Abstract: A wave energy harvesting apparatus of the type employing laterally spaced-apart floats arranged so that the up and down movements of the floats in response to the wave motion are out of phase with each other and can be used to drive one or more pumps is configured to maintain a fixed orientation with respect to the direction of wave motion and is adapted, on the basis of local wave characteristics, to maximize the average power output. This adaptation may be provided by means including initial selection of the overall size of the apparatus and subsequent adjustments made to the pumping mechanism. The preferred pumping arrangement employs three pumps, each having a piston with one end removably pivotally attached to a pumping arm near one of the floats. Each piston reciprocates, with a stroke much longer than its diameter, within a respective neutrally buoyant cylinder that is pivotally attached to a body float.