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Wharram Tiki 21

1983–present · designed by James Wharram + Hanneke Boon · built by Wharram Designs (plans) / owner-built

James Wharram + Hanneke Boon Polynesian-inspired small catamaran — smallest of the modern Tiki range with asymmetric hulls (rather than classic V-section). Plywood-epoxy stitch-and-glue construction from plans sold by Wharram Designs Ltd (Cornwall, UK); the Tiki 21 is a popular first-build because of its simple construction and small scale. Open slatted bridge deck (no solid panel), deck-stepped mast, hulls lashed to crossbeams with synthetic line. Wood-composite hull is repairable anywhere with hand tools, epoxy, and glass cloth. Day sailer / weekender / camp-cruiser; sometimes used for trailer-launched coastal trips.

This is a general read on the Wharram Tiki 21 class — informed background, not a verdict on any individual boat. Condition, refit history, and how a particular hull was sailed and stored matter far more than class reputation. Use it to know what to look for; for a read on a specific listing, run a free FairKeel report on that boat.

At a glance

Hull form: Multihull Cat
Rudder: Transom Hung
Mast step: Deck Stepped
Hull construction: Wood
Bridgedeck: Open
Production: 1983–present
Built in: UK (plans) / variable (owner-built)

What the Wharram Tiki 21 is known for

Easily repairable anywhere — wood-composite plywood-epoxy + glass cloth hull can be patched with hand tools and locally-available materials. At this small size, an owner can do nearly all maintenance themselves.
Affordable entry into cruising-catamaran ownership — owner-built cost is modest; trailerable means no marina fees if shore-stored.
Popular first-build means a deep pool of build logs, owner experience, and forum support — Wharram Designs institutional knowledge is well-shared.

Known trade-offs

Quality varies hull-by-hull, and as a popular first-build for amateurs, the Tiki 21 fleet has more first-build mistakes than most. Build provenance + materials documentation are non-negotiable. Build-time hidden defects (poor stitch alignment, undersized glass laminate, missed epoxy hot-coats) can persist for decades.
Plywood-epoxy hulls have a finite lifespan dominated by moisture ingress; an old Tiki 21 with weak epoxy schedule history may be cheaper to replace than repair at this size.
Limited accommodation — two cosy hulls only, no enclosed living space; not for liveaboard use or comfortable extended cruising.

Age-related quirks to expect

Owner-built quality variance — every Tiki 21 is bespoke; survey must assess THIS hull, not class priors. Often a first-build for amateurs. severity: High affects: all (owner-built)

Plywood-epoxy hull moisture susceptibility — at this size, hull replacement may be cheaper than localised rot repair if extensive severity: High affects: all (age + maintenance-driven)

Lashed crossbeam attachment — lashings need annual inspection and replacement every 5-10 years severity: Medium affects: all (architectural)

Trailerable — many Tiki 21s are stored/launched on custom trailers; trailer condition and hull-cradle wear matter severity: Low affects: all (trailered hulls)

Systems to check before you buy

Hull-laminate + epoxy condition priority: coastal, weekending

Highest-risk system on any Wharram. Inspect epoxy hot-coat condition (UV chalking), plywood-stitch joint integrity, glass-sheathing delamination. Moisture-meter survey of every hull section. Builder logs + materials provenance matter — often missing for older hulls, especially first-build amateur projects.

Lashings + crossbeam attachment priority: coastal, weekending

Hulls lashed to crossbeams with synthetic line. Inspection annually and replacement every 5-10 years. Small size makes the inspection easy but does not change the consequence of failure.

Rig — simple gaff or bermudan rig priority: coastal, weekending

Tiki 21 rig is simple and small; replacement is inexpensive and doable by competent owner. Still Wharram-specific in geometry — consult class resources for sail measurements.

Auxiliary propulsion (small outboard or oars) priority: coastal, weekending

Typically a small outboard (2-5hp) on a transom bracket or in a well. Some Tiki 21s rely on paddle / oar power for harbour manoeuvering. Inspect outboard well plywood (if fitted) for moisture damage.

How it fits your plans

Coastal: Designed for it. Day-sail / weekender / protected-waters camp-cruiser. Small, light, trailerable; minimal infrastructure required.
Weekending: Strong fit. Two cosy hulls for sleeping, open bridge platform for daytime living. Suits one or a tolerant couple for short trips.
Offshore: Not designed for it. Open ocean is outside the Tiki 21's intended scope; reported open-water passages exist but are not class-typical.

This guide is the class. A report is that hull. Paste the listing you're looking at and FairKeel grades every claim in it against what's known about the Wharram Tiki 21 — where the evidence is thin, the red flags worth a second look, the costs likely to land in your first season, and whether the boat suits the plans you describe in a few short questions.

It won't read the photos or put a number on the boat — that's the Deep-Dive, and for the real answer, a surveyor. It will tell you when a Deep-Dive isn't worth buying. Free, no account, usually a minute or two.

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