In the vibrant sailing landscape of Santa Cruz, California, a small but significant boat builder emerged in the late 1970s, leaving a legacy of well-crafted fiberglass sailboats. Wilderness Boat Works, founded by Lynn Daugherty and John Josephs, operated for less than a decade, yet its designs, particularly those from naval architects Chuck Burns and Gary Mull, earned a quiet reputation among sailors.
The Origin Story
Wilderness Boat Works opened its doors in 1977 at 2473 Mission Street in Santa Cruz, California [2,. The company was the brainchild of Lynn Daugherty and John Josephs. While specific details about their individual backgrounds prior to founding the company are not widely documented, their venture quickly established itself as a producer of hand-laid fiberglass monohull masthead sloops. The company's first notable vessel, the Wilderness 21, debuted in 1978, setting the stage for their short but productive run.
History and Evolution
Wilderness Boat Works operated for a concise period, from 1977 until 1986. During this time, the company maintained a focused approach, primarily constructing boats using hand-laid fiberglass, a common and durable material for production yachts of the era. Given its relatively brief existence, Wilderness Boat Works did not undergo major corporate transformations or significant material transitions typically seen in longer-lived companies. However, the endurance of their designs is evident in the fact that at least one of their popular models, the Wilderness 21, continued to be built under a different name, the "Burns 21," after Wilderness Boat Works ceased operations. This highlights the enduring appeal and practicality of their initial designs.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Wilderness Boat Works developed a reputation for producing practical and robust monohull sailboats. Their design philosophy centered on creating functional masthead sloops crafted from hand-laid fiberglass. While not known for extravagant luxury or groundbreaking innovations, the company's boats were appreciated for their solid construction and seaworthy characteristics.
A key aspect of Wilderness Boat Works' identity was its collaboration with respected naval architects. Chuck Burns was instrumental in designing several of their models, including the popular Wilderness 21, the Wilderness 30, and its variant, the Wilderness 30SX. Another notable collaboration was with Gary Mull, who designed the Wilderness 40. These partnerships with established designers ensured that Wilderness boats benefited from professional and thoughtful naval architecture, contributing to their good sailing characteristics and overall quality. Some of their models were even described as "trailboats" and found popularity in the UK, indicating their versatility and ease of transport.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Despite its limited lifespan, Wilderness Boat Works introduced several distinct sailboat models that garnered a following. The company's product line primarily consisted of three main designs: the Wilderness 21, the Wilderness 30, and the Wilderness 40.
The Wilderness 21, launched in 1978, was a 20.5-foot masthead sloop designed by Chuck Burns. It proved to be their most prolifically built model, with approximately 80 units produced. Its continued production as the "Burns 21" after the company's closure speaks volumes about its enduring and practical design.
The Wilderness 30, also designed by Chuck Burns, was a 30-foot masthead sloop that began production in 1979. It also came in a 30SX variant, further expanding the options for sailors seeking a larger cruising or racing platform.
For those desiring a larger vessel, the Wilderness 40 was offered, designed by the renowned Gary Mull. While less information is readily available on its production numbers, its inclusion in the lineup demonstrated the company's ambition to offer a range of sizes to the sailing community.
The legacy of Wilderness Boat Works lies in the sturdy, no-nonsense fiberglass sailboats that still ply waters today. While the company itself is no longer in business, having ceased operations in 1986, their boats continue to be owned and enjoyed by sailors who appreciate their robust construction and functional designs. The absence of elaborate custom projects or America's Cup entries reflects the company's focus on producing accessible and reliable fiberglass sailboats for the general sailing public rather than high-profile racing or luxury yachts. It's important to note that references to "Wilderness Legacy" as a cruise ship refer to a completely unrelated vessel and company.
The Builder Today
Wilderness Boat Works concluded its operations in 1986, and the company is no longer in business. Therefore, there are no "modern boats" produced by the original Wilderness Boat Works. However, the boats they built between 1977 and 1986 continue to sail and contribute to the vibrant used boat market. The enduring presence of these vessels fosters a community of owners who appreciate the solid construction and thoughtful designs inherited from the collaborative efforts of Daugherty, Josephs, Chuck Burns, and Gary Mull. These boats appeal to sailors seeking dependable and well-behaved vessels, reflecting the pragmatic and quality-focused approach that defined Wilderness Boat Works during its short but memorable tenure in the marine industry.
