pahi 31 catamaran

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Just bought the study plans for PAHI 31

Discussion in ' Multihulls ' started by valery gaulin , Mar 28, 2017 .

valery gaulin Senior Member

I am looking on the website to find more info and experience building and sailing the Pahi 31. I don't know if I will really start to eventually build a Pahi 31 but it is one step closer to my future project. I. still looking at different design option Basically I would lile to know what are the week points of this design and how it can be improved. There seams to be alot of Pahi 31 built to this day so I am sure that people found some ways to improve the weak points.  

cavalier mk2 Senior Member

If you ask they will send the plans to stretch it to 35 and use 2 Tiki sails like the Tiki 31. Most people think the Tiki wing sail sloop is faster and and less cluttered than the cutter. Updates are listed in the Wharram plan options. Lots of info out there. I think the construction uses less glue than the epoxy fillets of the coastal trek range.  

Corley epoxy coated

Only my 2 cents but I cant see why you would build a Wharram now. I'd look around the used market and see if I could find a good used one to refurbish as the resale value is low. There are much better catamaran designs available now like one of Richard Woods designs for example. Much of the cost of the build is tied up in the cost of materials so you may as well build a new design rather than an old one.  

redreuben redreuben

Pahi What Corley said. The only cheap thing about Wharrams are the resale. Sails, cordage, rigging, stoves, outboard etc all cost the same for a more modern design, if the cult of Wharram appeals though, just buy a used boat, and I would buy a Tiki with the deck pod.  

If you can get one used that is the way to go but I have a wrinkle..... Get a used 31, slice it in the center and add that 4" section to get in your building ya yas. I think if a boat appeals to you you will use it more so don't ignore the irrational. Wharrams sort of bring out the "How do I make this better." impulses. For myself a central dagger would be in the works. For sure the looks give it a more timeless appeal. The main attraction is the ability to disassemble and use appropriate, non expensive tech. Building from scratch I'd bug Richard. Watch some vids to get an idea of the differences in performance.  

The resale value argument is not a selling point to me. Find a DIY boat project that has a good resale value? Not many, unless it was semi-professionnal built from a reputable yard and even then, the resale value is not so good. For good resale value, the best is to buy a production sailboat and do a refit, but that is a rational decision! For some reason, I like the idea of building from scratch, even if it does not make sense rationnally. I am not set on a design yet. I went from catamaran, to dutch tjalk, to motorsailer, luxemotor and I am back to a catamaran. Anyway I bought the study plan for a Pahi 31!!! Not sure if it will be a the project I choose. I like WOODS catamaran design but it is all about compromises and it seams that right now the compromise of the Pahi 31 seams to be more inline with my thinking. But that could change. 1.The wing sail seams to be a better option, this is what I though also. 2.A central centerboard, seams like a good idea also. I like the ketch or schooner set up of the Tiki, can this be done with the Pahi 31? Basically having a mizzen sail that can be used to balance the COE. I also like the low tech approach and the vintage look. What I also know from experience in previous project. The longest part is the finishing touch. It seams that a Wharram Catamaran as less demanding for all the finishing touch and details that needs to get done for it to look good. There is a more raw appeal to it. I am not talking about cutting corners but the final esthetic. The desassembling otion seams to be a good idea if for some reason the catamaran needs to be transported or stored. Of curse not something you want to do on a regular basis but let say after a couple of year of sailing and need to bring it back home for a refit!  

The ketch/ schooner comes on the Pahi 31 stretch, same boat to 35' with 4' dropped in the middle. The daggerboard I'd just put in one hull in a conventional location versus 2 small ones in the bows.  

guzzis3 Senior Member

Resale never is until you want/need to sell the boat. Everyone thinks they will build their dream boat and keep it for a lifetime. Self built farriers will not only sell for your materials but recoup some of your labor aswell, so the assertion that no self built boat will resell well is incorrect. However all losses are not equal. Wharrams are not efficient boats to build. They don't use materials well nor are they fast to build, and when you are finished they are worth a smaller proportion of what you have spent than a good design. They have low resale because they sail badly and have limited accommodations. A tiki 30 isn't a 30' boat, it's a 26' boat with huge overhangs and the accommodations of a 23' boat, but it takes the materials and labor that a proper 30' boat would require. Pahis are even worse. If you want V hulls and big overhangs but don't like Mr Woods offerings have a look at Mick Waller's truncated V's. http://wallerdesign.com.au/cs35.html Obviously a lot bigger than the pahi 31 but a MUCH nicer boat. http://sailingcatamarans.com/index.php/designs-2/3-25ft-to-30ft-catamarans-designs surfsong or gypsy would be great choices.  

Richard Woods Woods Designs

Thank you for mentioning my designs. I would suggest the Windsong rather than Surfsong as an offshore cruiser. Several have made Atlantic crossings, while I lived on the prototype Windsong for several years with my wife, including in the snow. Having said that, the cuddy makes life much more comfortable so I'd go for the Gypsy, indeed many people think that as well and the Gypsy is now more popular than the Windsong. Safety doesn't mean low windage. Crew comfort is essential. The old adage that a boat will survive more than the crew is very true. So the more comfortable the crew is the better they can survive bad weather. Although I haven't personally sailed a Pahi 31 I do know the boat. I worked on the "sort of" prototype 31 and also on the 35ft original. I raced and cruised the latter a lot. I didn't like the low boom that made most of the deck area unusable and forward vision was poor, just like on a boat with a deck sweeping genoa. I didn't like the hull access hatches as there was only a deck hatch, not a companionway with washboards. So using them, especially on the lee side, was dangerous and also there was a big drop into the hulls. The forward daggerboards didn't really work (I believe most Pahi owners don't use them). I don't think a 31ft boat with just 4ft 6in head room is a viable live aboard cruiser. For one thing the low freeboard means it is really wet to sail. The Tiki 30 is better, although again I haven't sailed one. However I have sailed against one in my Gypsy, we were about the same speed. And I've been on one - about the same interior room as my 24ft Strider, less than my new Eagle 24, obviously far less than on a Gypsy. I couldn't stand up in the hulls, the Gypsy has 6ft Plywood, epoxy, glass, paint etc cost the same whatever boat you build. So it is unlikely that a particular 30ft catamaran will cost less to build than another. Hope that helps you Richard Woods of Woods Designs www.sailingcatamarans.com  

aabella Junior Member

There is a specific forum on Wharram catamarans called Wharram Builders and Friends, it also has a subforum on small Pahis that includes the Pahi 31. I suggest you to put your questions in that forum, so you can find answers from Pahi owners.  

Thank you for all your reply. Like I said I am not set on a certain design yet. I did look at your plan Sir Woods and have to say that I really like Tamar 31 and Windsong. Your catamaran are of curse newer design and rationally seams to be a better option. I also looked at Waller catamaran and a design that looks very appealing to me is the Waller 880 the interior room is just amazing for a 30foot catamaran. What I love about the Pahi 31 is the beauty in its ugliness. Another aspect in my concern from past project that i learned, I did built a 29 foot long trimaran all in aluminum 0.06in thick all riveted, simple without cabin. Very cool project, actually I should try to put some photo up. Anyway what I learn is to take a project that you feel that can be finished. The Pahi 31 seams to be a faster built! And it can be built in a smaller work space by being detacheable. Finishing a project is the key!!! This is actually my fear to start and not finish like so many others. If fear would not be a problem, I would probably built a bigger catamaran. Another aspect that is in consideration is the the beam. People don't always realise but beamier catamaran or trimaran is a problem. Transportation from the build place to the launching. A wide catamaran can cost thousands of dollar in transportation. Marina fees is also a problem with catamaran. Going in a canal can also be a problem. On the other a beamier catamran is alot more confortable while cruising. So many things to consider!!! Not set yet on a design.  

It often is not a good idea to go to an enthusiasts group to get useful unbiased opinions. They are enthusiasts after all! You certainly wouldn't chose who to vote for by going to just one political website. When I built my prototype Windsong I had to make it demountable as otherwise it would not fit through the slipway gates. I took one hull though at a time and them joined them. But I never took it apart again. So a few years later we cut out the beam boxes and made it a rigid boat. Far superior! I was surprised just how heavy the beam boxes were and how much interior space they took up. So we ended up with a stiffer, more seaworthy, lighter and roomier bloat So I suspect few Pahis are ever dismantled after launching. And thus it is probably worth building a boat in pieces, assuming you are not building by the water, and then bonding it permanently at the launch site Richard Woods of Woods Designs www.sailingcatamarans.com  

I think you are right that most don't demount their Pahi. It is way to much work. It is only a consideratio if it is needed to move the catamaran for a long distance by road or for long term storage. I dont even think for a seasonal storage it is worth the work of demounting for the winter time and remounting it for the summer. On a different note, how much more work is imvolved to built Tamar 31 compared to Windsong?  

valery gaulin said: ↑ The Pahi 31 seams to be a faster built! And it can be built in a smaller work space by being detacheable. Finishing a project is the key!!! This is actually my fear to start and not finish like so many others. If fear would not be a problem, I would probably built a bigger catamaran. Another aspect that is in consideration is the the beam. Not set yet on a design. Click to expand...

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brian eiland Senior Member

Dudley Dix wood cats Perhaps a little bit larger than what you are thinking of, but you just might have a look at the construction process of these cats. And there is even a company making kits of it,...could make thing a lot easier and faster... http://www.exocetus.net/ Exocetus Marine designs and manufactures plywood kits and components for the Dudley Dix range of catamarans. http://www.exocetus.net/why%20build%20with%20ply.html ...and it appears as though they are working towards a few smaller models.  

"Cliffhanger" 42' Lex Nicol tri. I have just bought it, looking for info

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Wharram Builders and Friends

Small Pahi Group

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Anything and everything related to owning / sailing / building smaller PAHI up to and including PAHI 31.

PAHI 31 REVIEW

by Galway Bay

Jan 31, 2013

  The Pahi range was developed in the mid / late 70's. The Classic range was pretty much complete and JWD were looking for a new avenue to explore designwise.

  Apart from the styling differences other important differences were the introduction of lashed beams, daggerboards ,rudders in wells, and the beams were located in troughs on the cabintops.

  The relocation of the beams gave a great improvement in seaworthiness and accommodation. The clearance under the beams is greatly increased in a rough sea. The cabin is approx 50% of boat length while the classic designs were restricted to a shorter cabin between beams 2 and 3.

  I like the rudders as they lead to a very simple tiller arrangement. If a central tiller is hinged on the aft netting beam a reverse gearing operates [because it pivots further back than the rudders do] and the full control of the boat is inside the reach of the helmsman without the cockpit sweeping action of a normal long tiller.

  Any opinion on accommodation / performance will be personal based on what the boat is used for and the prevailing conditions in it's home waters.

  The cabin space is good with a long cabintop. A crew of 3 can gather in comfort in one cabin for a hot meal or a cold beer !! Stowage is good for personal and ship's /galley supplies.

  The clearance under the beams is approx. 4ft / 1.2m so a cockpit can be fitted of 24" / 600mm deep and still have good clearance in rough water or when loaded. With a high Pr/Co and good waterplane this boat takes a generous load without difficulty.

  This boat is designed in line with the stability range of the classics. As such the sail area is moderate. As a daysailer the performance is good even very good but the real strength of this design is it's performance carrying a load in open / boisterous waters. To the daysailer speed means a speedo / log reading. To a cruiser the real measure is miles run in a day.

  So to sum up I think that if you want to speed round the bay on a Sunday afternoon in an empty boat this is probably not for you. On the other hand if you intend to carry stores for a couple of weeks and make moderate passages especially in rough water / fresh winds you would find it hard to do better.

john elwyn kimber

First of all, thanks for starting this excellent group and for the welcome. Second, having seen your restoration photos I am in awe - I once had the opportunity to purchase a neglected Pahi 31 called 'Gadzooks' but my own inspection, confirmed by a Steve Turner survey, put me off. A most remarkable transformation. Thirdly I am intrigued by your own review of the Pahi 31, since having gone through various standard multihull boat calculations for stability, speed, handling-traits and so forth this is pretty much what I had concluded were the characteristics of the class. Doing the same for the Tikiroa I was struck by the dissimilarities, which [at least in theory] would be the same even if you blew up all the dimensions to the same size as the Areoi - the Tikiroa is much more like an oversized catamaran dinghy and would be a cruiser-racer at that, given more sail and a broad beam.

I am no expert on sailing small Pahis but am interested in acquiring one, so any accurate evaluation of their comparative abilities is invaluable to me. Again, many thanks.

Aug 8, 2014

I am trying to buy a Pahi 31 which is built following standard plans. Does anybody purchase plans for Tiki 46 type beams and for Tiki rig conversion.

Does it worth the money and the effort ?

May 11, 2016

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Wharram's catamarans: tropical dream, nightmare at 50ºN, 2ºW?

• Thread starter dancrane
• Start date 15 Mar 2012
• 15 Mar 2012

Well-known member

A 21ft Wharram Tiki came second in the Jester Challenge, single handed transatlantic [ clicky ]  

• 16 Mar 2012

dancrane said: I first encountered James Wharram's designs in the August 1986 Yachting World article about the Pahi 63, "Quetzalcoatl". Just dreaming, as usual...I'm interested to learn anything about these alternativist designs. Are they of limited use outside tropical zones? Have any examples made more than token use of the large bridgedeck area? Are they very payload-sensitive? Is that modest half-formed gaff rig really as good (and as big) as the design could carry? And, is there any reason why the Pahi 63' couldn't have its plans upsized by a third, to build a three-masted Pahi 84'? I like the fact that these big cats are only roped-together. Very clever, being so simple. But are they mainly for the wide Pacific? Click to expand...

whipper_snapper

dancrane said: Are they of limited use outside tropical zones? Click to expand...

dancrane said: Have any examples made more than token use of the large bridgedeck area? Are they very payload-sensitive? Click to expand...

dancrane said: Is that modest half-formed gaff rig really as good (and as big) as the design could carry? Click to expand...

dancrane said: I like the fact that these big cats are only roped-together. Very clever, being so simple. But are they mainly for the wide Pacific? Click to expand...

Deleted member 36384

Wharram explains his design philosophy on his web site very well. http://wharram.com/site/ The lashings are strong but the resilience is not in the strength of the lashings but in the fact that the hulls will move on the lashings. Other designs have slight camber on the hull where the beam touches it to facilitate this, while some designs have pivots through the hull which the beam is connected too. There quite a few Wharrams sailing about in Northern latitudes. My old Tangarroa ended up in Denmark and being sailed around those waters. A friend has a Captain Cook on the West Coast of Scotland and I am aware of two more on the Firth of Clyde. There are many stories of Wharrams surviving tropical storms and managing inclement weather very well. I sailed a Phai in about a Force 7 beating up wind off the West Coast of Jura. It slammed occasionally and while we could achieve 45 degrees, I felt that freeing off about 5 degrees was far more comfortable and faster. They can be insulate very easily and be fitted with stoves. I would propose the concept that Wharram use is very suited to Northern Latitudes. The many compartments allows for easy living, with out different activities clashing with one another. For example a wet room can be established and sleeping areas kept very separate and dry. Wharram's boat design philosophy very much dove tails with sailing as a leisure activity to be enjoyed. I have never met the man but oldbilbos comments remind me of a friend who visited his premises to view a boat. He reported back that at lunch time they all took their clothes off and sat around in the sun eating lunch! A remarkable man and remarkable boat designs.  

A Brokerage That Specialises In Wharram Cats http://www.multihulls.uk.com/wharram/boats.htm Lots here to get some ideas.  

Blueboatman

Old Bilbo, that is a very good bit of writing. Wot, after all, is the point in sailing to deserted tropical islands and being unable to park right on the beach, bbq fish for the vegetarian lassies and sleep al fresco on a trampoline net, eh? Great concept, perhaps with a limited ( left field) kind of resale value down the line, but many people have enjoyed epic voyages at a far younger age than would be possible by buying conventionally and expensively.imo.  

PetiteFleur

Together with 5 other people we built an 'ORO' (46') in the late 60's, soon after he had returned from his initial transatlantic voyage and when he had set up house in Deganwy. One of our group had met James some time earlier so we all went down for a chat and came away fully fired up with the ORO plans and a RTW trip in mind. Yes, we did meet some of the 'wenches'! We built the boat and launched on the Orwell near Ipswich. Unfortunately we did take some of James's ideas too literally - we didn't have an engine so soon found all the Orwell mudbanks. Winches would also have been a good idea as well as a few home comforts, particularly for our Northern Hemispere. Our's was a spritsail rig which was OK but I probably wouldn't choose again. The group broke up a few months after launching so we never did any decent trips - the best one was a trip down the Stour with the potential new owner when we overtook all boats in sight, including some much larger ones. That trip sold the boat and the last we heard was that it was in Whitby but what happened after that I've no idea. Would I buy another one - probably not but it was a good experience at the time and if we had started our RTW trip we would probably all been drowned! One of the group a few years ago did have a Wharram built in Thailand which was a nice boat but that had to be sold in the end and unfortunately he died soon after.  

snowleopard

Active member.

oldbilbo said: One of the great benefits of large Wharram cats is that they come equipped not with Lewmar or Harken 2-speed winches, but a range of large and small wenches, to do the sail handling, trimming and deckwork. These uniquely-economic and renewable resources make for very pleasant sailing, clad as they usually are in simple blue lavalava/pareos and some flowers. ? Click to expand...

Bosun Higgs

oldbilbo said: Certainly, they're more suited to the sub-tropics than Svalbard - but isn't everything? Click to expand...

Friend of friend day chartered one (35ft?) out of the Turcs and Cacos (sp) Built it in Canada, sailed it down and had a good business. Decided (with local money) to build a bigger one to carry more PX. Well known multi designer was engaged and a 65ft design was produced. (google Rustic Schooner) At this stage I was asked if it could be be built in Portugal at a reasonable cost, I looked around at several multi builds and worked out some figures. Finaly it was built in Florida. Sadly, for Bill, the F of F, the money didn't stretch far enough and it is now in a big charter fleet. It was very like a big Warram, similar rig to the 'short gaff'. Little story told by a sailing friend: Manager of a big paint co. something like national paints but with wider scope. Visiting his local S.W rep. to see how it was on the ground. Rep says we are visiting a designer of catamarans to talk about antifoul. Knock on door, answered by wench in sarong. 'Please take your shoes off, it is our custom.' While waiting for the great man, they notice a wench at the drawing board. Clad only in nickers. Manager not too comfortable. After the man arrived and they started on the subject of antifoul, he said they needed to talk to the marine biologist. She turned up, wearing nothing at all. At this point the manager lost it. Probably just a story... DW Spirit of Gaia was parked in Ferraguda for a while, aquaintance steeled himself and called. Warram was very welcoming and gave him a copy of 'Two Boats, Two Women'. I admire him for filling in gap in the market/lifestyle. But I am not sure I would want one,.  

• 17 Mar 2012

Bajansailor

I first encountered some James Wharram designs in the mid 70's - I vividly remember one about 45' (perhaps an Oro?) called "If Dogs Run Free" arriving here from across the Atlantic. And James' personal boat then, the 51' Tehini also visited here about then, and I remember asking if I could have a look around on board (but I dont remember a crew of scantily clad wenches though.....). And I had a pal here with a sprit-sail ketch rigged Tangaroa called 'Taaroa' - both the main and mizzen were sprit-sails, like a Thames barge, and they could be brailed up immediately - very easy to handle. And I know some Bajan folk here who were living in Vancouver in the 70's, decided to sail home, so bought Wharram plans, and built a Narai in their back yard, and then sailed her home westabouts, with three little children, all of whom were ace sailors. . I think that Richard Woods ( www.sailingcatamarans.com ) worked for Wharram for a bit after he left college in Southampton - you can see some Wharram influence in the older Woods cats (eg re open bridge decks, and vee shaped hulls), but Richard's cats were all generally significantly faster (and dare I say it much more attractive).  

Bajansailor said: I think that Richard Woods ( www.sailingcatamarans.com ) worked for Wharram for a bit after he left college in Southampton - you can see some Wharram influence in the older Woods cats (eg re open bridge decks, and vee shaped hulls), but Richard's cats were all generally significantly faster (and dare I say it much more attractive). Click to expand...

Tiki 36 Our tiki 36 is a good fit for us, a family of three. The permanent mooring at the right price is obviously a key requirement, not sure you'd want to pay by the square metre in a Marina. Having a cat and the confidence to dry out keeps you closer to inland services and out of marinas. We were lucky to pick up a well built and looked after model. Life is too short to build one. For the money, a deck pod and now with a permanent sun canopy there is plenty of space and stability, the winches are smaller than on my previous gk29.  

Nice to see there are a few people like me who have a romantic attachement to Wharram cats. When I first wanted a real boat in the late 60s I bought the plans for Tane-a 28 footer as I recall-as I could just about afford to build it one hull at a time but reached 17 and a car took its place. I still have the plans and sometimes think maybe-the last time was after seeing several around about Paihia in the Bay of Islands NZ and thought I could really have fun with one in the Hokianga Harbour and out into the Tasman Sea with its shallow draft and beaching ability counteracting the shallow harbour bars of the NZ west coast. What I need now is a Kiwi telling me I must be mad!  

Back in 73, I shunted my car and was a few weeks short of the new one being delivered. My insurance guy had mentioned a Citroen 2CV for sale. Turned out to be a musician from Germany living on a farm and building a Wharram. I bought the car (£10) and then spent a couple of hours helping him with the plans. Not the easiest for a first timer (being polite here) He had built one hull, so was well on the way. But.... no sailing experience, and planned a RTW trip. No idea how it turned out, but doubt the RTW. The car did though. Spent another £6 on an exhaust and MOT. Rebushed the carb to get it running, used it till the new car was delivered, then sold it to a student for £50. 1959 425cc model. DW  

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WHARRAM PAHI 42: A Polynesian Catamaran

The catamaran designs that British multihull pioneer James Wharram first created for amateur boatbuilders in the mid-1960s were influenced by the boats he built and voyaged upon during the 1950s. These “Classic” designs, as Wharram termed them, feature slab-sided, double-ended, V-bottomed plywood hulls with very flat sheerlines and simple triangular sections. The hulls are joined together by solid wood beams and crude slat-planked open bridgedecks.

Wharram’s second-generation “Pahi” designs, which he started developing in the mid-1970s, still feature double-ended V-bottomed hulls, but the sections are slightly rounder and the sheerlines rise at either end in dramatically up-swept prows and sterns. The most successful of these in terms of number of boats built–and also probably the most successful of any of Wharram’s larger designs–is the Pahi 42. It is an excellent example of a no-frills do-it-yourself cruising catamaran with enough space for a family to live aboard long term.

First introduced in 1980, the Pahi 42, a.k.a. the “Captain Cook,” was the first Wharram design to include accommodations space on the bridgedeck in the form of a small low-profile pod containing a berth and/or (in some variations) a nav station. Unlike the Classic designs, which have no underwater foils other than rudders, the Pahis also have daggerboards, though these are quite shallow and are set far forward in each hull. The rudders are inboard, rather than transom-hung, set in V-shaped wells behind the aft cross-beam.

As on the Classic designs, the cross-beams are flexibly mounted to the hulls, but are lashed with rope rather than bolted on with large rubber bushings. Hull construction likewise is very simple, all in plywood, and explicitly conceived to facilitate home-building by amateurs. The frames consist of a series of flat bulkhead panels fastened to a long centerline backbone with longitudinal stringers running down either side to support the plywood skin panels. Through the main central area of each hull the bulkheads all have large cutouts in their midsections to allow room for interior accommodations space. To increase moisture and abrasion resistance the hull exteriors are sheathed in fiberglass cloth and epoxy.

As designed the Pahi 42 has a single mast and flies a loose-footed mainsail with a wishbone boom. There is also a staysail on a wishbone boom and a conventional genoa flying on a bridle over the forward beam. Many owner-builders have substituted other rigs, including Wharram’s unique gaff “wingsail” rig, where the main has a luff sleeve enveloping the mast, but conventional Marconi rigs are probably the most common. The original design also calls for a single outboard engine mounted on the stern deck to serve as auxiliary power, but many owners have engineered other arrangements, including inboard diesel engines and even electric drives.

As its light-ship D/L and SA/D ratios attest, the Pahi 42 has the potential to be a very fast performance cruiser. Wharram claims top speeds in the neighborhood of 18 knots with average cruising speeds of 9 to 12 knots. In reality, however, it probably takes an unusually attentive, disciplined sailor to achieve anything like this. The Pahi seems to be more weight sensitive than most cats and typical owners, who carry lots of stuff on their boats, report average speeds more on the order of 5 to 8 knots.

The boat also does not sail well to windward, as its daggerboards are not large enough and are not positioned properly to generate much lift. Instead they act more like trim boards and help balance the helm while sailing. They also make it difficult to tack. Most owner-builders therefore consider the boards more trouble than they’re worth and don’t install them, preferring instead to retain the extra space below for storage and accommodations. With only its V-shaped hulls to resist leeway the Pahi reportedly sails closehauled at a 60 degree angle to the wind, though performance-oriented owners who keep their boats light claim they can make progress upwind faster than other boats sailing tighter angles. A few builders have also put long fin keels on their boats and these reportedly improve windward performance to some extent.

As for its accommodations plan, the Pahi 42 has much in common with other open-bridgedeck catamarans. Except for the small pod on deck all sheltered living space is contained within the narrow hulls, which have a maximum beam of just 6 feet. The standard layout puts double berths at both ends of each hull, though many may regard the aft “doubles” as wide singles. The central part of the port hull contains a small dinette table and a large galley; the center of the starboard hull is given over to a long chart table or work bench, plus a head.

Naturally, many owner-builders have fiddled the design a bit to suit their own tastes. The most significant changes involve the deck pod. Those who crave more living space tend to enlarge it; in at least one case it has blossomed into something approaching a full-on bridgedeck saloon, which must hurt sailing performance. In other instances, in an effort to save weight and improve performance, builders have omitted the pod entirely.

The great advantage of a Pahi 42, or any Wharram cat for that matter, is its relatively low cost compared to other cats in the same size range. To obtain one new, however, you normally must build it yourself. Wharram estimates this takes between 2,500 to 3,000 hours of effort. The alternative is to buy one used, which now normally costs less than building one.

There is an active brokerage market with boats listed for sale all over the world. The best sources for listings are Wharram himself and another Brit, Scott Brown , who operates mostly online. Because Wharrams are built of plywood, even if sheathed with epoxy and glass, the most important defect to look for is simple rot. This, however, is not hard to detect and, because the boats are structurally so simple, is also not hard to repair.

Specifications

Beam: 22’0”

–Boards up: 2’1”

–Boards down: 3’6”

Displacement

–Light ship: 7,840 lbs.

–Maximum load: 14,560 lbs.

–Working sail: 640 sq.ft.

–Maximum sail: 1,000 sq.ft.

Fuel: Variable

Water: Variable

–Light ship: 89

–Maximum load: 165

–Working sail: 25.91 (light ship); 17.14 (max. load)

–Maximum sail: 40.48 (light ship); 26.78 (max. load)

Nominal hull speed

–Light ship: 11.9 knots

–Maximum load: 9.8 knots

Build cost: $70K – $120K

Typical asking prices: $40K – 100K

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please more info and prices for this model!

Response to Goran below: I recommend you follow the link above to Scott Brown’s website. Lots of boats and prices there!

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James Wharram Designs

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Choosing a boat, what do you really want.

Some advice by James Wharram

Firstly, read the Wharram Design Book . Having looked at all the Wharram designs, you may immediately have identified with one of them as the boat for you. But it is possible you are more confused than before you started looking!

To help you, we have made a table of the basic requirements one has to consider when choosing a boat. Click or tap every option you think applies to you, to clear the brain of dreams and bring it down to facts. Compare these facts with the data sheets of those designs that had your interest initially and see which one, from a practical point of view, is going to suit you best.

Building Time

The building times (shown in design data of the boat building plans ) are based on Hanneke's estimations, supported by letters from builders.

They are by the nature of human vagaries only an approximation, a rough average. Some builders treat each piece of wood in a caressing loving fashion and end up, after a long time, with a boat that is also a piece of wood sculpture. Others throw pieces of wood together and end up with a quickly built, rough sailing ship. People are free to do as they wish, I personally like to take the middle way.

The building site and tools available also affect construction time. If you have a good covered shelter with power lines for hand-held power tools, you will build considerably faster than if you build the boat some distance away from your living base, in the open or under the simplest of polythene shelters, without power, using only hand tools.

I built Rongo and Tehini in the open with only minimal shelter and hand tools. It can be done but the phrase to describe it is "Character Forming"!!

Building Methods

The Classic Designs were developed before epoxy glues and are built in a simple, traditional manner. They are male-orientated in building method, i.e. to get a well-built boat, skill is required with sharp edged tools, usually a training skill given only to males.

Built roughly, Classic designs may leak, leading to rot. Unfortunately, some Classic designs have been built roughly, but the surplus of timber in their construction give a strength safety margin allowing rough builders in the first years of ownership to successfully sail long distances before rot develops. (Beware of such boats on the secondhand market)!

The PAHI construction is a stage between the Classic and the TIKI designs, though still requiring wood working skills. The application of glass cloth has become an essential part of the construction.

The TIKI designs use female and male skills equally. In the past boatbuilding was usually seen as a male occupation, with a need for trained carpentry skills. When Hanneke and I designed the first Tiki designs in the 1980s, we set out to change this, and tried to encourage more women to join in as equals. The skill set required for building with epoxy often appeals to women, where in my experience many men are less adept in the precise care needed for making epoxy fillets and applying glass cloth. I have built all my boats with my female companions, who often were more skilled and worked neater than I. In general, the TIKIs are getting built faster with a better finish than the Classic designs, because they utilise fully and equally male and female energies.

Building Cost

With the constantly rising cost of materials we can only give a rough estimate, based on actual costs of boats built over the years, with an added factor for inflation. We will try to update this list whenever we receive actual building costs from our builders. If you are a builder and have kept careful accounts, please write to us and this information can then help other builders.

Boat costs will vary from builder to builder and also depend on which country you are building in. Some builders love to put top quality plywood and expensive hard woods into their boats, others get as much pleasure recycling old wood, hunting around scrap-yards and going to boat jumbles.

Builders' attitudes towards their choice of paint, chandlery, winches, hatches/portholes and other fittings can make a considerable difference in cost from the standard average shown in the table. Whatever you do, do not try cheap non-brand epoxy and incompatible glass cloths!

The following table give the approximate materials cost of building our various designs using simple, adequate materials as specified in the Plans. All costs are in GB Pounds and are exclusive of VAT. Costs include wooden masts and working rig, as well as basic interior fittings as shown on the Plans, but do not include navigation equipment, electrics, ground tackle, dinghy or engine(s), as these are a very personal choice and can vary greatly in cost.

Note that the Ethnic designs are costed using home made crabclaw sails (except Amatasi , which has a gaff/sprit rig made by a sail maker). The cost of the Ethnic designs is much lower as all fittings are self-made, they use grown saplings for beams and spars, and rope standing rigging.

All Study Plans include a full materials list, which enables you to cost out materials with suppliers in your area.

Final Choice

Having done careful thinking and consideration, then there is always the 'joke' or irrational factor. You may think that construction time and money available should lead you, via Hanneke's table, to the boat best suited to your needs and comfort. It won't. I will explain.. in the mid 1980s, using common sense logic and data from the table, I was planning my next boat to be either a Tiki 31 or a new Pahi 39 design (using the Coastal Trek construction system). Then we were commissioned to design the Pahi 63 , and I just fell in love with this design. Against all logic and common sense I decided I wanted to build one.

I know that other people looking through this Design Book will also be tempted against common sense into boats bigger and more expensive than they either need or had planned for. My excuse to the women partners at James Wharram Designs, who control the finance and do the boatbuilding, was that we could use the Pahi 63 as a charter ship to pay for its costs. This after considerable debate was accepted and the result was our beautiful Spirit of Gaia.

- James Wharram

Build Or Buy?

A reality check.

Many prospective builders also ponder the question of whether to build from scratch or buy a professionally built / second hand Wharram catamaran. In this video, Mark of Wildlings Sailing visits James Wharram Designs in Cornwall, speaks to head of JWD Hanneke Boon about the pros and cons of each, and receives advice on what to look for in a second hand boat.

Further questions? Contact us: