Twenty years - the story of a Tiki 21 Double Canoe

A short documentary account of a James Wharram designed Tiki 21 catamaran, built from Plan #97 and launched in Canada in 1997, then later transported to Ghana, West Africa, where it now sails on the Gulf of Guinea. This is a story of hopes, decay, neglect, rejuvenation, perseverance, triumph. Idle No More.

[@briggsmonteith2097]

Great video, Rod! What a history of a neat little boat. The mistakes are part of what makes the story interesting. I hope you can look back on as many fond memories with your Kohler Eco6.

[@RodMcLaren]

Thank you, Briggs. Comments like yours from the sailing community are much appreciated and make me happy I shared the story. By chance today, instead of my plans for taking the ECO 6 to the lake for its first sail, instead I am holed up in my office looking out on a very rainy day with thunderstorms in the forecast. 😀 Tomorrow is another day and the memories will still be out there waiting to be made. Cheers, Mate.

[@user-wu9hq9nh3r]

Superb video. Loved the beach launch through surf...heart in mouth stuff! Thank you for sharing

[@RodMcLaren]

Thanks, Andrew. Glad you liked it. 😀

[@pascalblotiau]

Those tiny 21 are legends

[@brianmifit9637]

Rod. Well done, and kudos for sticking it out and fixing her up. I know how much work it all takes. My Tiki 21 lives on a beach in Hong Kong and recently survived one of the worst typhoons living memory. T,here were a few dings on the hulls, and the beams were completely trashed (IT WAS A HUGE TYPHOON). But it was all eminently fixable. It's taken a lot of time to make new beams and patch, fill and paint the hulls, but we're nearly there. By the way, in case anyone ever comments on your boat being "tied together with string," I can tell you my lashings held up to the storm just fine! James Wharram and Hanneke Boone were spot on about that!. In any case, these are wonderfully simple but satisfying boats to build and sail. I love Wharram Tikis! Happy sailing

[@RodMcLaren]

Good morning, Brian. Thank you for your kind comments. What a great way to start my day!! I agree - Tiki's are the best. My good friend, Bo, who did the most recent restoration on Tiki #97, is nearing completion of his Tiki 21 and we are planning to sail together next summer - he on his Tiki 21 and me on my Mana 24 (which is essentially just a slightly lengthened T21). The Wharram/Boone designed boats are a lot of fun. As for typhoons, fortunately we don't get them here. What a great story to hear that your Tiki survived albeit with some damage and will soon be sailing. It would be great to see some video of it once it is back on the water. Fair winds..

[@pascalblotiau]

I love to see the joy of these beautiful people when the boat gets thru the surf Nice team work love these cats

[@RodMcLaren]

Thank you for your comment. Working together and expressing joy - two lessons I have tried to remember from my years living and working in Ghana. I was taught these two things over and over again by example and you have noticed one very good instance of both.

[@BalkanShipyards]

Great movie man, u got quite d history..... The Mana is with u, wish u a warmish winter, ours just kicked in.......

[@RodMcLaren]

Thanks, Rael. Yes, you are right - I am blessed. As for winter, we just came through a record setting cold spell and now we are looking forward to spring, and of course the next sailing season. (I keep thinking how cool it would be to have you and your proa joining us for the Elbow Run.) Be well, stay warm.

[@edemkumah5248]

Just like the Polynesian tech behind the Tiki designs, IDLE NO MORE keeps seeing new life 😀

[@RodMcLaren]

A very astute comment. Thanks for watching, Edem.

[@j.d.3875]

Life is Never Too Short for a tiki, LOL, thanks so much Form Sharing

[@RodMcLaren]

True words, John. Thanks for watching.

[@debbiearmstrong330]

Hi Rod - my sister sent me this video because I am part of it! Our family owned a Tiki then a Tangaroa and were active in the Polycats. I also worked with David and Neila at Noahs and that was a note from me you included! So cool to see 40 years later - hope you are well

[@RodMcLaren]

Good morning, Debbie, only this morning have I seen your comment. My apologies for not responding earlier. That is very cool. It is amazing how our lives connect and circle back. Thank you for reaching out. I would be interested in following up if you choose to. Send a message to me through my KZbin channell.

[@dominictarrsailing]

fascinating to see this boat being launched and landed through the surf! thanks Rod!

[@RodMcLaren]

And each time it has gone out has had its heart-stopping moments. 🙂

[@pascalblotiau]

Love the story thank you for sharing

[@The1stGurehaundo]

Closing music is great...lovely little boat and lovely family, Rod.

[@RodMcLaren]

Thank you so much, Galgo. Yes, I am blessed with my family.

[@paulat2498]

Fabulous Rod, well done, thanks for sharing your beautiful story.

[@RodMcLaren]

Thank you, Paula. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@SailingLuckyfish]

Great story ! Wishing a great future for Idle No More, may she bring joy to many many more sailors!

[@RodMcLaren]

Thank you, Stewart. My hopes exactly..

[@michaelcee8348]

great story. great boat. great creator. great help. keep on!!!

[@RodMcLaren]

Thank you, Michael. I have had great good fortune in my life. :)

[@buildingsailboats4549]

Hello Rod, thank you for making this very interesting video. I enjoyed watching the story.

[@RodMcLaren]

Thank you, sir. I am very happy that you enjoyed it.

[@wilsonjosesilva8751]

Great history, congratulations for keeping the vessel alive!

[@eladioboss]

Maravillosa historia, espléndidamente relatada y documentada... un gran saludo desde Argentina

[@RodMcLaren]

Muito obrigado. Saudações do Canadá

[@AndrewMoizer]

Great story Rod!

[@RodMcLaren]

Thank you, Andrew. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@travelbywater9378]

That's a cool storey. I have read about some of Rory Mcdougalls adventures on Cooking Fat, seems these boats like adventures.

[@RodMcLaren]

Yup, the Tiki 21 has been a very popular design, and for many good reasons.

[@fagionco]

What a beautiful story and documentary Rod! Thanks for sharing... Love the Brasil t shirt. Best regards.

[@RodMcLaren]

Thank you very much, Fabio. Very happy to hear from you. And the t-shirt fits so well. There are so many Wharram fans with their boats in Brazil. Sail on.

[@fagionco]

@@RodMcLaren I´m very pleased on built a hitia 14 named ruru kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIWspIl8rMt9e8U

[@tikinomade]

Nice story. We have a Tiki 21 here in Brazil and it's wonderful to sail her away.

[@petermirow]

Lovely. Nice story, Rod! Thanks for sharing it. Great to see how many lives a Tiki can have, and how versatile it's use is. ... and a nice Brazil shirt, too! :-)

[@RodMcLaren]

Thanks for watching, Peter. No doubt, James and Hanneke designed a winner with the Tiki 21 with so many of them all around the world, including Brazil. Sadly the closest I will likely get to Brazil is the t-shirt! :-) I'd love to join you for a sail on Arpex - now that would be good fun.

[@petermirow]

@@RodMcLaren That would be good fun, indeed, Rod! :-)

[@pascalblotiau]

the tiki 21 is such a nice little cat I have a Hobie 21 sport cruiser but I love the safety of the tiki and the possibility of overnight sailing. Nice video I enjoyed it, thanks

[@RodMcLaren]

Thank you for your comment. Two different boats - one designed for speed and daytime excitement and the other emphasizing stability over speed and also providing for camping/sailing. It seems sailboats are always a compromise - there isn't one design meeting all of our wants. :) That Sport Cruiser looks like a lot of fun. You could do what I used to do with my WindRider 17 trimaran. I made use of dry bags, a tent and camping gear. If you go to my Elbow Run videos you will see a bunch of guys doing that on their WR17's. We had a couple join our weeklong camping/sailing expedition with their Hobie Getaway and they did fine. I understand the attraction of the cabin on the Tiki 21 - I now am sailing a Mana 24 that I built two years ago. Wishing you all the best.

[@pascalblotiau]

Thanks for your reply I do like the cruising aspect of the tiki wishing you a great 2020 season the safest place is on the water.Where do you sail I live in New York but I’m French and I greatly miss sailing the French coast

[@RodMcLaren]

@@pascalblotiau Thank you, Pascal. I agree that it will be safer to be out sailing on water than being with a lot of people on land. The French coast must be a wonderful place to sail. As you could see in the video, my old Tiki 21 is now with my son in Ghana. I am back in Canada, living on the prairies. I sail my Mana 24 on Lake Diefenbaker, which was formed when the South Saskatchewan River was dammed about 60 years ago. The lake is 233 kilometres long with many bays and coves with nice beaches for camping. There are very few boats on the lake so it is perfect for wilderness camping. If it was not such a long distance I would encourage you to bring your Sport Cruiser and join us for our annual camping/sailing event. Here is the video from last year: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmeWlJyso9d6aaM I wish you also a great sailing season in 2020. May we all get through this current event in good health and safety.

[@pascalblotiau]

Rod McLaren wow the tiki went a long way in a container I’m sure must be nice sailing there I live in long island New York, plenty of water here but difficult to sail camp, often private beaches that drive me crazy not like France where the coast is public, that’s a huge lake you got there and Canada is beautiful love the concept of the mana 24 in a box

[@RodMcLaren]

@@pascalblotiau "Where the coast is public" Of course, because France is civilized! The coast is for everyone to enjoy, not just a few who have more money.. The shore around our lake is also public, held in trust for everyone - we don't have to ask anyone's permission - also civilized. As for USA... let me be quiet - I have a number of friends who are American and I don't want to upset anyone. :)

[@Hindukushsailing]

How is the Mana 24 doing. Need some more spring time sailing videos. I commented before watching the whole video. Everybody looked so happy to see the boat on the water that energy thru young kids will live on. Planting a seed or a thought is probably most important way to inspire others. Cool video

[@RodMcLaren]

I'm with you - more sailing videos would be good. The Mana is sitting under tarp to keep the snow off it. The ice comes off the lake usually by end of April so hopefully some time in May we will be back in the water. In the meantime, you can catch shots of the Mana in my Elbow Run video kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmeWlJyso9d6aaM.

[@Hindukushsailing]

@@RodMcLaren I actually watched that video already. I enjoyed it. lol. Hey anyway have a great New Year dude to you and your family. Love the positive energy.

[@RodMcLaren]

@@Hindukushsailing Thanks again, man. Returning the good vibes for 2020. Looking forward to sailing season. I sewed up a new sail for the Mana recently and wanting to see how it performs - a mizzen staysail. Also made major revisions to the deck tent to enable it to take the wind. Should be great year ahead.

[@Hindukushsailing]

Wow you sure had a long history with the Wharram designs. This video would be a great advert for marine plywood 😃. Good video, I would like to see more this summer. I have a new addition a Com Pac Sun Cat, its docile 😃. Good day!!

[@RodMcLaren]

Yes, I got hooked on Polynesian double canoes and James Wharram a long time ago. :) As for videos this summer, that is definitely in the plans. The Mana 24 is currently in the back yard where I am doing a few repairs and modifications before the sailing season begins. The dates have been set for the highlight of the summer, the annual Elbow Run and there are always some exciting sailing that week. Wishing you fair winds with your new Com Pac Sun Cat - they look like a fun boat.

[@Hindukushsailing]

@@RodMcLaren When the Mana first came out that was my inclination to buy the kit and build it. My trouble is tow vehicle so maybe when I retire that could be a viable option. I would like to see what kind of room it has on the interior for example sleeping and cooking. Possible deck tent videos just a suggestion haha. Good summer to you to.

[@RodMcLaren]

@@Hindukushsailing As for towing, my Tacoma mid-size pickup plays with the boat and trailer. The trailer I have is likely heavier than the boat itself. Interior photos to come soon. Last season, I was still sorting out the best way to use the interior. That is still being worked on but this season I will have hammocks, etc installed to accommodate "stuff". Also there will be a deck tent which I sewed up this winter and have yet to try out. That will make it much more comfortable for camping and camping. As you know the deck is spacious - lots of room to relax in lawn chairs when not sailing. Stay tuned....

[@Hindukushsailing]

@@RodMcLaren For sure waiting to see some new adventures. My compac is at a marina and my tow vehicle for my Hobie Tandem Island is a Nissan Altima which works great and I have probably 4500 miles plus towing on it already. Including. Tugging my Compac trailer to the house which is heavily built. Over and out.

[@McChimperson]

You're gonna have to rename her "Ship of Theseus" soon. Great video.

[@RodMcLaren]

Thank you. In line with your comment, further repairs/replacements tot he boat have been required wince the video was filmed. :-)

[@GreenMntMoto]

Guy in blue was all over it - finishes with a back flip’ wish people were cool everywhere

[@RodMcLaren]

Yup. I think that was Francis. Aside from my son and Bo, all the guys are staff at Escape3points and all are very cool guys with a lot of spirit.

[@calmauric8218]

Dang, that was a whole lot of woman on the port hull stern. I had fears for the skeg rudder on that side as she bashed through the swell...

[@itsmePassportBro]

I can't believe one of the rudders got ripped off...

[@meazimi]

Hey rod, Nice video. I am looking for the Tiki 21 building plan. Do you know where I can find to buy?

[@RodMcLaren]

Go the the James Wharram Design site www.wharram.com/site/self-build-boats They can fix you up. Do you know about the Wharram Catamaran Facebook page? Lots of good advice there for builders and sailors. Let us know when you get started. Best wishes.

[@ww07ff]

Rod, were the hulls covered with fiberglass internally and externally ? Or just epoxi?

[@RodMcLaren]

The exterior of the hulls were fibreglasses and epoxied. The interior were just epoxied. This is the same procedure I used a couple years back when I built my Mana 24. The fibreglass not only provides strength but it also makes sure there is adequate epoxy on the outside of the hulls.

[@ww07ff]

@@RodMcLaren Tks for reply!

[@paddywellsy]

Hi Rod I’ve really enjoyed your videos I wonder what your thoughts are on the differences between the tiki 21 and mana 24. I’m based in the uk and I want a boat that could be sailed over to france or Ireland, and would be capable of touring the western isles of Scotland. At the moment I’m leaning towards the tiki 21 as 21 feet seems a lot more manageable than the 24 for a couple. But I do want a boat that is properly capable of going anywhere in the British isles so I though I’d ask your advice. Also, Is there is big difference is assembly time on the launch ramp with these two boats? Thanks so much and enjoy the coming season, Patrick

[@RodMcLaren]

Afternoon, Patrick, My response is conditional - when you have completed construction of whichever you decide to build, you must promise to take me for a sail off the coast of my ancestral homeland! Just joking of course. Your question is a good one and as a fresh water sailor, I may not be the best one to answer it but I'll give it a go. First off, for a couple the Mana is perfectly manageable, just as easily as the Tiki 21. If you have watched my videos, you will know I took my cousin out for a week of sailing two years ago. He had absolutely no sailing experience of any kind prior to that week, and we did just fine. If it were me and I was to be sailing as a couple, I would be leaning towards the Mana, especially if you are going out for days at a time to do some exploring. The bunks in the Mana are considerably larger than the Tiki 21, although still only large enough for one but at least comfortably so. And if sleeping as a couple is preferred, the deck on the Mana is large enough to set up a tent with room for two and all on one level. Use of straps and over centre buckles to secure two crossbeams make set up at the ramp much shorter with the Mana. Lashing three crossbeams on the Tiki 21 is a time consuming process.The Mana does have a second mast to set but that mizzen is only 13 feet long and easy to step and secure. Don't get me wrong - I love the Tiki 21. Both designs will do what you want to do but I think the Mana will do it a bit more comfortably.

[@paddywellsy]

@@RodMcLaren awesome Thanks so much Rod! You’re welcome here any time. Best wishes

[@paddywellsy]

I also wanted to ask, how wet is the cockpit? And what sort of wind speed do you start getting a lot of spray? Thanks so much, Patrick

[@RodMcLaren]

@@paddywellsy Considering they are both open cats, both boats are drier than I would have expected. Between the two, the Mana is drier. Of course, there is a point, and I am not sure what that is because when the wind gets there, I am usually too busy to be measuring it. On the Mana, the wettest I have been was on a day when the winds were gusting to 50 km/hr (27 knots/hr). In the Prairie Mermaid video, you can see my sailing mate, Bo, catching plenty of water in the face at the 6 or 7minute mark. :-) When building the Mana I considered constructing a spray skirt for it but in my experience there have been so few times when it would have been useful and on balance I decided it is just easier to put on my storm gear to keep warm and dry..

[@paddywellsy]

@@RodMcLaren ok great thanks Rod, that's encouraging, does sound like its much worse than most relatively small boats.

[@botasebas]

Great story! I'm searching for second hand Tiki 21 plans. Do you think you can help me? Thanks!

[@RodMcLaren]

Glad you liked the story. As for your request, plans are sold by the designer to build one boat only.Building a second one from the plans is illegal - it infringes on the copyrights of the designer. It might be possible to find a set of plans that have been purchased but which have not been used to build a boat yet. There is a group on Facebook called Wharram Catamaran and you could ask there to see if someone can help you.

[@botasebas]

@@RodMcLaren , do you think I can customize the interior to fit 4 people?

[@RodMcLaren]

@@botasebas I'm not sure what you mean by "fit". Each hull has space for one small bunk large enough for one adult. By adding a tent to the deck, for nighttime sleeping, it would be possible to have two sleeping in the hulls and two sleeping on deck. If you want to sleep four adults in the hulls, you should be looking for a different design.

[@botasebas]

@@RodMcLaren to make the bunk longer. To make the entire hull a long bunk.

[@RodMcLaren]

@@botasebas Once you get a set of plans, you might see the limitations of doing that. There are bulkheads involved that provide not only the shape of the hulls but also their strength. I would not recommend these kind of modifications unless you consult the original designers - alter all they are the experts in these matters and that is why we pay for their plans.

[@michaelargenta3856]

Where did you get the plans ?

[@RodMcLaren]

The Tiki 21 plans are available from James Wharram Designs. If you act now, you can take advantage of the sale - 20% off. www.wharram.com/self-build-boats/tiki-designs

[@foliage31]

Clearly the rudder skegs were a problem all along so either cut them off and use kick up rudders or make a trailer to make the beach landing eaiser

[@RodMcLaren]

Thanks for your interest. The skegs are an important part of the design and are there in part to protect the rudders. The problem is not with the boat or its skegs but rather with the challenge which posed by the surf on that beach and most others along that stretch of the Gulf of Guinea. I assure you a trailer would be of little value in those conditions and if you were there to see it you would likely agree. The solution is to find a more suitable beach for a home for the Tiki and there are some in the vicinity.

[@fabmanly1070]

Gosh is that it sitting on the beach in Google earth!

[@RodMcLaren]

If you are looking at the beach just east of Cape Three Points on the Google Earth map, then it is. I hav en't checked in on Google Earth for some time. Plans are afoot to move "Idle No More" to Lake Bosumtwi, a natural crater lake located in the interior of Ghana, to pursue new adventures.

[@jejakpuaka2323]

what the the title music background its familiar for me ?minute 00.07.00

[@RodMcLaren]

When I get a chance I will go back to the master edit and try to get the answer to your question.

[@RodMcLaren]

I should have gone to the 7 minute mark first and I could have told you the answer right away! That is a song we used to sing when I was a kid - 60 years ago or more. "She'll be coming round the mountain when she comes".

[@jejakpuaka2323]

ok...I think there are similarities with this songs that were popular early in 2000 in my country ... thank you for the reply my comments : kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZWvk6dpl7eSarM

[@walterhoward4646]

you can build a boat ,and rebuild it over and over, but you can put together a trailer !!!!!!!!!

[@Antipodean33]

Those rudders are no good for beach landing, especially where's there's surf, you need some sort of kick up rudder system

[@RodMcLaren]

I am surprised to read your comment. Perhaps you have never sailed a Wharram design with this style of rudder. If you had you would know how very well they are suited to these conditions.

[@Antipodean33]

@@RodMcLaren I saw you coming in after the second rebuild and the rudder was torn off coming up to the beach. I also noticed in the previous rebuild that the rudder had been torn off. This is why I'm saying that

[@RodMcLaren]

@@Antipodean33 You have a very good eye. Thank you for reminding me - I had forgotten about the rudder failure. I believe the reason for the failure has more to do with the materials used to make the rudders than in the design itself. During the original build in Canada, I did not use marine grade plywood for the rudders, as specified in the plans. As a result, over time they delaminated and failed. We were unable to access marine grade plywood in Ghana at the time of the refit and we chose instead a local hardwood. As you have correctly pointed out - the new rudder failed. It cracked and split into two on impact when the boat came through the surf. The original design provides a skeg in front of the rudder to protect it and this works very well under ordinary conditions. Incorporating a kick-up rudder would require considerably more than just a change of the rudder itself. A better solution would be to find an easier beach to come in on. :-) Thank you for your interest.

[@markthomasson5077]

A longer , softer angledskeg would help