Tiki 31

Comment by boatsmith on June 20, 2009 at 9:17am

I would try sailrite. they sell kits for tiki sails, I would think they have the buckles. They are nice folks to do business with. David

Comment by Thom delForge on July 2, 2009 at 1:53pm

For any interested parties -- I have decided to change my approach regarding a Deck Pod for my Tiki 3. After attending the Florida Keys WHARRAM RENDEZVOUS this past May I decided to modify my modifications. I am calling it my 'Semi' Pod. Attached are a few photos -- My plan is still to raise the masts by three feet (I have already added a one foot block) making the total four feet taller than plans. The 'Semi-Pod' has a recessed foot well, seats along each side and oak combings all round. In addition there is a over the pod 'line' board which will support the line clutches for the main mast and a winch. Experiments? I also decided to use an industrial cargo 'bed liner' material for the the surface coating. It sure makes the 'non-slip' grade! The 'Semi-Pod' will replace the forward central deck with all but six inches above deck level -- most of the unit will be within the beam depth. The exception is about eight inches for the foot well.

Another idea -- we'll see how this one works -- I articulated the 'arms' of my engine 'pod' to give it added lift as well as more depth -- there is a photo for comments as well.

Any suggestions? -- I will post this on the Tiki 31 pages as well.

Comment by Jordan Balbresky on August 8, 2009 at 9:37pm

Hello all!!! I'm in the discovery process getting ready to build a Wharram. I live in the caribbean and have sailed around and across the atlantic on monohulls for several years now. I currently live aboard a custom built (not by me) chinese junk, but it is not turning into the boat I want to go cruising on. I'm looking for something simple...very simple...that will take me, maybe one other adult, and as little gear as possible, as far as possible. I've read the Wharram design book and have the study plans for the Tiki 31, but I'm still unsure if it is the right boat for me. The only Wharram in this part of the caribbean that I know of is a Pahi 26 and not a great example of what I would be getting into. I know that I want to go far with a small separate head, a simple galley and comfortable sleeping space. I have money saved and am planning on taking time off to work on the project full-time. How long should it take, realistically, to build the Tiki 31, is it really the traveller they claim it is and most importantly, what do you guys love most about the tiki 31 and what should be changed?

Comment by Thom delForge on August 8, 2009 at 10:02pm

Welcome aboard! I just noticed your comments -- but it's late -- I will write more tomorrow when I can collect my thoughts. I will say, my Tiki took considerably longer than the plans say, and longer than I thought. As a boat -- I think it has a lot going for it -- but it's very adaptable -- I think mine will be far better for what I am doing. Taller masts for sure, and a sun shield (bimini).

ciao,

Thom

Comment by Manos Amanakis on September 4, 2009 at 4:57am

Hello all,
I have been following the discussion on this group for a while.
I am building a Tiki 31 on the island of Crete, Greece since 2006. I chose the design on the first place because it was the larger Wharram I could afford building and the smaller scooner rigged which I liked, though the internal volume of the boat is small for its length. To solve this I desided to modify the plans by enclosing the central cockpit area on each hull, creating enough space for an enclosed toilet in one hull and a galley in the other. This requires to build beam throughs (like on the Tiki 38) for beams 2 and 3. I am thinking to build two semi-bulkheads in each hull (next to bulkheads 5 and 7), extending down to the level of the cockpit floor (cocpit floor will be build at the level the plans assign). These semi-bulkheads in combination with bulkheads 5 and 7 will form the beam throughs and also will support the cabin roof of these new enclosed compartments. The cockpit floor itself will have a central larger opening cut (instead of the two smaller hatch openings of the plans), which will leave enough space for an adult to cook or use the toilet.
Since I haven't seen these modifications in another Tiki 31, I was wondering if they will compromise the strength of the construction. I will strengthen the cockpit floor with hardwood stiffeners on longitudinal and lateral axis and there will be hardwood bearers to support the beamthroughs' floor but any other ideas or suggestions are welcome!

Comment by Thom delForge on September 4, 2009 at 6:07am

Welcome Manos -- I would keep an eye on your weight. I would check with Wharram to be sure, but I think there would be little problem with eliminating beam 3. Perhaps strengthening the deck between. The third beam cuts into the space creating too many small compartments. I also don't see a serious problem with raising the cabin tops 6" to 8"overall. Ethically, having the cabin roofs begin at the same height as the tops of the beams is smart looking, but a extra inches inside would make a huge difference. Just a few observations that have occurred to me over the years. Raising the mast is another. Mine are 12" higher -- I have another 3' extrusions on hand. If I where making them from scratch -- there would be no question on having the sail plan raised off the deck a bit more than plans suggest. My modifications are nearly complete, so we will see. I have discovered a new paint that sounds good -- 'Top Secret Coatings' -- Google them for more info.

cheers,

Thom

Comment by Manos Amanakis on September 7, 2009 at 2:55pm

Thanks for the advice Thom! Weight is certainly a major issue with catamarans. I am not sure but I think my modifications won't add more than 30-35 kg to the boat. In addition I'm thinking of reducing the overall weight by using canvas rather than a hard top for the roof of a deck pod, which will replace the central deck area( something like your semi pod but with a wind screen and a canvas top for protection from the sun).
Of course if I want to construct a pod like this I have to make higher masts. This is already decided since all the owners of Tiki 31's recommend it. By the way, to make the masts about 1m higher do I also have to change the position of the shroud backing pads on the top hull sides?

Comment by Thom delForge on September 7, 2009 at 5:07pm

Good idea about the 'soft top'. I am not planning to change the shrouds. I have been told it won't make that much difference. You may want to consider building your beams out of foam and fiberglass. My beam weight has gone from about 150/175 lb. to about 50 lb. (22.5 kg - to 78 kg). I also decided to change the deck lockers to one that is centered and perpendicular between the two cockpits. By this I would eliminate some of the chopped up compartments -- making the cockpit nearly 18 feet across with two deep wells. I see this as a vast improvement for livability as well as simple day sailing.

ciao,
Thom

Comment by Manos Amanakis on October 25, 2009 at 2:52pm

Hello all!
I am thinking of ordering the sails for my Tiki 31 from Jeckells one of these days.
I would like to use a riffing system with the foresail, but have no idea what to look for. Any suggestions about the best value for money product are welcome.
Also people from Jeckells are claiming that I will have to use a boom with the mizzen as there is no sheeting point far enough after (If I understood that correctly). Any ideas about that?
Greetings!
Manos

Comment by Hector de Ezcurra on November 20, 2009 at 8:38pm

Hi everyone. Before starting to build my Richard Woods Surfsong, I asked the study plans of the T31 and almost started building it. As I'm still interested in this design (especially for it's schooner rig which I find so aesthetically pleasing), I'll keep learning from your comments. You never know, maybe in the future...
Having said this, I'll try to post a couple of very basic drawings, so you can send me your feedback, regarding ideas to enclose the (should be) open cockpits.
Best regards.

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