Tiki Designs

The Tiki 21 was designed in 1981 as an easy to build Coastal Trek catamaran, using new epoxy/glass stitch & glue techniques. In 1982 the new and then quite radical Tiki 21 was given first prize by Cruising World magazine (USA) in their design competition for a ‘Trailable Gunkholer’. Since then nearly 1000 Tiki 21 Plans have been sold (2015).

In 1991-97 Rory McDougall sailed his self-built Tiki 21 ‘Cooking Fat’ around the world, sometimes alone, sometimes with a companion. She was, and still is, the smallest catamaran to have circumnavigated. In 2010 Rory entered ‘Cooking Fat’ in the Jester Challenge (single handed ‘race’ across the Atlantic for small boats – under 30ft) and came into Newport, Rhode Island a close second after 34 days.

The Tiki 21 has stayed popular as a simple, easy to trail Coastal Trekker all over the world. Her unique soft Wharram Wingsail Rig has been used on all subsequent Tiki and other Wharram designs (30ft – 65ft) and is very popular with the owners of these boats.

The Tiki 26 was designed by popular demand soon after the Tiki 21, for people who wanted to do more serious Coastal cruising. Her ocean going abilities have since been proven in various ocean crossings.

The Tiki 26 can be trailed and is easily beached, to step off in ankle deep water. Sleeps two in the hulls, leaving room for small galley and chart table, but accommodation can be increased with a decktent, giving space for a double bunk.

The ideal low budget self build ocean cruiser. With a sleeping capacity of 6 (two doubles in the hulls) and spacious level deck area, TIKI 30 makes an excellent low cost charter boat.

It is our largest self-build boat design that is capable of being towed behind a vehicle. This means keeping the build weight down, and simple but adequate accommodation. This is not a high cost, luxury boat, but an elegant, versatile, ‘double canoe’ sailing boat, providing basic comfort for ‘Living on the Sea’.

An optional deck pod with double berth and/or navigation station is available. This pod replaces the standard open cockpit.

A traveller/workboat with ramp access at stern. She has open hull cockpits with removable tough awning covers, ideal for fishing. For workboat use she has a Wingsail schooner rig, with two short masts. Can sleep 4-6.

The TIKI 38 was designed using all the latest Wharram construction innovations. Her deckpod gives good shelter when ocean cruising and includes a bunk for the off-watch crew. Forward of the deckpod is 26 Sqr metres of safe, usable deck space. An excellent family cruising boat.

The TIKI 38 interior comprises two double cabins, two single cabins, galley, navigation station and toilet/shower, as well as good storage areas in bow and stern.

The Tiki 46 is a boat designed for Blue Water sailing, with live aboard space for a crew of up to 10. She also makes an excellent charter vessel with 4 private double cabins and an extra double in the deckpod. Plenty of safe deck space and slim hulls for easy, fast sailing, not requiring huge sail area to get speed.

Anne and Neville Clement write logs about their voyages on self-built Tiki 46 ‘Peace IV’.