Tilikum, 32ft. Centreboard Barge

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  • Tilikum, 32ft. Centreboard Barge
  • Tilikum, 32ft. Centreboard Barge
  • Tilikum, 32ft. Centreboard Barge
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  • Vessel Specifications and Comments

    • LOA: 32' 0"
    • Beam: 9' 0"
    • Draft: 1'8" B/U
    • Displacement: 12,000 lbs
    • Ballast: 4,200 lbs
    • Sail Area: 615 sq.ft.
    • Construction: Cedar-strip core sheathed in fiberglass
    • General Comments: Updated 2013/11/14. Tilikum is aimed at a certain type of performance--the ability to sail coastwise in open water, yet also creep up tiny creeks to wait out tides while resting on the mud. Because there is no need to be running up to the mast, Tilikum can have a raised deck forward of the cockpit. This provides a wonderfully spacious interior, even though the vessel is of only moderate beam. It also provides tremendous reserve buoyancy up high; she will pop right back up from a knock-down. First published in WoodenBoat #176, 2004. Included in an upcoming 2014 cruising tales anthology from Lodestar Books. More

  • About the Plans

    • Construction Method and Materials:

      Sheathed-strip planking over plywood bulkheads, full size plots for bulkheads, transom, and stem provided.

    • Number and Type of Drawings:

      • Lines and Offsets
      • General Construction
      • Full Size Construction Details
      • General Arrangement
      • Sail Plan
      • Spar and Rigging Plan.
      • Full size plots for bulkheads, transom, and stem provided
       

    • Study Plan:

      Tilikum 32 Profile and Arrangement PDF
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Extended Comments

From WoodenBoat article, “ Sailing Cruiser Design, Part 1. PDF, Sailing Cruiser Design, Part 2. PDF.From “Sailing Cruiser Design Part 2” published in Wooden Boat #176:

Tilikum's total displacement is 12,000 pounds, of which 4,2000 pounds is ballast and 6,000 pounds is in the rig, structure, interior, and machinery. We have only 1,800 pounds left for outfit, crew, and stores. Is it enough? Probably not...But it will take slightly more than 1,000 pounds to put her down an inch, and she can easily handle that...I designed Tilikum for what I think will be her average sailing conditions, and included safety factors for anticipated overloads.

We notice two things right off when looking at Tilikum's profile. First is the unusual Chinese balance lug rig. There are several really good reasons to rig Tilikum this way. First is ease of construction; it is low-tech, and it is possible to build the rig out of found parts. Ease of handling is its next great advantage. With a seeming spider web of lines, sheets, lazyjacks, and parrels, it looks complex. But in operation the lug rig is very simple; because of the balance, sheet loads are very small. The heavy yard means that if you let go the halyard, the sail drops and settles neatly into its lazyjacks, no matter your course, the wind strength, or the strength of your crew. Controls are all led to the cockpit. This makes her an ideal vessel for the singlehander...

In Tilikum's case the sailarea/displacement ratio is 17.1, and the vast majority of her sail area is the main, which will provide the drive. This sail can be large because it is so easy to handle. Thelittle mizzen is for balance, steering, and holding the ship into the wind at anchor.

Because there is no need to be running up to the mast, Tilikum can have a raised deck forward of the cockpit. This provides a wonderfully spacious interior, even though the vessel is of only moderate beam. It also provides tremendous reserve buoyancy up high; she will pop right back up from a knock-down. Her moderate beam and high deck mean she will stay afloat on her side because the centreline hatches will be clear of the water.

Tilikum is aimed at a certain type of performance--the ability to sail coastwise in open water, yet also creep up tiny creeks to wait out tides while resting on the mud.

Tad Roberts