A Fijian ndrua (1st of 2)

A Fijian ndrua (1st of 2)

A ndrua was essentially a very large outrigger. In this photograph it is easy to see the difference in length of the main and secondary hulls. The longer main hull bore the weight of goods and people, while the shorter hull stabilised the vessel and allowed quick turning. Large ndrua were used on ocean-voyaging trips, and although they could not carry as much as double-hulled designs, they were more manoeuvrable.