Wharram

Wharram designs have their roots in the historic traditional sailing craft of the Pacific. Their bond with the only ocean-going multihulls we know that evolved over millennia, is clearly visible in the Wharram boats' form lines and gear. Wharram designs, though, do not try merely to replicate ancient arts, nor do they only reinterpret them in a modern era. Rather they stem from a detailed study and appreciation of precisely what makes the Polyneasian multihulls such formidably successful ocean vessels for passage making, transportation and migration. Thus the traditional hull length-to-beam ratios and sections are adhered to, flexible hull-to-beam bindings are used (very few designers do this), simplicity and economy of construction is aimed for. As too are double-ended hulls, just as much in the interests of sea-keeping, performance and seaworthiness, as in homage to the art and craft originally expressed in them. A consistent philosophy of 'appropriate technology' is applied.

James Wharram's designs have a huge appeal and phenomenal following. Over 8000 sets of drawings have been sold over the approximately 40 years he has been offering them. His boats have logged over a million sea miles without a single capsize through wind or wave action.

Designs are available for different building materials, including glassed plywood and GRP-foam panels.

From a report by Daniel McNoughton in the American Wooden Boat magazine July/August 1978: "The vessels are not an imposition upon the sea. Their safety comes from the fact that they are moderate in all respects. They do not gamble, or make a dare with the ocean, for the sake of more speed or luxurious accommodation, they use resilliance instead of brute strength, easily driven hulls instead of great power, and simplicity instead of high technology, to ensure their success and harmony with their surroundings."

Wharram designs can be grouped into four ranges:

Classic range: simple and economical to build; seaworthy for the oceans; harmonious design; no frills

Pahi range: seaworthy ocean-going cruisers with more fancy design and more elaborate cruising facilities

Coastal Trek range: originated with fast, efficient, fun and trailerable day sailors - later the range extended to larger, efficiently rigged boats

Ethnic range: explores endangered skills in building and sailing