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Super Tiki
Designer: George Marzin  ·  Builder: S.p.b.i.  ·  First built: 1964
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About the Super Tiki

A classic example of the tiki-style multihull tradition, the Super Tiki is a catamaran designed with simplicity and accessible sailing in mind. Rooted in the Polynesian-inspired design philosophy popularized by James Wharram, this type of vessel emphasizes seaworthy construction, low-cost building, and a connection to traditional seafaring principles. The result is a boat that appeals to adventurous sailors drawn to self-sufficiency and a more elemental relationship with the water. The Super Tiki is well suited to coastal cruising and daysailing, offering the stability and shallow draft typical of catamaran designs, which makes it capable of exploring anchorages and waterways that deeper-keeled monohulls cannot access. Its straightforward construction lends itself to amateur building, making it a popular choice among home builders looking to enter the world of multihull sailing without prohibitive expense. While detailed specifications are limited, the Super Tiki's reputation rests on its practical character rather than high-performance metrics. Sailors who prioritize simplicity, affordability, and a rugged cruising spirit over speed and luxury will find this design a rewarding and capable companion on the water.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 16.01 ft / 4.88 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 14.99 ft / 4.57 m
Beam 6.50 ft / 1.98 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Min Draft 0.40 ft / 0.12 m
Displacement 287.00 lb / 130 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 172.00 ft² / 15.98 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer George Marzin
Builder S.P.B.I.
First Built 1964
Last Built 1980
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
63.31
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
2.39
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
3.94
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 5.19
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 348.15
How It Compares

vs. Balboa 16, Isotope, Sweet Sixteen

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Super Tiki ★
16.0 ft
Balboa 16
16.0 ft
Isotope
16.0 ft
Sweet Sixteen
16.0 ft
LWL
Super Tiki ★
15.0 ft
Balboa 16
14.7 ft
Isotope
Sweet Sixteen
12.3 ft
Beam
Super Tiki ★
6.5 ft
Balboa 16
7.5 ft
Isotope
7.5 ft
Sweet Sixteen
6.0 ft
Displacement
Super Tiki ★
287 lbs
Balboa 16
1 lbs
Isotope
275 lbs
Sweet Sixteen
450 lbs
Sail Area
Super Tiki ★
172 sq ft
Balboa 16
117 sq ft
Isotope
185 sq ft
Sweet Sixteen
128 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Super Tiki ★
63.3
Balboa 16
18.8
Isotope
70.1
Sweet Sixteen
34.9
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Super Tiki ★
2.4
Balboa 16
7.0
Isotope
Sweet Sixteen
4.8
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Super Tiki ★
3.94
Balboa 16
3.00
Isotope
Sweet Sixteen
3.13
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Super Tiki ★
Balboa 16
141
Isotope
Sweet Sixteen
109
Hull Speed
Super Tiki ★
5.2 kts
Balboa 16
5.1 kts
Isotope
Sweet Sixteen
4.7 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Super Tiki ★
Balboa 16
3.8
Isotope
Sweet Sixteen
6.2
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