Cockpit considerations.

[paul anderson]

I am in two minds about my cockpit for my tiki 26.

I find the thing is very heavy.

Although I have added more drainage holes, i worry about being swamped at sea as it is.

I am considering replacing this with a timber deck to allow for fast drainage.

I note on the classic designs it was standard practice to have a slatted deck between the two hulls.

your input would be appreciated.

all the best paul.

[Ann and Neville Clement]

I am sitting here alone and  just laughed out loud about that vision of the buffalo in a tutu dancing with the graceful elephant in a Tiki 26! 

Paul, just launch the boat and your body will learn to cope with the motion.  The plans will be good enough and you can modify next winter if you really need to after you know better what you want. 

Come on!  Launch the boat!  We are all waiting to lift our glass and give you a cheer!

Ann and Nev

[laurent]

Launch the boat Paul , launch the boat! Say the birds

[paul anderson]

Ha ha, I do like the pink skirt though. No problemo I will launch the boat;)

[Jesse Walker]

I am in the same dilemma now. When we took Namste apart I noticed how heavy the cockpit was.  I do like having the space and storage, but I am considering re-building the cockpit out of foam core sandwich. 

I like the cockpit design on the Boat Smith Tiki 30. With the table and the motor in the center.  I was wondering if anybody has any thoughts on that. Since a tiki bobby horses so much having the motor in the center  does seem to make sense as the prop will not cavitate as much.  

[paul anderson]

Jesse.

My cockpit is foam sandwiched, and is still a heavy mother. I wonder how heavy a slatted timber deck would weigh tho? All the additions you are proposing will only ad weight. The hobby horsing seems to be not as severe as i thought looking at the vids posted by members here.

paul.

[Jesse Walker]

Have you posted pictures of the cockpit, with a cat the cockpit is really the boat, it's what it's all about.

Would be great to see how you built it. Maybe with your experience/advice I could shave off a few kg's.

[paul anderson]

Here you go http://wharrambuilders.ning.com/photo/cockpit-1?context=user  If i was building the thing again i would definitely look at a slatted cockpit. It depends on where you want to sail to, I suppose. I may make one further down the line as an experiment one day.

[Shaun]

Hey there Paul,
Just got duck bumps reading the closeness of your launching, makes me homesick, or should I say boat sick? I envy your situation, looking at the water knowing the kiss of the waves is not far away.
Please, do us all a favor, video the event and end It with a beer toasting the sunset from over on Moreton Island!
Cheers, Shaun

[paul anderson]

mate, I certainly will. I need to find a virgin for the launching rituals though!

all the best paul.