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Paper Tiger

Paper Tiger insignia

Paper Tiger is a 13 ′ 11 ″ / 4.3 m catamaran sailboat designed by Ron Given and built by Formula Sailcraft starting in 1967.

Drawing of Paper Tiger

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

  • SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
  • D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
  • LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
  • LOA: Length overall in feet
  • Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Originated in New Zealand and soon spread to Australia. Designed for the for the amateur builder using plywood. A fiberglass version was introduced in the mid 1970’s. Class is still active (2010). Plans and completed boats are still available.

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Paper Tiger

The Paper Tiger Catamaran is an exciting single-handed catamaran that provides enjoyable, competitive racing for a wide range of ages, weights and strengths. It has tight control over the rules that guarantees exceptional racing, yet there is sufficient freedom within the rules to give plenty of opportunity for sailors to experiment.

Why choose a Paper Tiger?

  • Exciting performance and exhilarating sailing while still being manageable in very strong winds.
  • Large fleet National and International competition of a very high standard.
  • Great fun and a real pleasure to sail and race.
  • Light weight, so they're easily handled afloat and ashore.
  • Some of the closest racing you'll find among catamaran fleets.
  • Responsive, manoeuvrable handling which encourages challenging, tactical sailing.
  • Relatively inexpensive.
  • Rules that are tight enough to ensure close racing, yet with sufficient freedoms to satisfy those who like to tinker.
  • Copes with a wide variety of skipper weights and ages.
  • Excellent performance against similar sized catamarans.
  • A great social scene.

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Welcome to our world!

NEW ZEALAND PAPER TIGERS

The Paper Tiger is a New Zealand designed 4.3 metre racing catamaran with a strong following in New Zealand and Australia. The class is competitive on the water and inclusive and supportive off the water with knowledge on gear and boat setups openly shared allowing sailors to get the best from their boats. Fifty boats regularly compete at Nationals with sailors competing in experience and age groups.

The New Zealand Paper Tiger Owners Association (NZPTOA) is the NZ National Association for Paper Tigers and is affiliated to Yachting New Zealand and the Paper Tiger Catamaran International Association (PTCIA). NZPTOA co-ordinates regattas for its members throughout the year including a North and South Island traveller series. The peak event is the National Championships, usually held in early January.

This website provides sailors a with a range of news and information on what is happening during the year, and records the history of our class and competition. We are keen to expand the information available and provide members with easy access to this as well as links to other sites and sources of sailing news. You can help by sending us your favourite yachting related links, PT photos, and news. We welcome submission of photos, stories and reports on boat building, gear modifications and rigs, club fleets, and PT racing and sailing of all kinds.  ​​​​​​​

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paper tiger catamaran specifications

NEW ZEALAND PAPER TIGERS APP

​​​​​​​Download the free Sporty NZ app to receive sport updates from​​​​​​​ NZPTOA.

Go to the App Store or Google Play, search for Sporty NZ.

Download then search for New Zealand Paper Tiger Owners. ​​​​​​​

paper tiger catamaran specifications

New  Zealand  Paper  Tiger  Owners  Association

​​​​​​​ Email : [email protected]  

paper tiger catamaran specifications

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  • Paper Tiger Forum

Paper Tiger Building plans???

Guest Old Mate

By Guest Old Mate, April 10, 2005 in Paper Tiger Forum

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Guest old mate.

I was wondering where I could obtain some paper tiger plans, geometric tolerances, material rules and etc... all the construction regulations. Also how much am I looking at for a mast section etc... Also how much would a brand new foam sandwich paper tiger with a trailer and sailbox sell for? also where are the Nationals this year and what dates?

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I don't have the address details for purchasing plans on me at the moment. I will post them tomorrow.

Blank mast sections are priced at around $300.

A guy was selling a PT that was only few months old in Victoria recently for $14,000. I don't know if he got it. I don't think it included a trailer.

People rarely buy a fully assembled boat brand new. They normally purchase the hulls and foils from the builder, then purchase all other gear separately, assembling it themselves or paying someone else to do it. They usually do this to ensure that it is set up the way they want it. While the PT is really a one-design class, there are a lot of freedoms around layout and fittings. For this reason, it generally pays to purchase a second-hand boat first, then sail it for a season or so before considering a brand new boat. You will learn a lot about the class, both how to sail it and also the way you would like it fitted out.

The next Nationals will be held in Hobart, Tasmania. The dates are 3rd - 10th January 2006. You can check out the event web site at http://ausnats2006.papertigercatamaran.org

The following Nationals will be held in NSW.

Please let me know if you need any further information.

Dave Stumbles

Publicity Officer

Australian Paper Tiger Catamaran Assoc.

(dave at papertigercatamaran.org)

HooD

the tasmanian pt association is in the process of building a website, not 100% sure what is going to be on it, but with all the input its going to recieve it should be a ripper.

www.tptca.catsailor.org

post-22276-13776299144434_thumb.jpg

Cheers mate. Yeah just put up a link or whatever to the PT Plans... Iam just looking at the costs involved in building one from scratch in the back yard. Also what is the PT minimum weight? I need all rules and regulations... also can anyone here obtain Arrow and Arafura Cadet plans as well? Iam looking at all these *home build* style classes to price out how much it will cost to build them and sell them, to new sailors, seasoned sailors or sailors looking for something new to sail.

Also looking at a PT, to sail at nats 2006, is anyone here going? also will there be a container going over at the same time? will there most likely be New Boat Buyers? is there usually new boat buyers at the titles?

Thanks all this help is greatly appreciated!

G'day again,

Sorry, I didn't get the details of the guy who sells the plans. I will get them tonight.

I can't post a link to the plans. They are not freely available. A set of plans costs around $80.

The PT class rules can be accessed on the New Zealand PT site at www.papertiger.org.nz and look under "Specifications".

Paper Tigers are weighed unrigged (ie. just the platform) and the minimum weight is 50kg. All up weight would be 70 - 75kg.

I don't know if there would be people interested in buying new ply boats, as we haven't had a professional builder of ply hulls for a long time. Our current builders all do foam sandwich.

Don't know of any containers going across at the moment. Most will stack boats on roof tops or multiple boats on one trailer. However, the Victorian Assoc may be interested in some arrangement, as there will be quite a few of them going.

Darryl J Barrett

Some one in Victoria had a second hand PT for sale for $14,000??????

I will sell you a brand new ALL carbon fibre Alpha Omega F14 that outperforms all of the 16' cats, (across the line) with the exception of the Taipan 4.9 sloop, which at present, it sails pretty much on a par with, (but the Alpha is getting faster with every race), for $14,000!!

No offence darryl but atleast you get to sail against other Pt's that is established across Australia for 14k... as your line of production of a f14 hasn't really got alot of competition (not to say it wont in the future).

pt's have been trading hands here in Tassie in the expectations of the nationals being held here, people who have never sailed a pt before buying one just for the experiance of being in such an established class.

I would certainly spend more money on a boat if i knew i would get to sail agaisnt 40 - 50 boats @ a nationals rather than sailing against a yardstick.

[This message has been edited by cj (edited 12 April 2005).]

It will be a fibreglass boat... As far as I can see in the rules I can build it out of whatever I want. Also is there set beams to use? or is it possible to use different beams. The one thing I couldnt find was on Beams. If you could get the contact details for this guy with the plans for the PT's that would be great, also do you have any idea as to what this guys plans include? do they include plans for everything you need to build a Paper Tiger?

Once again my apologies - work and other commitments have prevented me getting on my computer at home.

You will find Section 3 of the rules is called "Beams and Trampoline", which includes all the details you need about beams. They are tightly controlled. Some associations keep beams in stock (Vic, NSW, SA the most likely to have them). Otherwise, they can be purchased elsewhere.

The plans do include everything you need to know about building a PT. There are six plan sheets that cover all required to build one. The main problem is they haven't been updated to show the latest gear in use. It is planned to update them. However, if people have access to existing fleets, they can see the gear used on the latest boats. Otherwise we can send them pictures or they can check web sites etc.

When you say "fibreglass", do you mean foam-sandwich? Previous attempts at building straight fibreglass hulls resulted in boats that were either too heavy or not stiff enough. One of the challenges of building a PT is getting it to minimum weight and also achieving a suitable stiffness. The foam-sandwich boats achieve this. People who do their research and take care while building can also achieve this when building in plywood.

Darryl, I encourage you in your project. However, CJ has raised the obvious point. People need to decide whether they want speed or competitive racing. It may be a long wait to see a "fleet" of AO14s. If that's what people want, that's fine. But if they want large States, Nationals and Internationals fleets, then the PT is definitely worth considering.

Having large fleets in both Australia and New Zealand, and having them get together regularly, is a great attraction of the class. Besides that, they are an absolute pleasure to sail.

People have built ply PTs for a LOT less than this and can buy competitive second hand boats for much less again. So the price is not as frightening as it may appear.

Paper Tiger plans can be purchased from Gary Spiller in South Australia. He can be contacted on:

(08) 8347 1511 (bh)

(08) 8265 7718 (ah)

Please let me know if you need further information.

How are you mate. cheers for that Info, before I give this guy a call I was also going to ask, would these plans be suitable to build a jig off of? I am looking at building both Plywood and Fibreglass boats(Carbon, foam sandwich)

The intention is to build some PT's as platforms only, including foils and beams.

Yes, the plans include the directions for building a jig. Plywood PT's require a jig to build the hulls from, but those people near PT fleets can always borrow one from someone.

Let me know if you need further info.

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IMAGES

  1. Paper Tiger Catamaran

    paper tiger catamaran specifications

  2. Paper Tiger Catamaran International Association

    paper tiger catamaran specifications

  3. 2015 Maersk Paper Tiger Catamaran International Championships on Botany Bay, NSW, Australia

    paper tiger catamaran specifications

  4. Paper Tiger Catamaran International Association

    paper tiger catamaran specifications

  5. Paper Tiger catamaran, new vang/rotation system test sail

    paper tiger catamaran specifications

  6. 2016 NZ Paper Tiger Championships for Mark Orams

    paper tiger catamaran specifications

VIDEO

  1. Sailing in Paradise on a Paper Tiger Catamaran

  2. Paper Tiger Catamaran

  3. Catamaran sailing. Hobie Tiger mast view. #sailing #catamaran #gopro

  4. Origami Paper Catamaran/How to make a Boat easily

  5. Paper Tiger

  6. Helios

COMMENTS

  1. Specifications

    The basic specifications for the Paper Tiger Catamaran are set out below. For more detailed information, please refer to the Class Rules. Length Overall: 4.26 m. 14 ft. Beam (width) 2.13 m. 7 ft. Sail Area: 9.29 m 2 . 100 sq ft . Mast Length: 6.78 m . 22 ft 3 in. Minimum Hull/Platform Weight (unrigged) 50 kg. 110 lb.

  2. PAPER TIGER

    Sailboat Specifications Definitions Hull Type: Catamaran Twin Dbrd. Rigging Type: Cat (rotating spar) LOA: 13.98 ft / 4.26 m: S.A. (reported): ... Paper Tiger Catamaran International Association: Download Boat Record: Notes. Originated in New Zealand and soon spread to Australia. Designed for the for the amateur builder using plywood.

  3. Paper Tiger (yacht)

    The Paper Tiger catamaran is a class of yacht. There are Paper Tiger fleets around Australia and New Zealand. Regular State, National and International Championships are conducted. Specifications. Length overall 4.26 metres (14.0 ft) Beam 2.13 metres (7.0 ft) Sail area 9.29 square metres (100.0 sq ft) Mast 6.78 metres (22.2 ft)

  4. Paper Tiger Catamaran International Association

    The Paper Tiger Catamaran is an exciting single-handed catamaran. that provides enjoyable, competitive racing for a wide range of ages, weights and strengths. It has tight control over the rules that guarantees. exceptional racing, yet there is sufficient freedom within the rules to give. plenty of opportunity for sailors to experiment.

  5. The Paper Tiger

    The Paper Tiger Catamaran is a 4.3m (14ft) single-handed racing catamaran that provides exciting and close racing. See the Paper Tiger Catamaran International Association (PTCIA) website for detailed information about the class, including the following (click on the links). Specifications; Fleets (where Paper Tigers are sailed: Countries ...

  6. PDF Paper Tiger CatamaranTM HANDBOOK

    knots).Rigging your Paper TigerPlace the boat on the beach with the b. ws (front) facing into the wind. Rest the mast on top of the boat with the. ast top to the rear of the boat. Attach all of the stays to boat and mast. xcept for the front upper stays. The adjustable front lowers must be left loose to allow th.

  7. Building a Paper Tiger

    One of the many great aspects of the Paper Tiger Catamaran class is the willingness to share information, so you don't have to feel like you are on your own when building a boat, even if you are thousands of miles from the nearest Paper Tiger! ... Specifications are: 1st Choice - Material: 6061, Hardness: T6. 2nd Choice - Material: 6106 ...

  8. Paper Tiger

    Paper Tiger is a 13′ 11″ / 4.3 m catamaran sailboat designed by Ron Given and built by Formula Sailcraft starting in 1967. Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session.

  9. PDF Paper Tiger Basics

    The Paper Tiger has a bendy mast compared to other catamaran classes. This allows the mast to be bent to adjust the depth of the sail and thus the power that the sail develops in different wind strengths to suit different weight skippers. The stays control the amount the mast can bend.

  10. Paper Tiger

    Paper Tiger. The Paper Tiger Catamaran is an exciting single-handed catamaran that provides enjoyable, competitive racing for a wide range of ages, weights and strengths. It has tight control over the rules that guarantees exceptional racing, yet there is sufficient freedom within the rules to give plenty of opportunity for sailors to ...

  11. the horse's mouth: Sailing Photo Of The Day. Paper Tiger Cat

    The Paper Tiger Catamaran is an exciting 4.3m (14ft) single-handed catamaran that provides competitive one-design racing for beginners through to champions. ... The basic specifications for the Paper Tiger Catamaran are set out below. For more detailed information, please refer to the Class Rules. Length Overall 4.26 m [14 ft] Beam (width) 2.13 ...

  12. Sailing a Paper Tiger

    Paper Tiger Basics. A compact yet thorough overview of the basics of sailing a Paper Tiger Catamaran. Sailing the Boat. Tips for the Beginner Sailor. An entry-level article by class veteran Peter Anderson. Basic Controls. A description of the basic controls on a Paper Tiger and how to use them. Basic Upwind Sailing. The basics of sailing a ...

  13. New Zealand Paper Tiger Owners Association

    NEW ZEALAND PAPER TIGERS. The Paper Tiger is a New Zealand designed 4.3 metre racing catamaran with a strong following in New Zealand and Australia. The class is competitive on the water and inclusive and supportive off the water with knowledge on gear and boat setups openly shared allowing sailors to get the best from their boats.

  14. PDF Rigging a Paper Tiger

    Paper Tiger Catamaran International Association Page 2 of 6 Rigging a Paper Tiger - Step-by-step Guide - Sail.doc Created: Dave Stumbles (9/06/2009) Checked: Terry Valder Revision 2 (6/11/2009) Before hoisting the sail • Point the boat into the wind (i.e. the front of the boat pointing towards the wind direction).

  15. Learner questions about paper tiger

    Re: Learner questions about paper tiger - 02/03/04 03:47 AM. Chargin, The main sheet tail that you refer to should go back through the traveler (it should have some sort of sheaves for this) and tie to the center of the rear beam on the back somewhere. You will sail using the loop coming out of the main sheet cleat and reentering the traveler ...

  16. Paper Tiger Internationals 2018

    The 2018 Maersk Line Paper Tiger Internationals were dominated by a strong New Zealand contingent, claiming all podium positions, and outsailing the Aussies to win the coveted team's trophy. The event, hosted by Frankston Yacht Club in Victoria, Australia, saw a fleet of 48 boats take to the waters of Port Phillip Bay over the Easter long ...

  17. Australian Paper Tiger Catamaran Association

    This site covers Australian-specific information for the Paper Tiger Catamaran class. The Paper Tiger. The Paper Tiger Catamaran is a 4.3m (14ft) single-handed racing catamaran that provides exciting and close racing. Read more. 54th Australian Championships. The regatta will be hosted by Somerton Yacht Club, South Australia. ...

  18. Paper Tiger Building plans???

    The PT class rules can be accessed on the New Zealand PT site at www.papertiger.org.nz and look under "Specifications". Paper Tigers are weighed unrigged (ie. just the platform) and the minimum weight is 50kg. All up weight would be 70 - 75kg. ... Australian Paper Tiger Catamaran Assoc. Link to comment Share on other sites. More sharing options ...

  19. Buying Plans

    All the information you should need about purchasing a set of plans is contained in the "Paper Tiger Plans - How to Purchase" document.For further information on buying plans to build a Paper Tiger Catamaran, please contact the PTCIA Secretary.. Once you have obtained a set of plans, you may also be interested in getting a free PT Info CD.

  20. PDF Rigging a Paper Tiger

    Paper Tiger Catamaran International Association Page 4 of 9 Rigging a Paper Tiger - Step-by-step Guide - Mast.doc Created: Dave Stumbles (9/06/2009) Checked: Terry Valder Revision 1 (6/11/2009) Connect the stays to the mast Once you are sure the stays are connected correctly to each other, it is time to connect them to the mast. ...

  21. Hobie Cat vs Paper Tiger

    yes i have only seen and read about the paper tiger but it looks fun and seams to have the boyancy to take 2 ppl but a hobie 16 is fun 1 up as long as it is not blowing much above a force 3 the other options are the windrush, which is great fun light fast and 14 feet long and avaliable cheep, or a a class a bit flimsy 18 foot but very fast,

  22. Measurement

    Specifications; Rules. Class Rules; Measurement; International Rulings; Boat Register; ... Measurement Overview: Access self measurement forms and instructions on measuring your Paper Tiger. Self-Measurement Forms. The following PDF should be used to measure your boat in order to get a measurement certificate to compete in most events ...

  23. PDF Paper Tiger Class Rules 2020-04-07

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