Deckpod Modification Tiki 38

[Giovani Frisene]

Hi guys, this is Giovani from Brazil, I am currently about to finish building a Tiki 38. I intent to live aboard.
Here in Brazil we have basically sunny days despite I would like a protect shelter in case of rain. We have a lot of rain here also...I´d like space to have guests on board, something like a living room, when sailing and at anchor.

Anyone has ideas to improve the deckpod. I really like Luckyfish´s pod.
I am considereing to lower to floor about 100mm and maybe rising the sits a bit.
I consider make the pod bigger extending aft.
And make a rigid roof with solar pannels above.

Do you guys consider extend the sides too? Does it make the corridor to the hulls too narrow? I like Neil´s advice (Gleda) It would be nice to be able to seat four people for dinner and have seating for maybe six people to drink.
One big concern is the extra weigh perhaps. Or it´s just exchange wood from the corridor floor to the pod?

Anyway I apprecciate all the comments especially from those who live aboard a Tiki 38.
Thank you very much, I hope to see you soon in the water...
Giovani

[Budget Boater]

As far as building a hard enclosure for the cockpit, it is all about what you design. I prefer a hard top, with soft enclosure so that soft sides can be added to shelter the main cabin and galley hatches and allow many options for ventilation. I do not have any information to offer for a hard cockpit enclosure since I have never built one.

I do not know the dimension you seek.

[Giovani Frisene]

Yeah, Budget I know what you mean. That´s why I am so confused and in doubt to build something totally different from the plans. I am so hesitating about that, I am afraid to do something ugly or too heavy.
I prefer a hard top too. Soft enclosure seems to be nice and preferable. Someone told me this soft enclosure can be very annoying when wind beats hard on. At the same time, a hard enclosure does not offer me an option and will be heavier.
Up to now, Tikimata´s pod inspire me, but as I said, a hard enclosure is already a doubt...Anyway, I am going to start with the floor and see how things coming up. I´ll put some pictures of my progress to you guys give me some ideas. Thanks a lot for your support.

[Budget Boater]

A properly built soft enclosure will not flap at all. The design must include a means to add tension as the material stretches over time, so as to keep it very tight. Distances between rails will keep the material panels smaller which will reduce/eliminate movement in higher winds. Like anything else, it is all about the design. I leave my canvas work up to professionals in that field an have yet to be disappointed.

Giovani Frisene said:

Yeah, Budget I know what you mean. That´s why I am so confused and in doubt to build something totally different from the plans. I am so hesitating about that, I am afraid to do something ugly or too heavy.
I prefer a hard top too. Soft enclosure seems to be nice and preferable. Someone told me this soft enclosure can be very annoying when wind beats hard on. At the same time, a hard enclosure does not offer me an option and will be heavier.
Up to now, Tikimata´s pod inspire me, but as I said, a hard enclosure is already a doubt...Anyway, I am going to start with the floor and see how things coming up. I´ll put some pictures of my progress to you guys give me some ideas. Thanks a lot for your support.