For me, it's the Tiki 21, http://www.wharram.com/. This boat has good performance, high stability, good carrying capacity, is seaworthy, cheap and easily maintained.

As a group, we've been seduced by speed and technology. To prove my point, I propose a medium distance race without ground crew support.

Whatchya'll think?

Pete in Cape Coral

We love our TIKI 21 too. You can see her at Wharram's site, at the 2003 builders' page. Her name is Ho'opakele, which means 'rescued'

I read with interest Rory McDonnell's account, and after sailing our TIKI in 40kt, I'm convinced Wharram's a very smart man.

sea ya
tami

Sorry, at the 2002! builders page

I'm still seduced by the speed of my 5.5

from what i have seen, they do not point past a beam reach. there were two in my club until one developed mush insted of ply wood for core. shame though, niceish boat.

The good old Hobie 16 is not too bad...not the quickest cat but so simple and so little to damage when beaching. I think it is a fun cat to use. I am on my second one!

I'm afriad I find pretty much anything by Wharram rather offensive to the eye (that is to say, I think they're ugly).

I'd much prefer the lines and performance of the Reynolds 21, or something from Richard Woods.

You can still buy SailCraft Iroquis for a decent price, and get a lot of boat for your money. Also another fine-looking craft.

In fact, they point moderately well, about like the Hobie 16. The gaff headed main is tricky. It is very sensitive to peak halyard adjustment and to sheet pressure. As the main has no battens, the shape is very sensitive to sheeting pressure and should be sheeted relatively lightly when compared to a fully battened sail. This boat is about as difficult to sail to weather as a Hobie 17.

Of course rot is rot, I've had 'glass hulls delaminate.

Where are you folks located? I'm in Cape Coral, Florida.

I was also interested in Rory's article, that in fact sold me on the boat! While I have no intention of circumnavigating, it's nice to know the ability to cruise is there.

I haven't been in 40knots yet but, have had some 20 knot gusts and it's nice not to be worried about capsizing. I'm well past the desisre to trapeze!

Well, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" as they say, but I think more in terms of "handsome is as handsome does".

Still, there is at least one version of the Tiki 21 called "Cookie" which would probbably be more to your liking.

As for price, I got mine all up with a new 5hp motor for $4,000.