HI Bob,

How do the smaller wharrams work out for New England sailing?

Hi Bob,

Thanks for getting back to me...Looking to build, i want to build a Hitia 17 to play with while my girlfriend is in grad school (just started her PhD 2 weeks ago). Then we would like a 38 or 46...we visited Peace 4 over the summer and LOVE the design.

Hi Bob, Milton, MA is basically home and Boston is work. I get to spend a lot of time on the water year round for work (New England Aquarium) but in power boats. My girlfriend is studying diseases of marine organisms, she also loved the tiki design, but so far we have not been able to link up with Ann & Neville for a sail (though not for a lack of an invite).

As for the build, I just got my first two sets of study plans this past week. For as much enjoyment as I've had reading other builders' blogs I'm considering a Hitia blog.

I'm glad to see you back here. I'm both curious to see a large local build and was intrigued to see a Tiki on New England beach. Do you know any other local owners?

-Brian

Hi Bob,

I'll keep my fingers crossed for your inspection whenever it comes. I'm usually here at least once a day to see what's up.

Your pictures...is that Peace 4's summer home? Newport? I know they are someplace in Narragansett bay during the summer.

Hi Bob, Tess, boys,
We just got back to RI yesterday having sailed direct from Port Washington, NY to Point Judith, RI in one big hop. The tides were seductive and the weather report seemed like it might go the wrong way so we kept going and anchored at 10:30 at the end of the day having started at dawn, so we were tired.
I am new at this computer bit so I do not know what is happening to this letter and where it is going or who is reading it, but if you and the Bylins and Araujos and maybe Brian and Pilar want to get together, that would be great. I think we should have a Tiki 46 meet up here. Pick a good day and let's do it!
Love, Ann and Nev

Hi,
We will be away most of July sailing to Maine to haul Peace at Walter Greene's yard again. Bottom paint, mast paint, new wire rigging, topsides paint, and whatever else. She has not had any paint for 7 years so it is really time. John has surgery in early August on that other hip. but if you call, we will try extra hard to come see you all. Great photo of the boys, by the way. Ann

Dear Bob!
Thank you for your feedback! I am happy that you like my little video. Indeed the wheelhouse is excellent in bad weather (we had one week of rain in Greece last summer!) and indeed it increases the windage and for sure reduces the speed. But you will agree that, if one wants a racer, the Wharrams are the wrong joice anyway. As you see I am sayling with my family, wife and 2 year old boy. So Tikimata is should work as a secure home for us beeing out on the sea. And she performs in that way. Actually the wheelhouse was built by the prior owner, which prepared the ship for a circumnavigation. For he is a tall guy it turned out comparatively high. For me it could be at least 10 cm lower.
What I miss on this construction is a sheltered way to the hulls. One has to cross "open air" to reach the hatches and to enter the hulls. In rainy weather one brings a lot of water both ways...I am thinking of (removeable) canvas tentlike rooflets for ugly weather, at least an the anchor. But as with all changes - it takes time to make them. good luck and lots of energy for your project!
Meinhard from Tikimata

thanks bob
good luck with the build
looks like you have some good helpers there
cheers sam

Hi Bob
Congrats on starting your project, the 46 is a great boat. NZ is a full stop for me. We have bought a house, I am working again and we want to rebuild a new pension fund!! But in the back of my mind I would like to sail to Chagos and on to Madagascar and continue round back to NZ again. I will of course be keeping Dragon and we have some wonderful sailing in Auckland, Waiheke Island is 1 hour from my berth! Wharrams and the trade winds were made for each other!! There is no better sailing or means to get in touch with your soul. The world is slowly going crazy and the peace of being at sea is not easily found ashore.
Cheers, Dave

Hi Bob.It is the best local ply we can get I shall try to get you more info.The builder Chris has been involved in 5 complete Tiki38 builds in the last 15 years Dave Vinnis Dragon being the last.We are hoping to be complete in 6 months.then it will be the final fitting as the cash comes in??? around 6 - 12 months on the hard.Regards Chris

Glad you found a cheaper glue mix. We will be interested in your testing results and Nev will check it for allergy symptoms. One sniff lets him know right away, he is that sensitive. We tested everything by taking a piece of scrap ply and gluing it to another piece of scrap ply at a 90 degree angle. Let it set up, do the filliting per plan, and wait three days before crushing it in the vise. If the break is in the ply, you are ok. If not, make the fillet larger and test it again. We never had to test it again. Love, Ann and Nev PS, the economy will get better. Just mix glue and keep on going. XOXO Those are nice pics of the summer sailing.

Hi Bob,

Thanks for the comment. Looks like you are building?? Is it a Tiki 46? that'll keep you busy for a while!! Did you build your Tiki 30? Where did you go sailing on her?

I'm currently drooling over Tiki 30s...............more space for the growing family!!

All the best

Rory