigns, including work with Greenpeace. The build process relied on traditional craftsmanship and salvaged components, such as secondhand sails and a hydraulic pump system integrated with the engine. The vessel is currently configured for long-distance ocean crossings, including planned transits to French Polynesia.
More from Sailing Into the Mystic
From Sailing Into the Mystic — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.