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I am a lake sailor these days and probably will be for the foreseeable future . My question to those more experienced is  : what would be the consequence of reducing the beam of my project tiki 21 to a legal trailering width of 8'6" to avoid the lengthy set up time . we choose moderate winds 15- 25 max , wave conditions are not a factor . Undoubtably some stability would be lost , but we are in protected waters always , the boat will never see ocean  or even bay . I was considering making the beams permanantly fixed as well as the deck . the goal being to pull up to the ramp , step the mast and sail for an afternoon or a weekend . I know it is considered a sin to modify Wharrams designs , but i already did that with our 41 foot that we cruised and lived aboard for many years . i built a salon, master stateroom , with a glass floor between the hulls on it and enjoyed it for many years . i also designed the sil rig that made the 250k blink in the Miami to Key West race . Wharrams are exceptional sailors , but i have always been given to follow my passions .

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Hey there Chester,

With your described parameters I would flick an email to JWD and get their thoughts and suggestions.

A bunch gets talked here abouts concerning the widening of beam widths, can't recall much for reduction.

Widening obviously increases stability making for a safer platform but introduces other less desirable effects if taken too far and reducing width would reduce stability to an unknown level. A serious heavy gust may make the unknown known very quickly.

James and Hanneke would have the best technical information on the stability figures, they helped me tremendously with altering my Hinemoa. As you have a particular width in mind they may also give the most practical sail area to maintain their designed level of stability for that boat.

Cheers,
Shaun

Thank you for your response

Hi Chester,

I've lifted a hull on my Tiki 21 in 25 knots with full sail. When it goes it lifts quickly. I wouldn't be keen on a narrow-beam Tiki.

Roger

Thank you for your response . i am not keen on narrowing the beam either , i am just less keen on a 2 hr set up time . as far as raising a hull. l , i have raced tonados and hobies most of my life , so a hull up is part of life for me . i had considered 2 fold down extentions as is used on hobie 18 to give a little extra leverage . i know that doesn't make up for the reduction in beam , but would add a means of offsetting some of the loss of stability .. i cite a hobie 20 or crab claw 20 as similar designs with an 8'6" beam of simalar length . I don't think reducing the beam is a great idea , just one that may make the boat a little more practical for my now landlocked and much

older self . 

I've lake sailed my Tiki 21 and ocean sailed her too. In my opinion narrowing the beam would ruin the performance, look, safety, and comfort of the boat. Message Rick Hueschen he trailers his T21 and has come up with a great trailer to reduce the set up time. He builds his boat every time he sails so maybe he has some other tricks too.

Trust me I've been where you are I found ways to keep the boat on a beach on dollies, I've rented dock space, and currently Element rests at anchor just a few blocks from my house. I don't know if any of these options are available to you but I would consider each possibility three times before reducing the beam. If it were me I'd sell the boat and get something else before I'd mangle it... but that's me and I get kinda sentimental at times ;) Good luck with whatever you choose.

Thank you for your thoughts , i currently have the boat for sale for 2000.00  on a good trailer , hulls are perfect , nobody seems to want to finish the remaining work . 806-376-0997 if you know anyone looking .

Will do... Where is your ad? And what needs to be done?

Is the tiki 21 still available?

 Yes our tiki is still available .. Thought we had it sold , but the guy hasn't followed through .. here is a description of what is done and is remaining to do . I stripped the hulls of the house paint that was on it . I faired the decks with awlfair and primered both hulls and decks with awlgrip 545 2 part expoy , they are as near perfect as i can get them , absolutly protected and watertight . i have 4 new alum beams 12 foot . the trailer is tagged and registered , new lights , new bearings , ready to roll.

The boat needs new cradles for the crossbeams , rudders , new main hatches , and  deck between the hulls built . Have all of the old ones to use as a templates and also have set of plans . I would complete and sell for more , wife is disabled , one income , don't have the money , the doctors get it .Have mast and standing rigging ( mast needs refish or replaced ) Have main and jib per design , as new , muti coloered  . I am in Amarillo , Tx . Call 806-376-0997 if interested 

Hey Roger,

Was your Tiki 21 empty or loaded?  And what point of sail? 

I've sailed (really fast) my 21 with 20m2 sail (13m2 crab claw and 7m jib) on a beam and broad reach in 30 knots steady and though it was hella wet I have never felt close to lifting a hull.  That said, I've always had 2-4 people aboard, a dog, and lots of cruising gear.

Thanks,

Scott in Seattle

Roger said:

Hi Chester,

I've lifted a hull on my Tiki 21 in 25 knots with full sail. When it goes it lifts quickly. I wouldn't be keen on a narrow-beam Tiki.

Roger

Hey Chester,

My friend Kiko recently suggested using shorter beams on my T21 to do just what you intend.  He pointed out that most Polynesian double-canoes are a lot narrower than western catamarans.  I say give it a try.  I for one would like to know what it's like to flip a Tiki 21 and then how to right it!

Cheers,

Scott in Seattle

chester mcintire said:

Thank you for your response . i am not keen on narrowing the beam either , i am just less keen on a 2 hr set up time . as far as raising a hull. l , i have raced tonados and hobies most of my life , so a hull up is part of life for me . i had considered 2 fold down extentions as is used on hobie 18 to give a little extra leverage . i know that doesn't make up for the reduction in beam , but would add a means of offsetting some of the loss of stability .. i cite a hobie 20 or crab claw 20 as similar designs with an 8'6" beam of simalar length . I don't think reducing the beam is a great idea , just one that may make the boat a little more practical for my now landlocked and much

older self . 

Hi Scott,

The conditions were pretty particular. The boat was empty. I had full sail up, hauled in tight, and beating into a strong breeze - solid 20 knots gusting to 25 knots or more. I had too much sail for the conditions. I dived over to the lee side of the boat to grab something and the boat fell off to a reach still sheeted in tight, and came up on one hull. I managed to uncleat the mainsail and it came back down. It was still a way from going over, but would have if I hadn't been able to let the main sheet go. In strong winds now I always have the mainsheet across my knee just in case.

Love the crab claw.

Roger


Scott Veirs said:

Hey Roger,

Was your Tiki 21 empty or loaded?  And what point of sail? 

I've sailed (really fast) my 21 with 20m2 sail (13m2 crab claw and 7m jib) on a beam and broad reach in 30 knots steady and though it was hella wet I have never felt close to lifting a hull.  That said, I've always had 2-4 people aboard, a dog, and lots of cruising gear.

Thanks,

Scott in Seattle

Roger said:

Hi Chester,

I've lifted a hull on my Tiki 21 in 25 knots with full sail. When it goes it lifts quickly. I wouldn't be keen on a narrow-beam Tiki.

Roger

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