Always a fun discussion, but in the end, it is the sailor's judgement (or lack thereof?) that determines that, right?Uh oh, this is beginning to sound like the "What's a blue water sailboat" discussion!
Do you like Pocket Yachts
- Thread starter jssailem
- Start date
Our Seaward 25 pretty much is that boat. Here she is in Vinalhaven, Maine (Penobscot Bay).
She's also been to Rhode Island/Martha's Vineyard, NY's Fingerlakes, Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, Lake Huron's North Channel, and Charlotte Harbor, Fl. on our watch. Not as comfortable as our Catalina 350, but for 2 or 3 weeks is fine.
No, I don't think so. A pocket yacht doesn't have to suitable for blue water. Actually, I think I'll refine my definition ... a pocket yacht doesn't have standing headroom anywhere inside the cabin.Uh oh, this is beginning to sound like the "What's a blue water sailboat" discussion!
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,746
In a thrashing sea state, I have always found being close to the sole is a good thing.
No standing room means I have a lesser distance to travel about the boat as the waves take control of the boat.
No standing room means I have a lesser distance to travel about the boat as the waves take control of the boat.
Which makes it a proper yacht for shorter people?
Headroom at 6' isn't necessarily standing headroom. My Starwind 27 didn't have standing headroom for me ... so I thought of it as a pocket cruiser. There are always exceptions ... I'd say a Flicka is definitely a pocket yacht.
By that definition almost every boat would be a "pocket yacht" for Shaquille O'Neal.Which makes it a proper yacht for shorter people?
My problem with getting a small sailboat up here in New England hasn't anything to do with the kind, sailing ability or fun, it's all about the cold water, to me. Also, the short season is kinda a bummer. I began sailing in foulies and didn't like it then, and I sure don't like it 60 odd years later.
Pocket cruisers, tiny homes, and van campers have always held a certain appeal. The ability to have all the essentials, even if a bit inconvenient, in a compact package appeals to a certain desire for independence and self reliance that you don't get with the full size "luxury" boats. On my wee little 23ft Jeanneau I have all the essentials, a galley, a fridge, a head, comfy berths, solar power, etc. I have standing headroom (for me) only under the companionway hatch. It has the ability to stay out at sea for about a week or so, which would be my definition of a pocket cruiser.
I'm thinking the definition, if there even is one, of a pocket cruiser is all in the mind of the beholder, (sailor). A sailor moving from a 20 footer to a 25 footer may say " I'm looking for a cruiser" while the sailor moving from a 35 footer to a 25 footer may say "I'm downsizing to a pocket cruiser". Tis an enigma.
Agreed. It is a sharpie hull… fast and sleek
Will. have you read this yet?
If not, I know you will love it. Ive read it cover to cove at least four times.
I don’t think that is what he meant. I think he meant that opinions will vary widely
Sorry Dave. Perhapse it's just me, but I think another, unspoken, criteria to a pocket cruiser, and all cruisers, is, it doesn't go anywhere fast.
-Will
I think the "Admiral Test" should apply.
If the Admiral looks at it and says, "Oh! Isn't that CUTE!", then it's a pocket cruiser.
If the Admiral looks at it and says, "Oh! Isn't that CUTE!", then it's a pocket cruiser.
Or, if she says "nope, not for me" it's a pocket yacht ... could we expand the definition? It is a single-hander's boat ... 
There is much to love about a pocket yacht!
There is much to love about a pocket yacht!
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,746
That could be a segue into "well lets look at one a little bigger..."
Perhaps with a vanity and a dressing area....
The Pacific SeaCraft Flicka 20 is the paradigm of the “Pocket Yacht” cruiser, IMO.Or, if she says "nope, not for me" it's a pocket yacht ... could we expand the definition? It is a single-hander's boat ...
If you are sailing in a pocket yacht (cruiser), you reside in the “pocket” of the yacht. So the thing should be reminiscent of a pocket—a fairly small, relatively deep, secure, cozy place with some comforts of a home. When the bad weather comes you can retreat into “the pocket” for safety and security. It should be seaworthy, seakindly, and homey. That translates to a well-built, heavy displacement yacht, rigged for sea perhaps like a cutter, etc.
Last edited: