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the dragon king
Sailing to ParadiseThe Boat The boat, acquired in '93, was nothing more than an empty shell. Captain Michel Roatta built the boat on his own with a shoestring budget. Materials were donated, bought second had or bought new if he had to. Building a 55 foot boat by oneself is quite a fete, especially when one is not a professional boat builder. Michel had to fabricate many things on this custom made boat which is a Bruce Roberts design. Master carpenter and good friend Mike Longuierra helped Michel build the dog house of the boat. Michel finished building the deck and fiber-glassed it. Later, he applied white gel coat to the deck and freeboard. The bowpiece had to be fabricated and Michel came up with the design and had it welded along with many other hardware for the boat. Other custom jobs included the outer railings, travelers, mast steps, fish cleaning/BBQ station, doors, windows, etc. The masts came from 1906 Alden Schooner. They are solid round Sitka spruce. Back when spars were round and made of wood, Rigging was another custom fabrication job Michel had to do, since he found no riggers that dealt with this type of mast anymore. Very few in the country do. Michel fabricated the rigging that was missing. Some wire became available through other friends (Terri & Barbara) in the Coconut Grove boating community. He figured out his own rigging and with the help of industrial artist Barry Massin, high school friend Bob Piersol and Bob Moore, his crane man, was able to raise the masts. The sails had to be custom made by his friend Carla at Goaldcoast Canvas. He got the engine in pieces for $500. Michel put the Isuzuzu back together and installed it, now he had an engine for his vessel. He also furbished the inside of the boat with sleeping and living quarters, and galley. Michel also designed and fabricated the back deck bimini top which created protection from sun and rain while steering. The canvas for the bimini was done by our friends Eric and Manuela from Coconut Grove Upholstery. The steering column and wheel system was done by Michel with used and new hardware. Captain Roatta wired up his energy system with solar panels and a wind generator along with the engine and a generator. The boating community is unlike the rat race of Miami. Michel Roatta and family are so appreciative and thankful for all the help and thoughts from the boating community and friends in helping build the Dragon King....a work in progress.... 
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photo gallery 
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| email: dragonkingadventures@gmail.com Copyright (c) 2006 Barbara and Michel Roatta, ZK Designs and Mark Wilson. |
