Tiki 46 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Tiki 46 is most commonly rigged as a schooner using the signature Wharram "Wingsail" rig. This configuration features two identical gaff-headed mainsails that sleeve around the masts, creating a clean aerodynamic profile without the need for expensive high-tension standing rigging. With a displacement-to-length ratio that places it in the light displacement category, the Tiki 46 is surprisingly agile for its size. The slim, deep-V hulls provide sufficient lateral resistance to dispense with daggerboards, simplifying the underwater profile and allowing the boat to be safely beached for maintenance or to escape heavy weather in shallow estuaries.

In terms of handling, the Tiki 46 is known for its "soft" ride. The hulls are connected to the crossbeams with synthetic lashings—traditionally Dacron or specialized webbing—which allows the structure to flex and absorb the kinetic energy of the ocean rather than fighting it. This flex reduces the jarring "slamming" common in rigid bridge-deck catamarans. While it does not point as high as a performance-oriented daggerboard cat, it excels on a reach, where it can consistently maintain double-digit speeds in favorable winds. The schooner rig allows for a low center of effort, making the boat exceptionally stable and easy to reef for a short-handed crew.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The living spaces on a Tiki 46 are concentrated within the two hulls, which are connected by an expansive open deck. This layout creates a "village" atmosphere, separating the private sleeping quarters from the communal areas. Each hull typically contains two private double cabins, providing comfortable accommodation for up to eight people, though many owners configure the hulls for fewer occupants to increase storage for long-term cruising. Headroom in the hulls is generous for a V-bottom design, generally exceeding six feet in the main standing areas.

A defining feature of the Tiki 46 is the optional "Deck Pod." While the standard design uses an open platform, the pod adds a central sheltered steering position, a small galley or navigation station, and even an additional double bunk. This variation significantly changes the boat's utility, transforming it from a "fair weather" multihull into a true all-weather cruiser. The 46-footer is the largest of the Tiki lineage, which includes the trailerable Tiki 21 and Tiki 26, the intermediate Tiki 30 and 31, and the highly popular Tiki 38. Each larger model in the series progressively increases the ratio of interior living volume to deck space, as noted in the Tiki Design Range.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Tiki 46 gained significant recognition through the voyages of Peace IV, a self-built model owned by Anne and Neville Clement. Their extensive logs and multi-year Atlantic circuits demonstrated the design's ability to handle extreme offshore conditions while maintaining a high standard of living for its crew. The design philosophy behind the 46 is heavily influenced by the Pahi 63 Spirit of Gaia, the vessel James Wharram used for his own world circumnavigation to study Polynesian maritime history. This voyage is documented in several editorial retrospectives, including features by Practical Boat Owner.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

As a primarily self-built or custom-built vessel, the quality of a Tiki 46 depends entirely on the original builder's skill and the materials used. Prospective buyers should focus on several critical areas:

• Plywood and Epoxy Integrity: "Black rot" is the primary enemy of any wooden multihull. Inspect all end-grain areas, particularly around the beam troughs, the stem, and the stern. Use a moisture meter on the hull skins to check for delamination or water ingress where the fiberglass sheathing may have been breached.
• Lashing Condition: The synthetic lashings connecting the hulls to the beams are the boat's "suspension." These must be checked for UV degradation and chafe. While relatively inexpensive to replace, neglected lashings can lead to excessive hull movement and structural stress.
• Chainplate and Attachment Points: Wharram designs often use unconventional methods for attaching rigging. Ensure that any stainless steel hardware is properly bedded and that there are no signs of compression or crushing in the wood around these high-load points.
• Rudder Bearings and Lashings: Many Tikis use lashed rudders. These require regular inspection for play. Some owners have modified these to more traditional pintle-and-gudgeon systems, but any such modification should be verified for structural reinforcement.

Community & Resources

The Wharram community is one of the most robust in the nautical world. Technical support is primarily centered around the official designers at James Wharram Designs, who provide updated plan specifications and technical papers. The Wharram Builders and Owners Association (WBOA) remains the primary collective for owners to share modifications, specifically concerning rig tension and deck pod customizations.

The Verdict

The Tiki 46 is a specialized tool for the sailor who prioritizes maritime heritage and ocean-crossing resilience over marina-bound luxury. It is a "workhorse" catamaran that rewards those willing to embrace a more traditional, hands-on style of yachting.

Pros:

• Exceptional sea-kindliness and a comfortable, "soft" motion in heavy seas.
• Shallow draft allows for beaching and access to remote anchorages.
• Simple, low-maintenance rigging and systems compared to modern production cats.
• Proven blue-water pedigree with multiple documented circumnavigations.

Cons:

• Reduced interior volume compared to modern "condo-marans" of similar length.
• Significant windward performance limitations in light air.
• Resale value and structural integrity are highly dependent on the quality of the original builder.