Tiki 30 assembely practic run...

A few days ago I had the opportunity to help in the launch of a Tiki 30 located about an hour and half south. I have had several concerns over the ease with which the Tiki 30 could go from trailer behind a truck to floating and in sailing condition. I'm very pleased with the results. For the owner and a couple friends this was the 3rd or 4th years launching so they had some refined idea and practices which will go a long way with my own future solo launch attempts.

The Tiki arrived on an old pontoon boat trailer with a few custom supports. It seemed very well suited to the task. After removing the cross beams, mast and support lumber the boat was splashed. It was then moved around the floating dock so as to not block the public boat ramp. Four boxes with short cross beams, two 2x4s in a T configuration, kept the hulls together while trailering and initially while in the water.

The next steps were to remove the cockpit and then separate the hulls using another set of temporary T 2x4 beams that placed the hull at the proper distance for the real cross beams.

Then install the center, mast support beam, and then the fore and aft beams.

Next the cockpit floated under the beams in to position then using one of the temp T-beams and a winch lift the cockpit. Two of us lifted the aft end high then the forward end is dropped to the mast cross beam and then we lower the aft end. Pretty simple to do with three folks. Two could easily do it, but one would take more prep.

Now it was time for the mast. It's attached to the thumb at the mast base, then one of the long T-beams was used as a gin pole. Once all the stays and guide ropes were all in place it was surprisingly easy to lift the mast.

The two big areas of concern for a solo launch is the mast and cockpit. The mast was wood and heavy. It takes two to move. With a cart it would be possible to maneuver it solo moving one end at a time but not easy. This has made me really consider using aluminum for the mast.

Next was the cockpit. While this cockpit was built to spec and not like some luxurious cockpits I've seen on some Tiki 30s it was still a two man job to move from atop the hull and into the water. I suppose a system of slides and winches could be used to move the cockpit to water and back, something to think about. But more specialized materials to build and store.  

The cross beams are pretty heavy but would not be too difficult to move solo, but it sure makes me think of carbon fiber:)