What a hoot! Tai Mate. Photo: Barry Anderson

What a hoot! <i>Tai Mate</i>: A whimsical dinghy with a retro twist

1 min read

The snug cabin interior, shown below, exudes a charming, authentic vibe. Barry has aptly named his boat

Tai Mate

, a Māori term meaning "slack tide," the period when the tide transitions between high and low, resulting in calmer waters. Powered by a Mercury outboard motor and supplemented by an external electric trolling motor, Barry often explores lakes in the Taupō and Rotorua regions with his creation.

Inside Tai Mate is a lovingly-created interior that has all the traits of authenticity Credit: Barry Anderson / Facebook
Inside Tai Mate is a lovingly-created interior that has all the traits of authenticity Credit: Barry Anderson / Facebook

The featured photo captures

Tai Mate

at the stunning Lake Whakamaru, nestled along the Waikato River near Mangakino—a fitting backdrop for this whimsical watercraft.

This photo captures Tai Mate at the stunning Lake Whakamaru, nestled along the Waikato River near Mangakino—a fitting backdrop for this whimsical watercraft. Credit: Barry Anderson / Facebook
This photo captures Tai Mate at the stunning Lake Whakamaru, nestled along the Waikato River near Mangakino—a fitting backdrop for this whimsical watercraft. Credit: Barry Anderson / Facebook

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