PODS

[Thom delForge]

I will be building a central pod for my Tiki 31 as part of my refit. I would appreciate any ideas that outer members may have regarding such a modification. I will need to extend the masts at least 30 inches -- 24 feet to at least 26.5 feet. I was wondering if that would present any unintended consequences? The helm is to be moved forward just aft of the pod which will be between beam 1 and beam 2.

[Thom delForge]

G'day back to to you -- I spent 5 years Down Under many years ago I still love the salutation. Come to think of it -- it was Sydney Harbor I first experienced sailing and my introduction to the Wharram community. Thanks for your reply.

Currently I have a 5/4" Southern pine slated deck (pretty heavy stuff). I figure the weight of a POD should be about the same as what I have now. My Tiki 31 tends to sit a little low in the stern as it is -- so shifting a bit forward seemed to be a good thing. Regarding the jib -- I hadn't thought about how big an impact raising the mast would be on that aspect of sail. I can say, the sail plan as is makes the deck a bit difficult to maneuver. I may have decided to rethink the deck lockers and leave them as is. I carry 24 gallons of fuel in them -- as is -- they are balanced one port, one starboard.

Ciao,

Thom

[Thom delForge]

On Nov 27, 2008, at 7:20 AM, James Wharram Designs wrote:

Dear Thom

I have an answer back from our professional builder, which I hope will help
you.

He says:

I assume he wants to raise the mast because he intends a deck-pod similar to
the Tiki 38.

If so then I think it is ok to raise his mast - should the height of his
intended pod affect the lower part of the mizzen then yes he could raise
that a bit too - but only if necessary.

Yes it is a good idea to move some weight a bit further forward.
Because he is orthopaedic it makes sense to make a bit more deck space by
removing some lockers.

He should be careful not to make the intended pod to heavy or any higher
than absolutely necessary - he needs to bear this in mind when building it.
In other words keep it as low and light-weight as possible.

So, once more hope this helps you, with best wishes
Liz Wood

Dear Liz -- Thank you very much. Please thank our professional builder consult as well. I had planed to raise the mast just 30". Of course I would not need to raise the mizen at all, except it could no longer be considered a 'schooner'. I do see a potential of air 'spoilage' by raising the main -- so perhaps raising the mizen a like amount would be prudent. I have very little experience with the actual physics of sail plans -- so help is very much appreciated. Currently my forward deck is made out of 5/4" southern yellow pine (treated). My POD should actually weigh in about the same or perhaps a bit lighter. As for the height -- I am planning on about 30" above the deck with 18 " below (minus the beam height of 9") leaving a POD with reasonable move around space of 4'. As for the helm -- I still have not decided, but a location just forward of the second beam, or perhaps on the second beam would seem likely.

Ciao,

Thom

[boatsmith]

Hi, We raised the mast on our Tiki 30 3' to allow standing head room in the cockpit. We also lowered the cockpit sole 2". This gave us 6'3" headroom under the bimini and clearance for the mainsail above. Hanneke and James are aware of this modification and have blessed it. The bimini has worked out very nicely, for protection from both the sun and the rain. We are very happy with the raised mast and bimini. David

[Thom delForge]

boatsmith said:

Hi, We raised the mast on our Tiki 30 3' to allow standing head room in the cockpit. We also lowered the cockpit sole 2". This gave us 6'3" headroom under the bimini and clearance for the mainsail above. Hanneke and James are aware of this modification and have blessed it. The bimini has worked out very nicely, for protection from both the sun and the rain. We are very happy with the raised mast and bimini. David

[Thom delForge]

Thanks David for your reassuring comments. I had planned to drop the floor in the 'POD' about 6", add to the beam height of 9" and the 'POD' height of 30" I will add to that a short Bimini to clear the main sheet. Not standing head room, but I think workable. Did raising you mast 3' have any problems with your jib?

ciao,

Thom

[boatsmith]

No problems with the jib whatsoever. The jib hoists where you want it to, dependent upon headstay bridle length and where /how you attach roller furller drum. With a hanked on jib you can adjust tack height with a pendant . David