In 1929 Kettenburg Boat Works of San Diego introduced their first sailing boat the Pacific Clipper (PC), a 32ft one design sloop. This boat was a big hit in Southern California particularly at the San Diego Yacht Club. It also established the signature hull form for the entire Kettenburg line of yachts that followed.

The K43 was designed to be handled by two people for comfortable cruising with 6ft 4in headroom and seven berths, but also to be competitive under the racing rules of the time.

Moorea, one of the 18 K43 built, is constructed with mahogany carvel on steam bent oak ribs, a Douglas fir keel and deadwood. The decks are fibreglass over ply. She has a narrow beam by current standards, long overhangs and a traditional wineglass transom. The K43 has a full keel with a sharp cut away stern to reduce wetted area.

Moorea has been cruised widely in the Pacific by several of her previous owners. She was bought by her current owner, Tony Dunlop, in 1995 from some visiting Americans and has since participated regularly in local classic boat events. She sails with the Mahurangi Cruising Club.