tiki 21 trailer

[Rune M. Christensen]

I have just built a ”sliding” trailer for my tiki 21.

It’s inspired by the trailer built by Rich Hueschen of which I found pictures on this forum.

When building something new you always look for pictures to get inspired by, so I thought I would contribute back with pictures of a few of the modifications I made.

The sliding mechanism is just 50mm and 60mm steel tube. The outer tubes are welded together and attached to the trailer. It has been galvanized after welding.

The central platform sits horizontal on the trailer, and is just lifted up when the boat is assembled. It holds fuel tank for the outboard, propane burner and all the cooking gear, so that doesn’t have to be unpacked.

The side-platforms sit parallel to the hull in their cradle on the inside, and the rudders on the outside.

All is easy to access when the hulls are pulled apart and the boat is assembled.

The boat was launched from the trailer first time this weekend, and much to my relief it worked very well :)

If anyone is planning to build a tiki 21 trailer I will be happy to help with some measurements if needed.

Rune

[Timo]

Those pictures clarify your setup pretty well, thanks. :) One of my biggest concerns about Wharrams has been how they are so demanding when it's about slipway dimensions. Your sliding trailer with rollers looks like a clever answer to that, expanding trailer sailing range of Tiki 21 significantly when you want to launch into non-tidal waters. Really nice!

[Steve Burrage]

Great trailer! Can I ask how long it takes to set up? Do you use the straps instead of ropes for the lashings?

[Rod McLaren]

I will be interested to hear how long it takes for Rune to set up his Tiki. Last year, I only set up the Mana once, and then left it assembled on the trailer in the marina parking lot each time I sailed. So I haven't had enough practise to become efficient at the process. There are several differences between the Tiki 21 and the Mana for set-up.The Mana uses straps and over centre cam locks, and has only two crossbeams. The Main mast on the Mana is considerably heavier than a Tiki mast and so I have to use a gin pole and the trailer winch, adding time to the set-up. With a good assistant, it takes about 2 hours to assemble the Mana, ready to launch from the trailer. I expect with some practise, that time could be shortened by half an hour. 

[Rune M. Christensen]

Hi Steve and Rod

I think we assembled the boat 3 or 4 times last year. It varies a bit, but I think it takes 1- 1.5 hours for me and my 15year old son (usual crew) - if there is now unusual complications.

That is with the sail already on the mast and 2 people that know how to do it.

I changed to straps instead of rope lashings last year. Its much easier!

We still need to come up with a better idea for the trampoline lashings. This still takes a fair bit of time to do, despite it already being attached to the center beam.

Rune

Rod McLaren said:

I will be interested to hear how long it takes for Rune to set up his Tiki. Last year, I only set up the Mana once, and then left it assembled on the trailer in the marina parking lot each time I sailed. So I haven't had enough practise to become efficient at the process. There are several differences between the Tiki 21 and the Mana for set-up.The Mana uses straps and over centre cam locks, and has only two crossbeams. The Main mast on the Mana is considerably heavier than a Tiki mast and so I have to use a gin pole and the trailer winch, adding time to the set-up. With a good assistant, it takes about 2 hours to assemble the Mana, ready to launch from the trailer. I expect with some practise, that time could be shortened by half an hour. 

[Steve Burrage]

Thanks, Rune.  I have mine set up pretty much ready to go (minus the mast) and just pay the $1/day for a extra wide load permit (here in Canada), which works well for short hops, but to trailer the boat to the Sea of Cortez would not be easy at 12 feet beam!