Sailing Performance & Handling
The sailing characteristics of the Jessica are defined by its relatively light displacement-to-length ratio. Because the boat is constructed primarily of marine-grade plywood encapsulated in epoxy, it is significantly lighter than contemporary production catamarans like those from Lagoon or Fontaine Pajot. This lightness, combined with a generous sail plan, allows the Jessica to perform exceptionally well in light to moderate airs. According to technical specifications provided in the original Peter Snell design portfolios, the Jessica typically features a simple fractional sloop rig, which is designed for ease of handling by a couple or a solo sailor.
Under sail, the Jessica is known for its "sea-kindliness," a trait attributed to the flared hull sections and the buoyancy distribution that prevents excessive pitching. Owners often report that the boat tracks well upwind for a multihull without deep daggers, thanks to the shallow fixed keels that also serve as protective "shoes" for drying out in tidal zones. The boat’s handling is predictable, though like most flat-paneled plywood designs, it lacks the extreme refined hydrodynamic curves of a vacuum-infused performance cat. However, for a cruising vessel, it offers a stable platform that maintains a respectable speed-over-ground.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Jessica is surprisingly voluminous for a 34-foot vessel, largely due to the "boxy" nature of the hulls which Peter Snell utilized to maximize living space. The standard layout typically includes three double cabins—two in the forward sections of the hulls and one aft—making it a popular choice for families. The bridge deck salon is the focal point of the interior, offering 360-degree visibility, a feature that was quite progressive for its era.
Because the Jessica was primarily a plan-built or kit-built boat, the interior finish and configuration can vary significantly between individual vessels. Some builders opted for a "galley-down" arrangement in the port hull to maximize salon seating, while others preferred a "galley-up" layout for social cooking. The use of timber in the interior construction provides a warmth that is often missing in modern "plastic" boats, though it requires more diligent maintenance to prevent moisture ingress. The Jessica 10.5 is frequently compared to its siblings, the Easy 32 (9.7m) and the Easy 37 (11.2m); the Jessica serves as the "Goldilocks" model, providing the necessary headroom and bridge deck space of the 37 without the increased docking fees and handling complexity of the larger vessel.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of an Easy Catamarans Jessica must approach the survey process with a focus on the specificities of timber-composite construction. The primary concern with any plywood/epoxy boat is the integrity of the encapsulation. If the epoxy barrier is breached—often at deck fittings, stanchion bases, or the waterline—moisture can reach the plywood core, leading to localized rot. A moisture meter is an essential tool for any Jessica inspection, particularly around the chainplates and the rudder gudgeons.
Another area for inspection is the bridge deck-to-hull joint. In amateur-built vessels, the quality of the glassing and tabbing in this high-stress area can vary. Buyers should look for signs of stress cracking or movement where the main bulkheads meet the hulls. Furthermore, the Jessica often utilizes a simple kick-up or fixed rudder system; the pivot points and cassettes should be checked for play or corrosion. Lastly, because many of these boats were fitted with outboard engines in nacelles rather than inboard diesels to save weight and cost, the structural integrity of the engine mounts and the cleanliness of the fuel delivery system are critical checkpoints.
Community & Resources
The community surrounding Peter Snell’s designs remains active, particularly in Australia and New Zealand. The most prominent resource for technical support and build history is the Easy Catamaran Owners Group, which, while transitioning in management over the years, continues to serve as a repository for Snell's design philosophy and technical updates. Technical discussions and build logs are also frequently archived in the "Multihull" sections of major maritime forums, where long-term owners share modifications for solar arch installations and daggerboard conversions.
The Verdict
The Easy Catamarans Jessica is an excellent entry-point for sailors looking for a capable, spacious, and affordable cruising multihull. While it lacks the "curvy" aesthetics of modern production cats, its functional design and proven blue-water capability make it a standout in the second-hand market.
Pros:
- Excellent bridge deck clearance minimizes slamming in head seas.
- Lightweight construction allows for superior light-wind performance.
- Extremely spacious interior for a 34-foot catamaran.
- Ease of repair and modification due to plywood/epoxy construction.
Cons:
- Vulnerable to rot if the epoxy encapsulation is not meticulously maintained.
- Aesthetics are functional rather than sleek, with a somewhat boxy profile.
- Build quality can vary significantly depending on the original amateur builder.
