Woods Eclipse Information, Review, Specs

While the Eclipse is the core model, it shares design DNA with several "siblings" in the Woods lineup. The Sagitta 30 is often viewed as its smaller, slightly more performance-oriented predecessor, while the Romany 34 provides a larger alternative with a similar hull philosophy. A notable variant of the Eclipse is the professional version produced by the Palamos boatyard in the UK, which featured refined molds and a more standardized interior than the custom home-built examples found globally.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Woods Eclipse is widely regarded for its balanced helm and surprising agility in light winds. Its performance is largely a product of its hull shape: the hulls are narrow at the waterline to reduce drag but feature a pronounced "knuckle" or flare above the waterline to increase internal volume and reserve buoyancy. This prevents the "nose-diving" tendencies often found in older, narrower catamarans when sailing downwind in a blow.

In terms of handling, the Eclipse typically utilizes either low-aspect-ratio (LAR) keels for simplicity and ease of beaching or daggerboards for enhanced windward performance. Editorial testing by Yachting Monthly highlighted the boat’s ability to maintain high average speeds without the stressful motion associated with many monohulls of the same length. The boat’s displacement-to-length ratio is low enough to allow for surfing in following seas, yet the design maintains enough "sea-kindliness" to avoid the flighty, nervous feel of a pure racing multihull. Owners often report that the boat tracks exceptionally well, requiring minimal autopilot effort on long passages.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 32-foot vessel, the Eclipse offers an expansive interior, largely due to the utilizeation of the bridge deck for the main saloon and navigation station. This layout provides 360-degree visibility, a feature typically reserved for much larger catamarans. Headroom is a standout feature, generally exceeding 6 feet (1.9m) in the hulls and remaining generous in the central bridge deck area.

The accommodation is usually split between the two hulls, with the "owner's version" often featuring a large galley in one hull and a spacious head and shower in the other. Sleeping arrangements typically consist of two double cabins located forward, with additional berths available in the aft sections of the hulls. Because many Eclipses were home-built, the interior finish varies wildly—from utilitarian white flow-coat to elaborate teak joinery. The professional Palamos builds are characterized by molded GRP liners and more standardized layouts, which tend to hold their value better on the secondary market.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Woods Eclipse gained significant attention in the cruising community following the high-seas exploits of the designer himself. Richard Woods famously cruised his own Eclipse, Jetti, extensively, including a dramatic survival story during a North Pacific storm. The incident, which resulted in the boat being rolled and eventually abandoned, became a case study in multihull stability and heavy-weather tactics. Woods documented the event and the boat's performance in various nautical publications, reinforcing the Eclipse's reputation as a robust design capable of surviving extreme conditions, even if the limits of the design were eventually found.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Woods Eclipse with a "build-first" mentality. Because the design was sold as plans, the quality of the individual vessel is entirely dependent on the builder's skill and the materials used.

Core Integrity: For foam-sandwich builds, a thorough moisture meter test and percussion sounding are essential to check for delamination or core rot, particularly around deck fittings and stanchions where water ingress is most common.
Weight Management: The Eclipse is sensitive to weight. Some home builders "over-built" the interiors with heavy hardwoods, which can significantly degrade the bridge deck clearance and sailing performance. Check the waterline to see if the boat is sitting low.
The "Knuckle" Joints: Inspect the transition area where the hull flares out above the waterline. This is a high-stress area; look for stress cracking or evidence of previous structural repairs.
Rudder Bearings and Stocks: Earlier models or those with high mileage may show wear in the rudder bushings. Given the spade rudder design on many Eclipses, ensuring the stocks are straight and the bearings are tight is critical for steering feel.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for the model remains Woods Designs, which continues to provide support for builders and owners. Technical queries are often addressed directly by the designer via his active online presence. Additionally, the Woods Catamarans Owners Group (often found on platforms like Groups.io or Facebook) serves as a vital repository for modification ideas, rigging schedules, and specific maintenance tips for the Eclipse and its siblings.

The Verdict

The Woods Eclipse is a rare find in the sub-35-foot catamaran market: a boat that offers genuine blue-water capability and liveaboard comfort without sacrificing the joy of sailing. While the variance in build quality requires a discerning eye, a well-built Eclipse offers value that few production catamarans can match.

Pros:

Exceptional bridge deck clearance for its size, reducing slamming in choppy seas.
Spacious, bright interior with 360-degree views from the saloon.
Capable of high average speeds and proven offshore pedigree.
Beachable (if equipped with LAR keels), allowing for easy maintenance and shallow-water cruising.

Cons: