mana 24 catamaran

Privacy Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time.

Boat Building: How Does Hanneke Boon’s Expertise Shape the World of Wharram Catamarans?

Hanneke Boon is an integral part of James Wharram Designs . Her expertise? Boat design, boat building and sailing. She was born into a family of sailors in the Netherlands. By 14, she was already constructing and sailing her first Polynesian Catamaran.

She joined the James Wharram team at 20, where her artistic skills and practical boatbuilding knowledge blossomed. Soon becoming a co-designer with James Wharram, producing some of the most clear and detailed boat building plans. The concept of ‘simplicity’ is a common theme in Wharram’s designs, their detailed illustrations have been a guide for DIY builders since the 70s.

Hanneke is quite the sailor, crossing the Atlantic twice on Tehini in the 1970s, sailing round the world on Spirit of Gaia in the 1990s, exploring as far as Iceland in 1999 and sailing the Lapita Voyage in the Western Pacific in 2008. She is now the captain of Spirit of Gaia and recently sailed the length of the Mediterranean, completing the last stretch to Portugal with an all women crew. 

However, this isn’t her only talent, Hanneke’s boatbuilding skills go beyond theory—she has been involved in the construction of over sixteen Wharram designs, including the 63ft Spirit of Gaia. She is also proficient in epoxy techniques having refined them over 40 years, as can be seen in her instructional videos. When not designing, she chooses to explore sail-rigs and has shared James Wharram’s interest in Marine Archaeology and Canoe form watercraft origins.

What was the last project Hanneke was involved in?

In 2016, Hanneke presented the Mana 24 , a distinctive catamaran that doubles as a mobile camping solution for families. This DIY kit is complete with CNC machine-cut plywood parts that all slot together with wedges making assembly very quick and easy.

The Mana 24, designed specifically for trailer sailing, held sentimental value for James Wharram. Its length mirrors that of ‘ Tangaroa ’, his first catamaran that made a successful Atlantic crossing in 1956. The Mana 24 merges the best of the TIKI 21 and TIKI 26 designs, offering easy handling and ample interior space. Its innovative design includes wider bunks placed aft and robust webbing straps and over-centre buckles for quick and secure joining of hulls and beams.

What types of materials were used for the project?

Wharram Designs have been dedicated users of WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy since its inception in 1980, and their designs use this system to best advantage.

They have created 19 designs, ranging from 14ft to 65ft, all built in ply/epoxy. These designs have been brought to life worldwide by thousands of self-builders.

“ For the benefit of our builders and others I made several instructional videos (whilst building the Mana 24). The video ‘Making perfect epoxy fillets’ has had over 135,000 views.” – Hanneke Boon

What is the process when building a catamaran, and how is the client’s vision incorporated into designs?

Hanneke provides an enlightening look into catamaran construction through her educational videos. One illustrates the assembly of the Wharram Mana 24 kit’s lower hull , while the other demonstrates the epoxy glassing technique.

Her forte lies in producing stock designs. These designs consist of very detailed and pictorial plans that are considered a course in ply/epoxy boatbuilding.

While ‘Wharram Designs’ don’t typically venture into custom designs, they’re always ready to assist builders with minor adjustments. The goal is to blend the client’s vision with the original blueprint. They do have a franchised professional builder in the Philippines who will customise their designs for the client in liaison with Hanneke.

In their boat construction techniques, they draw from their 40 years of experience in using ply/epoxy. Over time, they’ve successfully resolved any challenges, and developed simple construction solutions that their builders can follow exceptionally well.

Have any influential figures or sources of inspiration shaped your work in boat construction?

Drawing inspiration from the ancient double canoes of Polynesians, they have ingeniously adapted them to the modern era without losing the basic design principles. Their focus lies in light weight ply/epoxy construction, all while preserving the essence and simplicity inherent in those venerable ancient forms.

As trailblazers in multihull design, ‘Wharram Designs’ have managed to bring fresh ideas to their already established practices. In the 1990s, a voyage around the world involved the study of Pacific canoe craft and led to the creation of the Wharram Ethnic Designs. These designs are unique to James Wharram Designs and are modelled on traditional Pacific sailing canoes. Their hulls are built in simple ply/epoxy and are finished with natural wood craft, traditional sail rigs and rope lashings to maintain cultural authenticity and keep costs low. The designs were a response to Pacific Islanders’ requests for boats that reflect their traditions, with adaptations to the scarcity of traditional building materials.

What are your plans for your business? Are there any upcoming projects that you’re particularly excited about?

In an era where complexity and high-tech often overshadows simplicity, there’s a growing trend among today’s youth for a simpler, more natural way of living and Wharram catamarans are answering that call.

The company is passionate about supporting these sea seekers with designs for self-built catamarans, enabling a relaxed life on the water. Their stories, shared through social media, create a sense of community among those with similar aspirations.

Each year, the Wharram community comes together at the Hui , a gathering that’s become a highlight for many. This year, it’s taking place from August 3rd to 5th in the peaceful Restronguet Creek, Cornwall, shaping up an event to remember.

Wharram has established business relationships with multiple kit producers to manufacture the CNC Mana 24 kit. Collaborations with Chesapeake Light Craft in America, Fyne Boat Kits in the UK, and a Brisbane-based firm ensure the kit’s availability for the Australian market. These partnerships reflect a strategic effort to support the global community of catamaran builders and sailors.

Hanneke finds joy in boatbuilding, especially when a new boat successfully takes to the sea. “ Personally, I get great satisfaction when the boat is finished and sailing, when I discover that the design works and the structure is sound and strong.”

Do Wharram participate in any local events or markets to showcase their boats?

They’ve shifted away from boat shows, finding them overly centered on modern plastic boats and electronics. The Beale Park Boatshow, once a favourite, is no more. Instead, they host their own Hui gatherings and stay connected with the community through social media.

What essential tips should beginner boat builders follow for success?

When Hanneke was asked for guidance on boat building, she shared, “ Build a small boat, get it on the water and learn to sail .” She encourages starting with a manageable project to gain firsthand experience. If one finds joy in this, she advises to “ build a bigger one.” Her designs are crafted to be accessible to those new to boat building, with “ construction methods [that] are simple,” and an educational approach that teaches the skills as the project progresses. Hanneke notes that for many, constructing their own Wharram Catamaran has been a pivotal experience, often leading to positive changes in their lives.

Interested in learning more about Wharram Catamarans? View their website hub of designs and stories here.

Have you subscribed to our FREE monthly newsletter?  Sign up here!

Is Brilliant II Their Real-Life Movie Set?

A Journey into the Boat Industry

Working on a  project?  Share it with us!  Click here…

Back to projects/boat-building

Repairing Minor Cracks & Holes in a Fibreglass Boat

G/flex® 650 vs. 655: Choosing the Right Epoxy Adhesive

Swiss Couple’s Boat Restoration Rescue?

• Cruising Compass Media Advertising & Rates
• Blue Water Sailing
• Multihulls Today
• Subscribe Today

James Wharram Mana 24

There’s a new trailer sailer catamaran in the pipeline from James Wharram Designs. Here’s his vision… 

At any one time there are always two or three design ideas floating around in my design consciousness. Social, political or personal events will bring a particular design to the forefront for a new launching (my staff call them my obsessions!)

Due to the present tight financial situation a large number of would-be sailors are having a hard time financing their dream sailing boat. You can buy good small second hand boats at a reasonable price, but the problem is where do you keep them? All over Europe (and the U.S.) high marina/mooring costs make it impossible for many would-be sailors to own a boat. Read More

Administrator

You might also like.

Dutch Builder Contest Introduces 63CS Couple’s Cruiser

Innovative Wauquiez 55 Center-Cockpit Cruiser

New Solaris 55 to Mark Builder’s 50th Anniversary

Read the Summer-Fall Edition of Blue Water Sailing

Read the fall 2023 edition of blue water sailing, recent posts.

• Survey of the Week

• Lagoon Introduces New 60-Foot World-Girdling Family Cruiser

Please Visit Our Sponsor’s Webpages

• Media Advertising & Rates

Published by Blue Water Sailing Media, a division of Day Communications, Inc., Middletown, RI

Publisher & Editor: George Day

Blue Water Sailing Media publishes Blue Water Sailing magazine, Multihulls Today and other titles.

Cruising Compass Advertising Sales:

George Day, Newport, RI [email protected] 401-847-7612

• Excess 13 Cruising Cat Design Launch Refines the Brand’s DNA
• Fountaine Pajot Introduces New Sustainable, Affordable 41-Foot Cruising Cat

© 2014 Blue Water Media. All rights reserved. | Admin

James Wharram Designs

Search Our Site

Mana 24 launching.

Mana has been officially launched at Devoran on 20th August.

This was not her first launching as we had taken her by trailer to the Brest and Douarnenez traditional boat festivals in July. She was not fully finished then, still in white undercoat, but she first floated in the sea off the slipway in Brest. After a couple of days of fitting windows, raising masts and rigging her, we first sailed Mana with the fleet of multihulls in the ‘night parade’ off the quays in Brest.

Mana and James Wharram had been specially invited to Brest by the ‘ Golden Oldies Multihull Group ’ to be part of their ‘classic’ multihull fleet, consisting of many restored racing trimarans from the 1980s as well as Tiki 31 ‘Brillig’ sailed from Cornwall by Tino Rawnsley and family. James, who sailed his first 23’6” catamaran ‘Tangaroa’ across the Atlantic 60 years ago, has been honoured by being appointed the ‘Father’ of this group. Mana, at the same length as Tangaroa, had been designed to celebrate this 60th anniversary.

While moored in Brest, Mana received her first blessing by the retired ‘sailing’ vicar of Devoran, Mike Palmer, who also blessed Spirit of Gaia at her launching in Devoran in 1992. He now lives in Brittany where he owns a beautiful classic yacht.

First sails on Mana were successful in spite of a mainsail that was not setting right (this has now been corrected by the sail maker). After a couple of trial sails, we sailed in the 25 Nm parade from Brest to Douarnenez, which was windward sailing all the way. Mana averaged 6 knots (1.3 x √WLL) to windward in a force 4 and we read 7.3 knots on the GPS (this is 1.6 x √WLL !). We are sure she will be capable of greater speeds in the right wind conditions, like the Tiki 21 and 26. She was light on the helm and kept her course when letting go of the tiller. She also tacked easy without a headsail. We are looking forward to further sail testing in the next weeks.

On return from France, Mana was returned to our workshop where Hanneke and Pierre-Yves, a French yacht design student doing an interneeship, worked hard on the finishing painting and final details. A date was set for the official launch on the spring tide when there is enough water in the creek behind our workshop in Devoran.

The forecast for Saturday 20th August was strong, gale force, Westerly winds with possible rainsqualls, but turned out sunny in the afternoon. At noon an impromptu group of volunteers started to gather to help us with moving the boat and clearing the shop for the party. It was wonderful to be helped by such a lovely, enthusiastic group of young people, all involved in traditional boatbuilding and sailing. It was like a continuation of the atmosphere of Brest and Douarnenez. The crew of the Dutch sailing trading ship ‘ Nordlys ’ heard about the launch on their arrival in Brixham from Portugal and jumped into a van and drove all the way to Cornwall to be there. Many of our old sailing friends came, some remembering past launchings of Spirit of Gaia (1992) and Amatasi (2012).

At around 7 o’clock, after a short delay while a rain squall passed over, Mana was named by Rory McDougall, who is famous for sailing his Tiki 21 ‘Cooking Fat’ round the world in the 1990s and coming in second in the Jester Challenge of 2010 . Last year he was awarded the ‘Jester Medal’ by the Ocean Cruising Club.

Many people have been asking us for a price for the kit. With all the building work we have not had much time to finalize this, but we do know that the cut plywood (partially epoxy coated), timber, platform panels and full epoxy kit (i.e. all you need to build the basic boat) will be priced at approx. £6,500 (ex. VAT and transport). Additional packages will be available later for paint, sails, masts, ropes and fittings, though some people may prefer to source some of these themselves. We expect the final price for the completed boat to be around £10,000.

In the coming weeks Hanneke and Pierre-Yves, the French design student, will be working on finalizing the kit details!

Do contact us if you are seriously thinking of building the Mana. The first kits could be cut very soon.