Polynesian Concept Information, Review, Specs

The Polynesian Concept entered production in 1970, with its brief manufacturing run concluding in 1972. It was a joint building effort by W.D. Schock Corp and C/S/K Catamarans, the latter co-founded by Rudy Choy himself. The genesis of the Polynesian Concept is rooted in a fascinating collaboration between Choy, known for his "go fast" design philosophy, and actor Buddy Ebsen, who was not only a serious Thistle class racer but also personally involved in constructing the first of these catamarans. This partnership aimed to push the boundaries of cruising catamaran performance. W.D. Schock, a prominent West Coast builder, contributed its expertise in quality fiberglass construction, a material they specialized in from their inception, ensuring robust and forward-thinking craftsmanship in each hull.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Designed with speed in mind, the Polynesian Concept's catamaran hull form, combined with a masthead sloop rig and a reported sail area of 805 square feet, allowed it to achieve a theoretical hull speed of 7.4 knots. Its impressive 17-foot beam contributes significantly to its inherent stability, a hallmark of multihull design. The boat is equipped with daggerboards, offering the versatility of a shallow minimum draft of 1.58 feet for exploring anchorages while providing deep foils for upwind performance when deployed. Rudy Choy's design ethos prioritized speed, which is evident in the Polynesian Concept's slender hulls and powerful sail plan, making it a lively performer for its time.

Accommodations and Layout

Due to its limited production run and age, detailed information regarding the Polynesian Concept's specific interior layout and accommodations is scarce. However, as a 37-foot catamaran, it would inherently benefit from the spaciousness provided by its wide 17-foot beam, allowing for larger and more open living areas compared to a monohull of similar length. Typically, catamarans of this size from the early 1970s would feature two separate hull areas, often housing sleeping berths, with a bridgedeck cabin spanning between them. This arrangement would likely include a main salon area, a galley, and a head, with ample natural light and ventilation owing to the wide deckhouse. While specific details on materials or finish quality are not readily available, boats built by W.D. Schock during this era were generally known for their robust fiberglass construction.