Polynesian Concept Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Polynesian Concept was designed with a focus on speed and sea-kindliness that challenged the era's perception of "clunky" cruising cats. Its performance is rooted in a narrow-hull philosophy, prioritizing a high length-to-beam ratio for each hull to reduce wave-making resistance. Unlike modern "condo-marans" that sacrifice speed for massive interior volume, this model maintains a relatively sleek profile.

When sailing, the boat exhibits the characteristic stiffness of a multihull, offering a stable platform that appeals to those weary of the constant heeling of monohulls. However, because it lacks the deep keel of a monohull, tracking upwind requires attentive sail trimming and a reliance on its low-profile fixed fins or daggerboards (depending on the specific production run). Handling in heavy seas is generally favorable due to its light displacement, though like many early cruising catamarans, it can experience bridgedeck slamming when heading directly into a short, steep chop. Anecdotal reports from the Multihull Transpac era suggest the hull design is capable of surprising bursts of speed, often reaching into the low double digits when reaching in a stiff breeze.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Polynesian Concept reflects the transitional period of catamaran design, where builders were still experimenting with how to utilize the expansive bridgedeck. The layout typically features a large, airy salon on the bridgedeck level, which serves as the social heart of the vessel. Large windows provide nearly 360-degree visibility, a luxury rarely found in monohulls of the same vintage.

Accommodations are split between the two hulls, often featuring a "four-cabin" layout or a three-cabin "owner’s version." In the standard configuration, the hulls contain the sleeping berths, a compact galley, and head facilities. Headroom is generous in the hulls but may feel slightly more constrained on the bridgedeck compared to modern designs. The use of fiberglass liners and wood accents was standard for W.D. Schock, providing a clean, durable finish that has aged reasonably well. While no major "stretched" siblings of this specific hull were mass-produced, the Polynesian Concept served as a spiritual predecessor to later American production cats, influencing how builders balanced the weight of the interior with the buoyancy requirements of the hulls.

Popular Mentions & Media

The vessel's most significant claim to fame is its designer and namesake. Buddy Ebsen was not merely a celebrity figurehead; he was a serious competitive sailor who campaigned the original Polynesian Concept with professional rigor. His victory in the 1968 Multihull Transpac was a watershed moment for the catamaran community, proving that multihulls could be both fast and reliable in grueling offshore conditions. The boat’s development and Ebsen’s racing exploits were frequently covered in contemporary yachting journals, and Ebsen himself often spoke of the boat’s design as a way to bring the joy of fast multihull sailing to a wider audience.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

For a prospective buyer, the Polynesian Concept presents the challenges typical of 50-year-old fiberglass vessels, compounded by the specific stresses of multihull geometry.

1. Bridgedeck Integrity: The connection points between the hulls and the bridgedeck are high-stress areas. Inspect for "spider-web" stress cracks or signs of structural flexing, which can indicate a breakdown in the laminate or core material.
2. Deck Delamination: Like many Schock-built boats of this era, the decks likely utilize a balsa or plywood core. Use a plastic hammer to "tap-test" the decks for dull thuds, which indicate moisture intrusion and delamination, particularly around stanchion bases and hatches.
3. Rudder Bearings and Linkage: The dual-rudder system requires a synchronized linkage. Over time, the bushings can wear, leading to "slop" in the steering. Check the alignment and the condition of the cross-bar connecting the two rudders.
4. Osmotic Blistering: Early fiberglass hulls from the 1970s are prone to blistering. A thorough hull inspection below the waterline is essential to determine if the boat has undergone a proper epoxy barrier coat treatment.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for owners is the W.D. Schock legacy community. While the company ceased primary operations in 2018, the W.D. Schock Official Website has historically maintained archives and parts support for their classic models. Additionally, because of the boat’s historical significance in multihull racing, technical advice can often be found through the Ocean Racing Catamaran Association (ORCA), which preserves the history and technical data of the early Transpac multihulls.

The Verdict

The Polynesian Concept is a vintage multihull that offers a blend of historical pedigree and genuine sailing capability. It is an ideal choice for a buyer who appreciates the "classic" era of yachting and seeks a stable, spacious platform without the sluggish performance of a heavy-displacement cruiser.

Pros:

• Excellent stability and a level sailing platform.
• Strong historical connection to a legendary designer and race.
• Expansive bridgedeck salon with superior visibility.
• Relatively fast for a cruising catamaran of its era.

Cons:

• Potential for bridgedeck slamming in rough head seas.
• Aging fiberglass requires diligent maintenance and inspection.
• Early catamaran design lacks the refined "sugar-scoop" sterns and easy water access of modern models.
• Limited availability on the used market due to low production numbers.