Wayfarer Plus S - GRP

By introducing sandwich construction for the hull and chines and strengthening the structure of the mast tabernacle in 1991, the hull of the GRP Wayfarer was given the same degree of stiffness and weight distribution as that of a wooden Wayfarer, thereby negating any advantage that racing owners of wooden boats felt they had over the GRP ones. The design of the forward bulkhead reverted from the shelf on the Mark II to the Mark I concept of having a full depth tank with only a small inspection hatch access (though a larger cover is available for cruisers if required).

Cruiser's comment: Fitted with a large hatch to forward compartment, these have same stowage capabilities as Mark 1. Short forward benches good for stowage. Check height under thwart if you wish to sleep on board. All -round boat for cruising and racing.

The Wayfarer World is the most fundamental design change since the original Wayfarer was built. The shape of the outside hull and the minimum weight remains the same as the original design, but the inside shape has been radically changed in order to accommodate more modern features such as an asymmetric spinnaker and optional chute, a self-draining facility and ease of maintenance, there being no wooden parts. The asymmetric spinnaker rig may be fitted, but this is not allowed for class racing. The inner hull moulding is in one piece and forms integral side decks, sides and floor. The boat is self draining and transom flaps are fitted as standard, these are allowed to be used when racing against other versions of boats.

There are three separate and sealed areas of buoyancy between the inner and outer hull mouldings, with additional buoyancy within these areas should the hull be punctured.

This is the first and only version not to have an aft tank, as this hinders drainage. This version has mid-bilge bailers (like the SD), but has transom flaps to allow quick draining.

There are GRP foils and a new heavy duty alloy rudder stock for low maintenance. A removable aft storage bag or GRP rear boxes are available to replace the aft tank storage facility. A raised area under the foredeck provides ‘splash proof’ storage and an under deck store net for the spinnaker or other items.

Cruiser's comment: now developed for cruising with a choice of moveable aft lockers or bags and forward stowage. Spacious and comfortable to sail. Self draining and bailing features attractive for cruising - no need to pump on a rough beat.
The lack of floorboards is a potential issue for sleeping aboard. Sponge the shallow bilges dry. Most cruisers tape up / seal their transom flaps. Beware heavy rain during the night!
Generally accepted to be harder to capsize, but once capsized more prone to invert. Many cruisers fit masthead floatation devices to counter this (on all Wayfarers marks).