Jumpahead Information, Review, Specs

The Jumpahead's story begins around 1948, with its introduction positioning it as one of the first production catamarans from the UK, alongside the Prout Shearwater. The designer, Bill O'Brian, was a visionary figure whose work helped lay the groundwork for modern catamaran design, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in multihull racing and cruising. While the initial models were likely constructed from wood, Grampian Marine, founded in 1962, took on the production of a fiberglass version in the early 1960s.

Grampian Marine, established by Jim Bisiker, was at the forefront of fiberglass boat construction in Canada, having gained expertise from Dyer Yachts in the US. Their manufacturing ethos centered on producing sturdy, practical, and value-oriented fiberglass sailboats. The decision to build the Jumpahead, a small catamaran, aligned with their early focus on diverse fiberglass vessels, including small dinghies and licensed designs. There is no information to suggest significant variations in the fiberglass Jumpahead during its limited production run by Grampian, though it represented a material departure from any earlier wooden versions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a 16-foot catamaran with a fractional sloop rig, the Jumpahead was likely designed for sprightly performance and agile handling, characteristic of smaller multihulls. Its twin centerboard configuration would have offered flexibility in varying water depths, allowing for shallow-water exploration while providing lateral resistance for upwind sailing. Given its lightweight displacement of 376 lbs and a reported sail area of 167 sq ft, the Jumpahead would have been quick to accelerate in light breezes and offered an exhilarating ride as the wind picked up.

Early catamarans like the Jumpahead were known for their stability and speed compared to monohulls of similar length. Its twin rudders would have provided precise steering control, a common feature in catamarans to ensure effective turning and maneuverability. While specific anecdotal descriptions of its handling are scarce, one can infer that its design would have prioritized responsive performance, making it a fun and engaging boat for day sailing and recreational racing on sheltered waters.

Accommodations and Layout

Given the Jumpahead's compact length overall of 16 feet and catamaran hull type, its accommodations would have been minimal, primarily focusing on open-air sailing and very basic shelter. The design likely featured a large, open cockpit spread across its two hulls, providing ample space for a small crew or family to sail comfortably. While the does not specify maximum headroom, it is highly improbable that there would have been standing headroom in any enclosed space on a boat of this size.

The interior, if any, would have been limited to small cuddy cabins within each hull or a single, very compact forward cuddy, offering only enough space for stowing gear or perhaps providing a snug spot to shelter from the elements. Such a layout is typical for small, early production catamarans, emphasizing sailing performance and open-air enjoyment over extensive cruising amenities. The construction materials, especially for the Grampian fiberglass versions, would have been durable and practical, aligning with the builder's reputation for robust, no-frills construction. Details on specific interior materials or finish quality for this model are not readily available, but generally, early fiberglass boats prioritized functionality and strength.

Owner's Perspectives

While specific, widespread owner reviews for the Grampian Jumpahead are difficult to find due to its age and limited production run, its historical context as an early production catamaran provides some insight into common perceptions of such vessels. Owners of pioneering catamarans often valued their inherent stability, shallow draft capabilities, and exhilarating speed compared to conventional monohulls of the era. The Grampian build, known for its durable fiberglass construction, would have likely offered a robust platform that has stood the test of time, contributing to the longevity of the few units produced.

As with many vintage small boats, potential maintenance considerations for a Jumpahead might include assessing the condition of original hardware, sails, and any wooden components on deck. However, the simplicity of its design, typical of smaller fractional sloops, would generally translate to more straightforward maintenance compared to larger, more complex cruising yachts. The enduring appeal of such a historic catamaran would likely stem from its unique design, its connection to the early days of multihull sailing, and the joy of sailing a nimble, responsive vessel.