I have had the idea of getting a large cruising cat in a few years to cruise the Pacific ocean over a couple years.

I have done my time (circumnavigation and several Atlantic crossings) on mono hulls and love them but the mrs would only the cruise on a cat, she too has done her time on mono hulls.

I have been eyeing of the fontain cats or of similar style, just for the sleek style and porno look.
Ive always shunned the Wharram designed as they look a bit scrappy and not so refined.

But after reading a recent artical in Surfers Path about the Wharram, I stopped and thought about my requirements for a pacific cruiser and the Wharram actually ticks the boxes!

-Easy home build, maintenance and sails well.
and as I get older (and budget minded) the looks of the boat are becoming more practical rather than wank factor

The only thing dubious about them is that they lash the beams to the hull by rope which I am 50% sure about.
From my experience I have found cats do crack through the beam due to flex. The rope allows this flex but how long do they last?

Does anyone have any first hand experience with these cats?

Do they handle well in heavy seas?

Cheers

G'day, I have some experience with Wharram Cats. A long, long while ago I built the Oro, 46 foot. In those days I was in Pomland and spent some time with Jim at a place called Deganwy ,in North Wales. My thoughts were the same as you- cheap, easy d.i.y. and they do go reasonably well.Mine was called Solanderi. I sailed in Atlantic and Med. Sold it in Gibraltar . Many years later I was cruising a Crowther 45 in Noumea and in comes Solanderi.! She was on her 2nd circumnavigation. The owner, Peter , gave me the S.P. on my build.
Mistakes- sheathing the ply, should leave painted as rot gets in. Connecting beams- Pirana Pine, poor quality caused rot. Good points- sailed well but not high performance, Peter installed 2 Yanmar inboards, better than an outboard!! Connecting beams attached to hulls with h.d. rubber blocks, maintenance free. Happy to talk if you have any questions.Cheers, Bob

The Tikis seem to be favoured by the more feral type of surfers. At $102 it is right up their alley.

The Wharram comes with a great heritage! When I met Jim Wharram , it was well known that he sailed with female crew only. At that time there was a crew of 3 or 4 chicks that assissted Jim with sailing and design .The plan set that I bought came with clear instruction on " finding a crew". What value!!

The lashings are a brilliant design and can be fixed on the hop. Your likely to see some kind of fatigue before a catastrophic failure (if you're paying attention), unlike may of the Gucci cats that hide all the important structural stuff under a fine finish. It's like your wire stays, If you replace them on a schedule, you shouldn't have a problem. Many many serious ocean miles have been done on these cats. But if you do join the Wharram brigade, you will have to start sprouting mung beans ;)