Hi Tom, the wharrams would say that the reduced beam is more the way Polynesians made their double canoes. Now more functionally - less beam means less sail. I find that the boat has plenty of sail area because remember she is very low drag. Half the weight of a tiki 38 and a fraction of the windage. And the tiki is extremely minimalist and low drag compared to all the houseboat style catamarans which are now the norm. Why not go faster and faster? The reality of cruising is I don't want to go too fast because it takes the fun out of it making for worries and discomfort. So, I have not felt approaching stability limits as I did in the Pahi 26 which was comparatively much beamier and more drag. In other words the TM needs less sail to go fast enough so needs less beam to carry the sail.

Similarly the wharrams say strip planking is more like a dugout in having the grain all running the length of the hull. Functionally - the Tama Moana has more compounding (a more bowl-like shape) than what can be made from plywood. Strip planking also has the advantage of lacking stringers inside which in a small interior make the hull side less comfortable to lean against.

Glen, 1st thank you for your reponses. 2nd'ly I have decided to build a Tama Moana myself to use as a simple daycharter/snorkel platform in the Mexican Caribbean, as the vessel would be the only one of it's kind there. (Stand out from the usual daycats and condomarans doing the same business.)
Now, I just finished reading about 'OTILLIA's' owner and his learning of sailing the CC rig, problems he was/is having with the steering paddles and simple improvements he was noticing could help.with different aspects of the vessel... ie... end boards on the decking to eliminate lines becoming wedged between them.
I and I am.sure others would very much enjoy reading details and comments you have about.the steering with the paddles, so herculean arms are not.needed and definitely in depth knowledge of using the CC rig efficiently.
Again thank you for.sharing and I and others look.forward to reading your response on these questions and anything else you feel you'd like.to share.

Tom Vogt

Hello Glen
We.decided to go with the tiki 38 instead giving us more space for friends and family comfort level and a 1000 lbs or so more.load carying capacity but we are still very interested in the use of.the Crab Claw.rig. Beat's "Aluna" has.one and.he sailed.it out there your way sometime ago and enjoyed it.
One thing I have been loking for.information on was if anyone has any info regarding biplane.CC rigs and getting the benefits of the vortex lift generated from air over the bows.as.the proas.get. Just a wondering mind kind of inquisitive pondering.
I hope.to hear from you soon and maybe you.will share the ins and out.of exactly how.you are operating the rig you have in various conditions.and such
thanks again