3133Hrs – Deckpod In Place
On rare occasions throughout this build there have been days when weeks, if not months of work have suddenly, within the space of a few hours, been bought to a head, and a dramatic change in the boats appearance has resulted.
Today has been one of those days.
With the help of Richard, Malcolm, Luke, Joel and a JCB mini teleporter we got ‘Gledas’ deckpod lifted and into position.
It was a tricky operation due to the lack of height and an inconveniently situated roof truss, and it was only the teleporters ability to lift at an angle that allowed us to succeed, but once in position the pod fitted perfectly.
Wow! what a transformation. Not only does the boat look completely different but for the first time I can stand between the hulls,’on deck’ and see Gleda from previously unseen angles. It’s going to take some getting used to.
I have to be honest though, the Tiki 38 deckpod could never be described as pretty, I don’t think my modified design is any worse than the standard version but neither would I say it’s any better.
Ultimately the design of the boat is such that any structure on deck is going to stand out. I remember when Creed O’Hanlon was having his Tiki 38 built in Thailand way back and he decided to do away with the pod altogether to retain the clean lines of the hulls, she looked a lot better for it. Maybe that’s viable in tropical climes.
Fact of the matter is though that for me head must rule heart. ‘Gleda’ is likely to spend the first few years of her life sailing European waters, she may well taste the North Atlantic before she heads South. A sheltered steering position isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. I’m almost certainly going to add a roof to the deckpod as well so it will be even more obtrusive. I’ll get used to it and I’m certain l’ll be very thankful for it some dark stormy night.
So here are the photos, I know you’ll let me know what you think.
And lastly this is the view forward from the wheel, I look forward to spending many hours here!
Hi Neil
Once pod is surrounded by masts, rigging, tillers, floors, netting, fittings etc. it will look fine. You could otherwise add a trim of some sort where the front and back meet the top if you wanted to reduce the “box” appearance. But I really think it looks OK as is. You must be getting down your final tick list.
The biggest problem for cruising in hotter climes is ensuring adequate shade (although hiding in a pod during typhoons might appeal!). I too like the idea of low profile, low windage. Still undecided between 38/46, but both would need some kind of roof as well as pod for my use. Maybe just a simple retractable canvass?
Best wishes
Peter
If you are using solar panels you will need somewhere to mount them – on the roof of the pod?
I don’t think the pod looks that bad – its definitely requred for cold and warm climes.
The whole project is coming together now – looks good.
I got excited as soon as I read the title of today’s post. Nice job! Paraphrased from some airplane jokes I like to make… now’s the time to sit behind the wheel making boat noises. I’ve again been struck by your recent posts. You’re really moving right along!
Hi Neil,
I am one of your silent daily readers. Congratulations! After building a Hitai 17 I completely admire your dedication. I do not think I could stick to it that long.
The pod looks great. I would also add a roof for shading and solar panels but not standing height (I am 194cm), only sitting height. That way it will look much nicer , have lower windage and you can use full sail size. Maybe a roof that you can open up over the wheel to stand up (slide back front of the roof?). TIKI 38’s CatKnapp, Bounty, Tikimata, Touch Wood have roofs that are not to high.
cheers,
Mic
Bonjour Neil,
Je regarde ton travail tous les jours avec admiration et envie depuis deux ans. Je suis même frustré lorsqu’il n’y pas de nouveaux article certain jours ! (lol).
Le pod parait massif ainsi parce qu’il est “nu”. Mais je suis de l’avis de Peter, lorsque l’accastillage et tout l’équipement sera en place, il sera déjà beaucoup mieux intégré à la silhouette de Gleda.
Je pense qu’une astuce de décoration (peinture ou bande de décoration) permettrait de réduire cet aspect massif.
I’ve been following your work every day with admiration and envy for two years. I’m even frustrated when there aren’t new posts some days! (lol).
The deckpod appears huge because it is “naked”. But I share Peter’s opinion, once the deck fittings and all the equipment is in place, it will soon become much more integrated to Gleda’s silhouette. I think that a little bit of decoration (painted design or band of decoration) would reduced the large profile.
Avec toute mon admiration,
Philippe
Looking great Neil.
I get the urge to say “Five’s Alive!”
Or “Wall-EEEEEEE!” for the current generation 🙂
The windows certainly add to her a character and personallity.
She’s really looking “Alive”!!!
Thanks Paul, she feels it 🙂