Feng Zheng – literally Kite in mandarin chinese – is a 46 footer junk, custom built in France from 2000 to 2005, and made of wood/epoxy, following traditional chinese design. She weights 17 tons.
She is powered by a 85 HP “Nanni” 4-cylinder turbo charged diesel engine, equipped with dual 12V and 24V alternators. She is shaft propelled by a 4 bladed fixed bronze propeller. She is also equipped with a 5000 W “Max Power” bow thruster. The engine is fed by 3 diesel tanks for a total capacity of 850 liters (2 X 250 + 1 X 350).
She carries one 360 liters PVC water tank, one “Lavac” toilet, one 100 liter black water tank and one 100 liter grey water tank. The plumbing system is wired in 24V with 2 submersible bilge pumps (in front bilge and in engine bilge). An “Echotec” watermaker is also fitted.
She is schooner rigged with 2 wooden keel stepped self supporting masts, carrying each a traditional bamboo battened sail.
As mentioned, she is wired in both 12V and 24V, using 12 “Mastervolt” high amperage 2V 490Ah batteries for the house bank, 2 extra 55 Ah 12V batteries for the windlass and the bow thruster, 1 emergency 12V 4D 200Ah battery (connected to radio equipment) and 1 12V 120Ah start battery. 4 solar panels and one wind generator are also used to provide electricity.
Electronic navigation aids include latest “Raymarine” GPS/plotters, dual hydraulic pilots, “Iridium Go” system, and a 24″”Raymarine Quantum” radar. Should I mention that she is equipped with AIS as well ?
She sleeps 6 altogether in 2 cabins and saloon.
We’re outbound for Tutukaka in New Zealand via Panama, Galapagos, Marquesas, Society islands, Cook and Tonga’s.
We’ve very busy preparing her these last weeks, but we should leave next week, weather permits.
