Super Tiki Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Super Tiki are defined by its high-aspect-ratio sail plan and a hull shape optimized for hydrodynamic lift. Unlike the Hobie 16, which is notorious for "pitch-poling" (bow-burying), the Super Tiki features voluminous bows that provide substantial reserve buoyancy. According to design notes from Bill Roberts, the hull's symmetrical shape was intended to minimize drag and allow the boat to plane earlier than traditional displacement hulls. This makes the boat exceptionally stable in high winds, where it can be pushed harder than most 17-foot cats.

Handling is unique due to the absence of daggerboards. Instead, the Super Tiki utilizes a deep V-shaped hull section and specialized skegs to maintain tracking. While this reduces the "point" (the ability to sail extremely close to the wind) compared to a boat with boards, it allows for seamless beach landings and reduces the risk of hull damage in shallow water. In heavy air, the boat feels stiff and powerful; the righting moment is significant for its size, meaning the crew can often keep the boat flat and fast when others are struggling to maintain control.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a vintage Super Tiki must pay close attention to the structural integrity of the hulls, as many of these vessels have seen decades of high-stress racing and beaching.

• Deck and Hull Delamination: Like many older fiberglass/foam sandwich constructions, the Super Tiki is prone to soft spots on the decks, particularly in the areas where the crew stands or sits while trapped out. High-signal technical discussions on multihull forums suggest checking for a "crunching" sound or excessive flex in the fiberglass.
• Mast Step Compression: The downward pressure exerted by the rig is substantial. Inspect the area around the mast step for spiderweb cracking or sinking, which may indicate that the internal support structures have begun to fail.
• Rudder Casting Wear: The kick-up rudder system is a critical component for any beach cat. Over time, the internal cams and springs can corrode or wear down, leading to rudders that "pop up" unexpectedly at high speeds.
• Rigging and Shroud Attachment: Because these boats were designed for high tension, the chainplates and shroud attachment points should be scrutinized for metal fatigue or elongated bolt holes in the fiberglass.

Community & Resources

The Super Tiki community is largely integrated into the broader "Super Cat" and Bill Roberts design circles. While no longer in active production, technical support is often found through the United States Catamaran Association (USCA), which has historically maintained records and class rules for the various Roberts-designed cats. Enthusiasts frequently congregate on specialized multihull platforms to share sail plans and restoration tips, keeping the legacy of this niche performance cat alive.

The Verdict

The Super Tiki is a "sailor’s catamaran" that offers a compelling blend of durability and high-speed potential. It is an ideal choice for the coastal sailor who wants to avoid the complexities of daggerboards while still outperforming most standard beach cats.

Pros

• Exceptional Buoyancy: Large hull volume makes it much safer and more resistant to nose-diving than its peers.
• Low Maintenance Design: The absence of daggerboards simplifies the sailing experience and protects the hulls in shallow water.
• Build Quality: Generally recognized for a more robust laminate schedule than mass-produced entry-level cats.

Cons

• Parts Availability: As a discontinued model from a boutique builder, finding original hardware or replacement sails often requires custom fabrication.
• Upwind Angle: Without boards, it will never point as high as a racing catamaran equipped with deep daggerboards.
• Weight: It is heavier than modern carbon-fiber equivalents, making it slightly more difficult to manhandle on a beach without a trailer or beach wheels.