Tiki 8m

The Tiki 8m, built by BoatSmith in the USA, is an updated, composite fiberglass version of the popular ply-epoxy Tiki 26. With its spacious cockpit and simple, functional interior layout, this versatile, trailable, seaworthy boat is perfect for day sailing, overnight adventures or several weeks of Coastal Trekking. It also makes a good beach charter boat. Can be car trailed. Check out BoatSmith who have the exclusive rights to build this design.

Tiki 8m Photos

Tiki 8m Videos

Designers, architects, artists often have 'themes', which they return to again and again in their creative life time.

One theme of mine has been an under 30 foot coastal cruising design that can safely cross an ocean. In the last 30 years this theme was expressed in the design of the 27 foot Tane/ Tanenui and Tiki 26 (of which a total of 1100 plans have been sold of these three designs) many of which have crossed oceans.

What enables one to develop a successful theme is not only the input of practical sailing experience, but the development of new materials.

The new TIKI 8m is built in composite fiberglass. Hulls, decks and beams are constructed using biaxial fiberglass cloth with vinylester resin, sandwiching a foam core, which results in a stiff, strong, yet lightweight structure.

Using state of the art moulding techniques for the Tiki 8m we were able to design on 'the theme' a new curved hull shape, with more internal room and more hydrodynamic efficiency than the previous 26-27 footers.

The Tiki 8M moulds are now in the workshop of BoatSmith, our USA professional builder, where David and his team have put the Tiki 8M into production.

Demounts for trailing behind a family car

Trailability expands sailing waters to all the exciting areas of the world. Assembly of boat has been simplified and speeded up with the use of quick tightening webbing straps. We do not suggest that assembly is a light hearted project, but the advantages of being able to trailer the boat and the money saved in storing the boat at home are of very high value.

With the use of individual hull trolleys the Tiki 8m can be launched on any sloping foreshore (a trailer ramp is not essential).

Flexispace for flexible living

High solid deck cabins spoil good sailing and windward abilities, they also make trailer sailing difficult and cumbersome. Instead the Tiki 8m has a versatile flexible deck cabin, which goes from all weather sailing dodger, to at-anchor windbreak, to streamlined all-over decktent/cabin, giving double berth and wide living space that connects both hull cabins.

In each hull there is good sitting headroom, a comfortable single berth, a foot well with sliding seat and enough room for a second berth, galley or chart table. One hull contains a marine head and holding tank. The cabin sides are lined with slats of white ash, giving a natural feel.

Deck space, sleeping space

The spacious cockpit seats 6-8 for day sailing and harbour parties. Tiki 8m makes a good day, family or sailing instruction boat. The sunbathing trampoline between the bows is big enough for 3 people to lie on. Tiki 8m can sleep 4-6 people. 2-4 singles in hulls, one double under deck tent.

Speed with shallow draft

The flared hulls with 1.20m (4ft) beam at deck level give a spacious feel to the hulls, without compromising the slim waterlines, giving the Tiki 8m an excellent turn of speed: 8-10 knots for sustained periods with stretches of 15 knots plus. The V-eed hull shapes with special shaping along the fine keel give all the lateral resistance needed, so no complex dagger boards or projecting keels. This means shallow draft at all times and with the stern hung rudder protected behind a skeg, ability to sail straight up a smooth beach.

How the moulds are built

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