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11 Best Pocket Cruiser Sailboats to Fit a Budget

• By Cruising World Staff
• Updated: May 24, 2024

Looking for a trailerable pocket cruiser that offers that liveaboard feeling? This list features 11 small sailboats with cabins that have the amenities often found on larger vessels. They may not be ocean crossing vessels, but they’re certainly capable of handling big bays and open waters.

What is a pocket cruiser? It’s a small trailerable sailboat, typically under 30 feet in length, that’s ideal for cruising big lakes, bays, coastal ocean waters, and occasionally bluewater cruising. Pocket cruisers are usually more affordable, compact, and offer a level of comfort that’s comparable to bigger liveaboards.

Small cruising sailboats are appealing for many reasons, but if you’re like most of us, you want to maintain a certain level of comfort while on the water. We took a poll and these are what we found to be the best cruising sailboats under 30 feet.

– DON’T LET CARBON MONOXIDE SNEAK UP ON YOU – Install detectors on your boat to sniff out any buildup of carbon monoxide gas. Avoid running engines or generators while anchored or stopped for extended periods. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Open and airy below deck, the Andrews 28 doesn’t sacrifice comfort for speed. Designed by Alan Andrews, the Southern California naval architect renowned for his light, fast raceboats, this 28-footer will certainly appeal to the cruiser who also enjoys a little club racing. Sporting a total of 6 berths, a galley, head and nav area, you might forget you are on a boat small enough to be easily trailered. The retractable keel allows the Andrews 28 to be easily launched and hauled and ensures it’s as comfortable as a daysailer as it is a racer. Click here to read more about the Andrews28.

Beneteau First 20

Small sailboat with a cabin? Check! Fun to sail? Modern design? Capable of flying a spinnaker? Check! Check! Check! The Finot-Conq-designed Beneteau First 20, which replaced the popular Beneteau first 211 nearly a decade ago now, is a sporty-but-stable pocket cruiser suitable for newcomers to the sport who are eager to learn their chops before moving up to a bigger boat or for old salts looking to downsize to a trailerable design. The boat features twin rudders, a lifting keel, and a surprisingly roomy interior with bunks for four. Click here to read more about the Beneteau First 20 .

Conceived as a way to bridge the gap between a safe, comfortable, family cruiser and a competitive racer, Gary Mull’s Ranger 26 does exactly as it was designed to. Undeniably fast, (one won the 1970 IOR North American Half-Ton Cup) the boat sails as well as it looks. However speed isn’t the Ranger’s only strong-suit, with over 7 feet of cockpit there’s plenty of room for socializing after an evening of racing. The Ranger 26 sports a nice balance of freeboard and cabin height ensuring that a handsome profile wasn’t sacrificed for standing headroom. Click here to read more about the Ranger 26.

Catboats were once a common site in coastal waters, where they sailed the shallow bays as fishing or work boats. Their large single and often gaff-rigged sail provided plenty of power, and a centerboard made them well-suited for the thin waters they frequently encountered. In the late 1970s, Canadian builder Hinterhoeller introduced the Nonsuch 30, a fiberglass variation of the catboat design, with a modern Marconi sail flown on a stayless mast, and a keel instead of a centerboard. The boat’s wide beam made room below for a spacious interior, and the design caught on quickly with cruising sailors looking for a small bluewater sailboat. Click here to read more about the Nonsuch 30 .

– SHOW THEM HOW MUCH YOU CARE – Nothing says ‘I love you’ like making sure the kids’ life jackets are snugged up and properly buckled. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Debuted in 1971 in California, the Newport 27 was an instant success on the local racing scene. For a modest 27-footer, the Newport 27 has an unusually spacious interrior with over 6 feet of standing headroom. With 4 berths, a table, nav station, head and galley the Newport 27 has all the amenities you might find in a much bigger boat, all in a compact package. While quick in light air, the drawback of the tiller steering becomes apparent with increasing breeze and weather helm often leading to shortening sail early. Click here to read more about the Newport 27.

First splashed in 1969, the Balboa 26 continues to enjoy a strong following among budget-minded cruisers. Built sturdy and heavy, all of the boat’s stress points are reinforced. The spacious cockpit comfortably seats 4 and is self bailing, ensuring that sailors stay dry. While only 26 feet, the Balboa still has room for a double berth, galley with stove and freshwater pump, and an optional marine head or V-berth. The Balboa has the ability to sleep five, though the most comfortable number is two or three. Under sail, the Balboa is fast and maneuverable, but may prove a handful in heavy breeze as weather helm increases. Click here to read more about the Balboa 26.

Cape Dory 28

While the sleek lines and the teak accents of the Cape Dory 28 may grab the eye, it is the performance of the boat that make it unique. The Cape Dory comes with all amenities that you might need available, including a V-berth, 2 settees, and a head. Safe, sound and comfortable as a cruiser it is still capable of speed. Quick in light wind and sturdy and capable in heavy air, it is off the wind where the Cape Dory 28 shines with a balanced helm and the ability to cut through chop and still tack perfectly. Click here to read more about the Cape Dory 28.

Islander Bahama 28

On top of being a real eye-catcher, the Islander Bahama 28, with its 5-foot-6-inch draft and 3,300 pounds of ballast, sails beautifully, tracks well, and responds quickly to the helm. Inspired by the International Offshore Rule, it is unusually wide, offering stability in breeze without sacrificing the sheer and lines that make it so attractive. Below deck, the Islander Bahama 28 comes standard with plenty of berths and storage space and a galley complete with stove, icebox and sink. Click here to read more about the Islander Bahama 28.

– CHECK THE WEATHER – The weather changes all the time. Always check the forecast and prepare for the worst case. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Much like its older sibling, the S2 8.6 still holds its contemporary style, despite its 1983 introduction. Like all other S2 Yachts, the 8.6 is recognized for the quality craftsmanship that allows the boat to hold up today.The S2 8.6 is a very comfortable and easily managed coastal cruiser and club racer. It’s relatively stiff, its helm feels balanced, and it tracks well. On most points of sail, it compares favorably with other boats of similar size and type. Click here to read more about the S2 8.6.

Contessa 26

When the Contessa 26 was released in 1965, it immediately proved itself to be a strong, seaworthy vessel. The Contessa has continued to prove itself throughout its lifetime, being the boat of choice for two solo circumnavigations under the age of 21. While upwind performance leaves some wanting, the boat is sturdy and can carry full sail in up to 20 knots of breeze. Suited more for single-handing, the Contessa lacks standing headroom and the accommodations are sparse. Nonetheless, the Contessa 26 performs well as a daysailer with guests aboard. Click here to read more about the Contessa 26.

The Hunter 27 perfectly encompasses the pocket cruiser ideal. Even if you don’t want a big boat, you can still have big boat amenities. With the generously spacious layout, wheel steering and a walkthrough transom the Hunter feels much larger than 27 feet. Step below deck and any doubts you had that the Hunter was secretly a big boat will be gone. The amenities below are endless; a full galley including stove, microwave and cooler, head with full shower, several berths and not to mention a saloon with seating for 6. The Hunter 27 has reset the benchmark for 27-footers. Click here to read more about the Hunter 27.

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Home » Ocean Explorer – a micro cruising sailboat for inland waters from Perttu Korhonen

Ocean Explorer – a micro cruising sailboat for inland waters from Perttu Korhonen

Plywood microcruiser for rivers and lakes – cabin and cockpit fitted into a tiny 8 foot sailboat which sails pretty well – see the video below!

Owning “yacht” – you don´t have to be rich – only little playfully attitude. Perrtu Korhonen

This is the story of an actual three day trip of Perttu and his nephew in Finland.

Plans $40 from Duckworks  and is complete with all details from making the hull to making the sail from a polytarp. I wonder if it qualifies as a tiny house. Maybe a tiny house … boat.

Perttu in Finland built one of my OZ PDRacers (now OZRacer) last year as well as building a Quick Canoe that he built in the snow during the last winter and used for camping and daytrips.

He is an adventurin’ sort of guy.

During this last winter he had a secret project.  Most of the Duck community fell over with surprise when he introduced his really nicely resolved Ocean Explorer – an 8ft long cabin boat.

It uses the sail, foils and spars from his OzRacer/OZPDRacer.

It makes a lot of sense for colder climates where it can be hard to find a warm and windless place to sleep.

He’s had it away on a couple of trips – he made this neat video of one of the trips.

I couldn’t decide if it was the most crazy thing or most wonderful thing I had ever seen – but was sure it was great!

Ocean Explorer.

He used the spars, sail and foils from my OzRacer.

So we got together via the net and worked it all out to produce a really good set of plans.

About 80 pages.  It includes all the methods to build the hull, centreboard and rudder, make the polytarp sail (though you can use regular sailcloth if you like) and make the spars.

A low cost professionally made dacron/polyester sail designed by Michael Storer is available from Duckworks .  It is labelled as the Oz Sail.

Perttu spent hours doing really cool perspective drawings of the construction, I fiddled through my Oz stuff to grab what was needed for his plan. He made some suggestions for the Oz stuff and I made some suggestions for his hull – it is really very simply constructed for a boat with so much surface area.

A nice collaboration despite being about 10,000miles apart. The new shape of the world – or size – or something.

Perttu headed off on the boat for several days with a compact crewmember.

Looking aft in the cabin – adult legs go under the cockpit seats.

There are two very important things with this boat.

One is that the boat is designed to be sailed with the hatch SHUT in all but the best weathers.

Also to make progress upwind in choppy water it is important to the weight of loose gear next to the centrecase in the middle of the boat to help keep the boat on its lines.

Perttu on the building

Last winter was quite busy for me. I lost my sense of realism when my girlfriend was going to Africa for four weeks. I had bought plans for two kayaks and I was focused of building them for both of us. Then Mik´s Quick canoe came on marked and I could not resist buying plans and building one. And then I get the idea of Ocean Explorer and I started to draw sketch of it. I liked it immediately and when Hanna left to Africa I started to build it in our living room – ( I forgot to tell her – now we are repairing our living room… ). oh1 | Flickr – Photo Sharing!

Idea was to make small, cheap and light “yacht looking boat” with good performance. It´s cheap to build, light and sails good – the look of boat is little odd on front view, but I still like it. loma3 | Flickr – Photo Sharing!

In end of last summer I made three days exploring trip with it. Maybe I have lively imagination, but I felt like real sailor- sleeping inside cabin – on boat which I have build by myself – feeling how waves moves the boat… loma2 | Flickr – Photo Sharing!

Scotty on my forum

Scotty went ahead and did some great google sketchup drawings of the boat and some of the parts on my forum .

Perttu’s Cruise in Finland

Yes a real multiday cruise in a tiny and cheap boat.  I Launched my boat in Porosalmi Harbour.

I had three days to explore Linnansaari National Park in lake Saimaa Finland. The harbour was in sheltered bay and the wind was behind me. When I sailed on a reach, open lake area winds picked me up and I reefed the sail one step down. It was fun sailing. I was moving windward and the waves started to grow bigger and bigger. My boat name is iSo (big), but she started to feel small. It was a little scary and exiting at the same time. I started to look for shelter behind the islands and soon I reached a sheltered bay on one small island. I was so focused on sailing and taking photos, that I wasn´t sure in which island it was. I don’t have GPS– with maps there is always possibility to get lost! In the evening the winds are usually gentler. I had time to make coffee and refit the wind indicator, which had dropped into the cockpit. The bay was only 50m wide and it was a little battle to sail out to open lake. In the evening the winds were nicer and the sun was shining – not a trouble in the whole world.On one island there were 15 canoes and a group of young germans singing Kumbaya my Lord – I thought I must sailed too far south. The first night inside the cabin. The boat moves little with waves. I was reading a book and listening to the radio. Nice feeling – dawn comes and I fall into sleep. 12.8. 07:00 – Holiday – Why wake up at 7 o’clock? 09:30 – Stuck in calm. I miss yesterday´s winds and surfs. History knows greater sailors and explorers than me, maybe we still share something common – moments like this? That spirits up my mind and I start reading and let the sail up. 11:00 – Water supply showing alarming low. Sun is burning hot. In these latitudes the sun can be an enemy – am I gonna survive?My boat carries Michael Storer’s lugsail and it picks up even the littlest whisper of wind. I am actually moving slowly. My destination is Linnansaari Island´s north edge. The map says it has a dock for small boats. My boat has berth´s for two – is that dock going to be too small? 11:50 – A bird. Sign of land, binoculars! coconuts – whiskey for all! 12:00 – Back to reality (at least half of reality) – no whiskey for sailors! – Maybe a little in the evening? It´s time for lunch break. Tuna and pasta. (I caught the tuna earlier this morning.) When I moored, the winds started to blow. Luckily they died as soon as they appeared – I had time to eat in peace and take a small nap. 14:15 – In Linnansaari Island small boat’s dock. My fear was unnecessary. The boat just fit the dock. I hiked to a cliff which gave a great view of the lake. 17:00 – Moored to rocky island. Coffee break and swimming – feeling free. You don’t have to be rich, (with money) to complete your dreams! 16:00 – Nice steady winds – not big, but keeps us moving. 20:45 – Found nice place between two small islands. I took a couple of photos, set up the boom tent and slid into my sleeping bag. Later I watched the sunset through the cabin window.

13:08 – Friday the 13th. Beautiful morning, no clouds and the sun warms nicely. After breakfast I headed back to the harbour where I started. This trip is going to end soon. It´s time to start planning the next one. Any questions or comments: Plans are $40 and include Perttu’s hull and Michael Storer´s Lug rig, spars, sail design for home sailmaking,  and foil shapes.Plans for this baby are available from Duckworks or BoatCraft Pacific and soon all storerboats agents.

26 thoughts on “Ocean Explorer – a micro cruising sailboat for inland waters from Perttu Korhonen”

Hi….Michael…the new SkechUp for the 12ft design .is i think the very practical One….love that it has mor space..and payload.. hope to see that…i was playing micro sail boat for quit some times…..!!!have tons of adventure ..on that type

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22625264@N04/sets/72157622492439800/

the 8″ is too short for me (space), the 12″ is too long (car). i guess i’ll have to “stitch” the 8″ read to the 12″ front. otherwise i can’t roofrack that one on my compact car… (volkswagen rabbit, roughly 10″ long) also i need less height than the 12″ one…

what do you think – could be done in glass fibre with no wood for 30 kilograms ? (building a outer form, laminating in carbon or metal struts and using baloon pressure lamination techniques)

what about a 5hp suzuki engine (we have very few wind) ?

It is a common misconception, but modern wood construction is much lighter than fibreglass. Even with carbon you would find it difficult to get close to the weights of the same structure in premium plywood such as the gaboon species. Sometimes called Okoume. Still much cheaper than Carbon particularly when considering the cost of moulds and materials that won’t go into the boat

Fibreglass will be about 60 to 100% HEAVIER than wood. Glass specific density – 2.5gm/cm^3 Resin specific density – 1gm/cm^3 Okoume wood specific density – 0.35gm/cm^3

About 3hp would be more than enough for little boats like this. More will just make the boat stand up with its nose high in the air. Sensible speed is about 5knots (nautical miles per hour)

Best wishes Michael

What is the approximate dry weight of the OE with and without sails/rigging? I’m wondering if the boat is (at least in theory) car-toppable.

Cheers! ~Rob

I will forward this to Perttu and ask him for an approximate figure. It will vary a lot depending on the plywood and timber selected.

One thing to be aware of is that BULK can be as big a problem as weight when roofracking.

I calculated the approximately weight for hull and it shoud be around 45 -55 kg ( birch plywood ) Approx 130 lbs. and 5.5 kg for spars ( pine ) Thanks Perttu

(Comment from Michael … the hull weight looks about what I would expect but would depend on the timber. The whole rig for the OzRacer (the first two Oz PDRacers we built) was about 18 to 20 lbs (7kg) for the sail, rig and the few fittings and ropes).

Perttu and Michael, thanks for the response! That’s certainly an impressive weight and well within the 75kg limit of my roof rack (all bulk concerns aside …). I think it may be doable with speed restrictions and short trips.

Hello everybody, this boat is wonderful :-).

I have some question: is the ocean explorer a good boat for two persons?

What do you think to use that in the mediterranean sea? Do you think that the ocean explorer can works well in the normal waves of that sea?

Thank you very much

Paolo, Italy

Sorry, I forgot one thing.

The “Stitch and glue” is the construction tecnique?

No, it is not stitch and glue. It uses timber with square cross section in all the corners.

This requires fewer building steps than stitch and glue because the hull shape is so simple.

I would not recommend the Ocean Explorer for the Meditteranean. If you know it already, you know there are many beautiful sailing days when you could sail any boat, but then the screaming strong winds come from the mountains or the deserts. I don’t think it would be safe. It really is a boat for rivers and lakes with good sailing conditions because it is such a tiny boat.

As far as two people … It depends on the two people. I have slept in a very small tent with another person and it had been fine. I have slept in a much bigger tent with one person and they found it difficult. It is a small space with a small vertical dimension.

Not everyone will like it, but some who have the spirit of adventure will think it is cute and fun.

Excellent pictures, and funny story of the holiday trip. I especially like the shots on flicker of your living room co nstruction. If my wife was away, I would likely do the same if I had to, knowing she would HIGHLY disapprove. I love the final product, and am considering making one when I get home from West Africa rotational work.

I surfed the web and love the videos of your boat under sail. Post more to Youtube if you have any. I just restored an 18ft 1972 Folbot sailing kayak and had a blast learning to sail it last month while at home on days off. My wife said not to come home with another project that kept me up all hours of the night in the garage …… I think I will be in hot water when I pull in the drive way with the plywood in my truck :)

Bill, Surette’s Island, Nova Scotia

This is exactly what I am looking for! When do you think these plans will be available?

Plans are for sale now!

Ooze Gooze plans on Duckworks

I didn´t draw boom tent for this boat, same type boom tent like Ocean Explorer can´t be use, because cockpit is longer than boom. Boom tent is so nice equipment, that I would miss it, so that may come in future as add on – and curtains for sure – ha!

Now there is optional plans for outboard mount and some another small things, but that boom tent needs some thinking — Thanks

This is fantastic!

My wife (Finnish, coincidentally!) and I currently enjoy infrequent weekends doing minimalist canoe camping in the hidden lakes of the Canadian Shield (we’re not much for crowds). Our children are very near the age where they can be left on their own, so for over a year I have been conspiring to build a PD Goose for “luxury” camp cruising. My new home with double garage was completed over the winter and I came back to this page to visit the Goose plans when I saw this!

I intend to check back frequently and be one of the first in line when the 12ft plans are ready.

All the best from Canada,

Guess what Darren,

We finished the plans yesterday. Plans are for sale now!

More pics of the Ooze Goose sailing micro cruiser will go up here as we get them together.

Perttu’s computer drawings are a wonder.

Wow!…..How exciting!

Not only am I enticed about about this microcruiser’s sailing performance, but I am already being flooded with dreams of my sweetie and I on ultra-romantic wekkend and long-weekend getaways….I can picture us anchored up in some of our favourite private gunkholes – her stretched out sunbathing in the cockpit; me sitting on the bow catching supper; swimming; an ice chest full of cold ones; and the best part – no hauling camping gear ashore and back again!

Is this plan set also going to come with all the extra goodies – boom tent, curtains, blocks, etc?

The plans come with some of those accessories drawn up just like the smaller version. I will dig up Perttu for comments about what is there exactly – he will reply here and the reply should be forwarded to you automatically.

We are really interested in the performance too and how it handles different conditions. It is not really an “open water” boat, I would probably think of it like an open boat in terms of seaworthiness. If you keep that in mind and gradually extend what you do I think it will be very good fun.

Plans are for sale now Darren.

I’m loving this design. I really think there is genius in it. Great collaboration. I don’t think I can resist building one…I’ll send pictures

Most of the Genius is Perttu’s. I just supplied the running gear to make it go nicely.

I’m quite taken with your Ocean Explorer. My only problem is my wife always comes sailing with me, so the boat would have to sleep 2 adults. I’m 5’10” and my weight is 210 pounds; my wife is 5’3″ and her weight is 110 pounds. Could you design a larger Ocean Explorer that would sleep my wife and I? I sure hope so. We tent camp in a two person pack tent that weights 6 pounds. Good protection with a bit of comfort would be fine for us. Thanks so much for your help. We hope you have a great year.

Perttu and I are working on a 12ft version. It is a lot of work so it might take some time to get it ready.

One of the best ways to monitor what is happening is to join my forum as well as this website.

auch ich denke übereine 10 ft version nach- gegebenenfalls 12 ft-,auf keinen fall größer oder schwerer. habe großes interesse an neuesten informationen.

Thankyou Roland,

I work slowly when creating new plans. But I will write something here when it is ready.

12ft is a good choice. 10ft makes it difficult to get good performance when there are two people on the boat.

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Challenger Micro 18' Trailer Sailer

• Thread starter Guest
• Start date 21 Jan 2002
• 21 Jan 2002

Challenger Micro 18\' Trailer Sailer Does anybody else out there own a 'Challenger Micro' 18' trailer sailer. I purchased mine down in Falmouth. I am currently making some modifications and will then be sailing her in and around the Solent. Damon from Southampton  

• 22 Jan 2002

Re: Challenger Micro 18\' Trailer Sailer Whats it called? I'll look out for you.  

Hi Damon, its a long time since you asked the question but I am pleased to say we also have a 'Challenger Micro' 18'. We sail around the north Kent coast, C'est un très bon bateau!  

• 18 Sep 2012

Hi there! I've also just bought my first boat, a Challenger Micro 18, so if anyone else has one, please get in touch! I'm based in the south east UK, near the M25.  

• 19 Sep 2012

Hi there chrisbitz, we are onboard at the moment but its a bit too windy for us to sail. We will be sailing from oare creek to hernbay next week so we can tow her home for the winter. She is called Le Bon Lion and has just had a roller genoa fitted cheers kimmy + bob  

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PERFORMANCE MARINE CRAFT

• 18 Foot MicroCruiser

A client came to us wanting our take on the popular MicroCruiser beach-able sailboat category. This 18-footer will be built of 6mm Okoume ply/epoxy, with a 100kg weighted centerboard, and 100 Liters of water ballast capacity on each side. The cat-ketch rig carries 215 sq ft on the tapered carbon main and mizzen masts, with the option for a 215 sq ft downwind sail on a removable carbon sprit. The VPP indicates we will see over 5 knots upwind and will be capable of sustained speeds greater than 10 knots downwind. Auxilliary power is a 2.5 hp outboard in a cockpit well or 12-foot sweeps for those with R2AK ambitions. The design has positive stability out to 100 degrees with a person in the cockpit, and includes water-tight flotation compartments under the cockpit and in 3  zones forward.

Particulars

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• Sailboat Guide

Microsail (Mull)

Microsail (Mull) is a 18 ′ 0 ″ / 5.5 m monohull sailboat designed by Gary Mull and built by Jeanneau and Construction Navale Franck Roy starting in 1980.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Designed to the Micro Class rule and one of the most popular boats sailed in the French Micro Cup circuit. Initially built by Jeanneau, it was later built by a number of companies, the last one, C.N. Loire, ceased production in 2000. The Microsail was then sold only as a kit. Production later resumed by C.N. Franck Roy.(as of 2007)

Last known builder: Construction Navale Franck Roy Route de La Rochelle 17230 MARANS France Tél/fax: 05.46.01.66.37 - 06.81.68.01.07 E-mail: [email protected]

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Design number: 18 Year: 1977

The elightened staff of Paris-based BATEAUX magazine considered that the Mini Ton level was too expensive an introduction to what one might call cruiser-racing, and as an alternative dreamt up the rule for what they called the Micro Cup, a very exciting restricted class. This was very sensible and immediately successful, and not just in France.

In Britain Brian Carvill commissioned Humphreys to design what he codenamed Le Weekender, but which the latter proposed should be called the Gem class. Although designed to the Micro rule the boat was intended as much as a sporty family fun boat with reasonably adequate overnight accommodation, albeit in a camping sort of way.

Carvill struck a deal with Mike Parry Yachts of Lymington and the boat was tooled up. The design was immediately successful and twice won the production boat prize in the Micro Cup in France. Over eighty of these boats were built and for a few years that class held a national championship in England. The Humphreys office is still taking calls asking where Gems may be purchased, and the answer is Australia where the moulds ended up. There is a strong following there and there and an active class association. Evidently the Gem is one of the top competitive trailer-sailers and seems to be perceived as a relatively new design.

A standard Gem, sailed by Mike Parry, Stephen Worf and Sylvia Pepin, won the Series Production Trophy of the 1979 Micro Cup, held at La Grande Motte on the Mediterranean in early September. With 42 boats competing it was a satisfying result bearing in mind the intensity of effort devoted to the Micro Cup by many of France’s top boatbuilders and designers. Jean Berret has two designs in series production; Jean-Marie Finot has a design built by Beneteau, andJacques Fauroux, originally a Moth designer but now well established in the smaller level-rating classes, had a number of boats, series-built and one-off, racing in his home waters. In addition, two new Stephen Jones designs were also competing but these were newly launched and relatively untuned.

The Gem has been in full production since February and the class has grown steadily since, with about fifty boats expected to have been sold by next February. The boat which Mike Parry took to La Grande Motte was an absolutely standard boat straight off the production line: indeed her moulders, Spectrum Marine, did not know she was destined for anything out of the ordinary. She was not sailed at all before her departure and was launched for the first timeonly two days before the first race of the important series. Called simply Gem she took three firsts, a second and a fifth in the production division, and in the overall classification she finished fifth behind two Fauroux one-offs (each of them almost 200 lbs lighter than Gem), a souped-up, non-standard Chellenger Micro and an over-grown 505.

As in Roller Coaster’s case, the Gem design concept was framed to produce all-round ability without incurring a compromised performance at any one particular end of the weather scale. Whereas the Micro Cup was sailed in almost exclusively light airs, the design has notched up some impressive results in very heavy airs.

PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS:

LOA 5.50m DWL 5.08m BEAM 2.41m DISPLACEMENT 455kg DRAFT 0.23/1.00m BUILDER MIKE PARRY YACHTS

Sail Far Live Free

Go small and go now 5 pocket cruisers to take you anywhere.

What, no Georgian 23? ;)

Gotta love those little Canadian sloops!

Or Bayfield?:)

I am a Bayfield fan (and even more so a Ted Gozzard fan), but I wasn't aware of the Bayfield 25 making any major bluewater passages. Do you know of any?

A bayfield 25 is built well enough BUT it’s shallow keel and light weight classify it more of a coastal cruiser. But that also makes it a great gunk holer. It’s a nice little boat for the Chesapeake and coastal areas. It lacks the deep keel and ballast to be comfortable offshore. The bayfield 29 is a bit more blue water but also it’s shoal keel at only 3ft 6 inches also gives it a comfort ratio a bit on the edge for a true blue water boat. BUT that said a bayfield 29 outfitted right will get the job done and with a good turn of speed over most listed here. It will reach its hull speed of 6.5-7 knots no problem and will point windward well enough. (It’s not got to compete with a fin keel 30 footer but it will be more comfortable. And it’s faster then a westsail32 (nick named the wet snail 32) I find most of the better pocket cruisers on this list are great for what that are but NOT the most boat you can get for your money today. Some great 30-32 foot blue water boats can be purchased for LESS then some of these. I just bought a great bayfield 29 for UNDER 3K that’s right 3 not 30. I looked at a foulmouth cutter that was available in my area it was rough really rough and they still were asking over 10K. It’s only benefit was it came with a trailer but what good doesn’t that do when Your offshore. I wouldn’t mind taking one on single handed adventure as the romance of the boat would add to the fun of the adventure but. Is it the best boat for your buck? No their popularity and reputation and (good ones are getting scarce) bring high prices.

It's amazing: after looking at all your boat reviews and choices, I realize we have exactly the same tastes and dream boats! And I enjoy your writing and musings! I'm very glad I happened upon your blog site! Bill Hinkel

Thanks Bill! I love writing about sailboats almost as much as I love actually sailing them.

I've owned a Flicka, Allegra, and FC all excellent boats.

Wow...that's an impressive resume! I bet you've got some great stories to tell.

What about the Halcyon 23? Any thoughts on that one? Great article by the way!

Sorry, I'm not personally familiar with the little Halcyon 23, but you can read a review reprinted from "Yachts and Yachting" originally written in 1970 here .

How about the Pacific Seacraft 25? If your talking about small salty sailboat (SSS) that can take you to the paradise. She prolly don't a standing headroom but sure does the perfect little sailboat. Just like HC33t.

Yup, I too like the PSC 25. She's not as roomy as either the Flicka or the Dana, but a typically a fair amount more affordable. And as you point out, no standing headroom. Still, a pretty boat with bluewater experience.

A very informative article, thank you very much. I find myself daydreaming to be on a boat, sailing around the world quite often and i'm trying to collect a budget, to buy a boat and take sailing classes. I love the design on the ships you posted. Are there any good pocket-cruisers with a steering wheel ?(i can't say i really like tillers :P). Again, thank you for compiling this list, you gave hope to a "wannabe" skipper.

My humble little Bristol 24 wants to know if she can join the group.

Yup, good choice. Humble and capable...just the right ingredients!

what about the Catalina 22 ?

A fine little coastal sailboat, trailer sailboat and "first" sailboat, but for all the things that the C22 is, she is definitely not a pocket cruiser that can GO ANYWHERE. Don't get me wrong, I love the C22 and our first boat (Helms 25) was very similar, but neither is suited for offshore work.

My little hurley 22, can she make the mark?

A Hurley can do anything! Ihave had a 24 since 1972 they are forgotten but they are great! Joe

Morris Frances 26.

Good recommendation! I love all of the small classic Morris boats like the Frances 26, Linda 28 and Annie 29. Chuck Paine has a way of making these small boats look larger than life!

Was expecting to see an Albin Vega 27 mentioned...

I included the Albin Vega in my "Bluewater on a Budget" post about affordable offshore cruisers. You can read it here: http://www.sailfarlivefree.com/2012/06/blue-water-on-budget-5-budget-cruisers.html

Any thoughts on our west coast Brent Swain 26 welded steel boats? Truly budget cruisers!

I have built one, but yet to launch it I am getting a trailer for it, an advantage that I never thought of when I started building it. Not very many built, mine is a single keel version and I added a wheelhouse.

What about Cape Dory's?

Howard - Good suggestion. Both the CD22 and CD25 are worthy little pocket cruisers with classic Alberg looks. I haven't been aboard either and don't know of any that have crossed oceans, but I suspect someone's been offshore in these two little Cape Dory's and I have little doubt they could be good sea boats in the right hands, given their stout construction, full keels, etc.

The boats listed are priced such that one could buy a much larger, albeit not-so-primo boat for the same or lesser amount. I've seen decent cal 34s go for $8k. So why buy a pocket cruiser that goes for 30K? Smaller sails and reduced slip rent can only account for a modicum of savings

True enough, this is NOT necessarily a list cheap/affordable small boats, but rather well-built and capable small boats that can go offshore in the right hands. Some sailors simply prefer a small, simple sailboat to a larger more spacious (and sometimes more complicated) sailboat, even if the purchase price is similar.

West Wight Potter 14 #223. Mexico to Hawaii.

I'm contemplating buying a 26' Micmac for rougher waters. http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=6202

A Vancouver 27 !!!!

hey you forgot a little boat from south africa called the flamenca 25 great little boat built for the cape of storms

A Flamenca would also sail circles around this list of boats. These traditional long keel boats are slow and without decent fouls, suck going upwind.

Would the Cascade 27 be a good pocket cruiser or is this just a coastal cruiser

I think it would be a excellent choice

Mmm. Some consistencies in your selections (apart from the obvious US of A bias), they all have square bows. Me thinks this is as much a beauty contest as a seaworthy small boat list. I'm afraid trailer and seagoing don't fit in the same sentence

Guilty as charged! Although I do disagree about trailer and seagoing...with both the Flicka and the Nor'Sea being plenty capable on both fronts.

Okay. On seaworthy, I sailed in 12 knots past a site where 2 friends were drowned, their yacht lost in a gale. So is my Folkboat, my sailing skill or patience to credit or was their boat any less seaworthy? An ocean crossing does not make a boat seaworthy, the sailing skill and weather and sea mix have as much to credit. I assert that a long heavy keel, stout rig and water tightness are compulsory if you want to lengthen the odds in your favour.

Nice article, I would however strongly suggest that you give a second thought about linking to myboatplans.com. It's a scam (most, if not all, of the plans are available for free elsewhere on the net and at least some pics are stolen from other boatbuilders). You don't have to take my word for it, just google around.

Thanks, and thanks for the suggestion...the link has been removed!

I am agree with you. Tks. An article about siling solo those smalls boats (in spanish): http://www.navegar-es-preciso.com/news/la-navegacion-oceanica-en-solitario-en-peque%C3%B1os-veleros-/

How about a Privateer26 by Kenner ? Check the specs, and I think you'll find she's equal in important areas and prettier by far than most!

Having a love affair with traditional boats with genuine shear lines, I just stepped out of my Marshall 22, and into a totally unknown double ender called a Skipper 20. Why these trailer sailors dream have gone unnoticed is hard to fathom. With room for 4, 2' draft, 800#s ballast, and a cockpit larger than my Bristol 27' which includes a outboard locker has me spending the last 4 months making the 40 year old look like modern and updated, quality pocket cruiser. With the new genoa, 5.5kts up hill and down, and as dry as they get,, Where they been???

I just bought a Skipper 20 and am fixing it up, can you tell me how it handles in a heavy blow? I am planning to use it as a micro coastal sailer and would like to know as much about it's capabilitys as I can. Much appreciated, Richard.

What are your thoughts on a San Juan 7.7 with the keel shoe? Offshore sailong to Hawaii or the inside passage to Alaska.

What are your thoughs on a San Juan 7.7 with the keel shoe offshore? IE; Hawaii or the Inside Passage to Alaska.

We recently purchased a JJ Taylor Contessa 26, hull #262, Ophelia, and have trailered her to Malletts Bay in Lake Champlain, VT. We were extremely flattered to have a visit from Tania Aebi, who lives 35 min. from us and wanted to show her sister and daughter-in-law an example of the boat that she sailed round the world in the late '80's.

What about steel Tom Thumb 24 ???

For whatever reason, I'm a fan of the Bristol 24 (Paul Coble design). The baby Bristols are full-keeled and don't go upwind very energetically, but once the sheets are started they come into their own. Hulls are usually nearly bulletproof, and even if damaged, they are small and easy to fix... some have been gilded into mini-yachts, but I prefer sparse brightwork and light/white paint. They are very (very) sea-kindly for their size and although they heel to about 15-20 degrees, their nearly 50% ballast usually stops it right there... Mast-head rigged, they have a large main and can develop noticeable weather-helm, so one reef keeps the tiller loads modest. Thankfully they aren't very popular or well-known, so you can find bargains and even top-drawer examples probably will cost less than a modest commuter car... I'm now on my second one (after having a larger fin-keel... am returning to the B24); if possible, look for one with split lower shrouds... Oh, they have comfortable 5'11" headroom, or just a fraction more,,,

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BEAM 60 INCHES

POWER Up to 30 HP

Specifications

“You were Fishing Where?” for those hardcore anglers who dream and those who know that there are still undiscovered spots waiting to be explored.

The 16’8″ Beavertail Skiffs Micro takes its DNA from the 18′ Mosquito – one of the most popular technical skiffs on the market today and distills it down to the purest technical fishing platform Beavertail Skiffs has ever built. With a true 5″ draft when fully loaded with anglers, fuel, and gear – the Micro will take you to places that only kayaks could previously reach and bring you back with our signature dry ride.

There is a misconstrued assumption in the technical skiff world – that to have the perfect shallow water fishing platform you must sacrifice comfort, and in some cases, even accept a wet ride. But you can rest assured, that the Beavertail Skiffs Micro will get you back home safely and comfortably – even when the weather dictates “Get a bigger boat”!

The Micro is designed for the purist of anglers – who know exactly what they need from a skiff and more importantly, exactly what they don’t need. If you’re the kind of angler who wants to do more with less, the Beavertail Skiffs Micro is ready to take you places others simply can’t reach!

The Micro in Action!

Your Skiff. Your Colors.

At Beavertail Skiffs you can choose from a wide range of custom gel coat colors that make your skiff uniquely yours!

Choose your skiff’s colors from a selection as vast as a rainbow & unique as your taste!

Check out some of our most popular color combos!

The Gallery

Standard features, engine and rigging.

• Equipped with a Suzuki 30 HP engine and factory prop
• Offered with a tiller setup or side console configuration

Hull and Topside Deck

• Fiberglass and vinyl ester resin construction
• Vacuum infused
• Custom color hull and topside deck
• Nonskid included on deck and cockpit

Mechanical / Electrical

• Navigation and anchor lights
• Rugged AGM starting battery
• Automatic bilge pump
• Lenco Trim Tabs with switch

Fuel System

• 8-gallon EPA compliant fuel tank, easily serviced through forward hatch
• Fuel / water separator
• One bow eye and two stern eyes
• Rigid heavy-duty black rub rail
• One recessed bow cleat
• Stainless steel steering wheel with power knob
• Moonlighter push pole holders
• Thru-hulls and low profile deck drains

Storage / Maintenance Access

• Rod rack w/ SeaDek reel protectors and fly rod tubes which hold six rods up to 10’
• Large forward storage compartment
• Large aft storage with drain
• Dry gutters on all hatches with rubber gaskets on aft hatches
• 10-gallon livewell
• Aft full length removable cushion seat with embossed BT Logo

Poling Platform

• Welded anodized frame
• Platform with SeaDek pad
• Ramlin Micro aluminum trailer w/ 13" wheels

Each Beavertail Skiff is custom tailored to your specific needs. Refer to the “Additional Add-Ons” below for additional options and selections.

Optional Add-Ons

• Click the camera icon to view a photo of the option

Color Options

• Powder coating (poling and casting platform, hardware, etc.) - gloss black, textured matte black and gloss white are available

Seating options

• Upholstery ‘Double Diamond’ quilted finish
• Backrest, fixed aft on poling platform with step-up and Sea Dek pad

Fish Finder/Chart Plotter Options

• Special electronics installation - prices available upon request
• Simrad NSX™ 3007 with Active Imaging™ and 3 in 1 transducer
• Garmin ECHOMAP™ UHD 74sv with GT56UHD-TM Transducer
• Garmin GPSMAP 743 xsv

Cockpit & Console Options

• Hook/line tie stainless eyebolt, console mounted (to tie line, knot tensioner)
• Steering wheel, Edson Comfort Grip
• Tilt steering
• Controls, two switch billet (black or polished stainless steel)
• Switches, flush-mount LED lit console switches
• Charger, dual 12 volt/USB, console mounted
• Cup holder, stainless steel (mounted in gunnel/poling/casting platforms
• Cup / rod holder combo mounted on gunnel
• Rod holder, 1-place aluminum, mounted on bulkhead
• Rod holder, 2-place aluminum, mounted on bulkhead

Lighting Options

• Poling platform LED light (underside poling platform - available in white, red or blue)
• Cockpit/under-gunnel LED lighting (available in red, blue or green)
• Storage compartment LED lighting (available in white, red, blue or green)

Poling & Casting Options

• Rod holder welded on poling platform
• Receiver tubes welded on platform (required for use with stand-up bars)
• Stand up /grab bar, removable (for poling platform & /or casting platform)
• Stand up bar w/ small cushion, removable (for poling platform & /or casting platform)
• Lean back bar w/ wrap around cushion, removable (for poling platform & /or casting platform)
• Fold up seat mounted on lean back bar ("Take a load off")
• Fly rod holder mounted on stand up or lean back bar
• Cup holder mounted on stand up or lean back bar
• Tibor Push Pole Caddy
• Casting platform w/ turnbuckle tie down
• Rod holder welded on casting platform

Sea Dek options

• Poling platform pad
• Reel protectors
• Full under gunnel protector pads (reel protector pads are standard)
• Casting platform pad w/ Beavertail logo (if casting platform selected)
• Fishing ruler
• ‘Beavertail Tarpon’ small fly pad - mount on console
• Cockpit floor, front deck or all top deck

Deck & Hull Options

• Flyline toe rails (available in black or white)
• Cleat, additional recessed (one standard on bow)
• Accon recessed push pole holder - no charge
• Moonlighter 22’ one piece push pole, carbon fiber
• Power Pole 6’ Pro Series II
• Power Pole micro anchor w/spike
• Power Pole micro spike only

Trolling Motor Options

• Pre-rigging for 12v trolling motor: includes one deep cycle battery, Minn Kota removable mount, 60 AMP breaker, plug & receptacle & built in recharging system
• Trolling Motor, 55lb 12v i-Pilot ‘Terrova’ Control Minn Kota Riptide
• Trolling Motor, 55lb 12v Hand Control Minn Kota Riptide
• Trolling Motor, 55lb 12v Rhodan GPS (White or Black finish)
• Power Pux quick release trolling motor mounting system with key lock
• Lithium deep cycle battery alternatives

Safety & U.S. Coast Guard Requirements

• Fire extinguisher (mounted in boat)
• USCG kit (includes four life jackets, throwable Cushion, flare & signal kit)

Trailer Options

• Ramlin ‘black out package’ (texture coating entire trailer)
• Spare wheel & mount
• Shortest possible setup (swing away tongue)
• Tie downs, retractable stainless steel mounted on trailer
• Tie down kit, removable quick release
• Mag/alloy wheel (available in black or polished)

BASE PRICE*

*Full package details and pricing available upon request .

Contact Beavertail Skiffs

Ready to take the next step towards joining our family of satisfied owners? We’d love to learn more about you, your style of fishing and how we can help make your skinny water dreams come true!

(941) 705-2090

4601 15th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203