Go Small and Go Now! 5 Pocket Cruisers to Take you Anywhere

"Go small, go simple, go now!"
-Lin & Larry Pardey

Iconic cruisers Lin and Larry Pardey are well-known among cruising enthusiasts for the above statement. Can it really be that easy? Grab yourself a small boat, outfit it properly but simply for offshore work, and get going while your dream and your body is still alive! Lin and Larry not only made the statement, they lived it. If you're looking to do the same, maybe some of the micro- or pocket-cruisers I've listed below can serve as your "go small" portion of the equation.

Going small and choosing one of these or several other pocket cruisers will lead to trade-offs. Of course first and foremost you'll be giving up length, both on deck and at the waterline. This often leads to less storage space, less weight capacity, and slower sailing. But the upside is presumably less maintenance (less paint, less wood, fewer systems) and more affordable expenses. For example, replacing the sails or rigging on a 20 footer will be substantially less than doing so on a 45 footer. Furthermore, many boatyards and marinas charge by the foot for storage, dockage and labor. My point is, realize what the trade-offs are before investing in the "go small" mantra.

1. Flicka 20: When I first got into sailing I was drawn to the Flicka because of her diminuitive size, offshore reputation, and the intrepid sailors who choose her as their ticket to adventure. It seems there's always someone blogging an account of an epic journey aboard a Flicka 20. This little sailboat has so many bluewater passages, ocean crossings, and storm survival stories to her credit that it's truly hard to believe the spec sheet when you see her length on deck (LOD) listed at 20' and waterline length at 18'2". This offshore cruiser is tiny!

Designer Bruce Bingham was inspired to draw the Flicka 20's endearing shape by old wooden sailing workboats he saw in Rhode Island. He kept the size small in hopes of making the design an attractive option for cost conscious would-be home builders. A few of the plans sold and several homebuilt Flickas came to life in the early 1970's. Nor' Star Marine eventually purchased a Flicka hull plug and produced several boats through about 1977, many of which were finished off at home by buyers. Pacific Seacraft acquired the molds when Nor' Star went under and produced over 400 finished Flicka 20's.

Marquesas anyone? Flicka will get you there.

What I find most striking about the Flicka 20 is her seaworthy design, excellent construction (PSC versions), and the amazingly roomy accomadations that will have you thinking you're aboard at least a 25 footer when you see the cabin. At 6,000 lbs., Flicka is also heavier than many cruisers nearly 10 feet longer. She reportedly will make 4-5 knots and can handle some really nasty conditions with a competent helmsman. You won't find a saltier looking boat at any size, let alone something under 25 feet. If you're the type of person (like me!) who can happily spend hours just staring at a salty boat and who tends to make several glances back at your own boat as you leave the dock because you simply can't resist, the Flicka will warm your heart. Knowing that she can take you safely around the world is just another perk. A quick look at Yachtworld.com reveals 5 Flicka's available for purchase from $20k-$30k (at the time of this posting), but prices are often much higher for those with offshore gear (windvane steering, etc.) and a trailer. Visit the excellent Flicka20.com owner's site for much more information.

2. Allegra 24: If you like the Flicka, you'll find an additional 4 feet of Flicka-inspired length to like on the Allegra 24. The Allegra looks a lot like the Flicka. This is not by happenstance, as one of the Allegra co-designers happens to be Bruce Bingham's father. The Allegra design keeps the Flicka's beam but stretches her length so more deck, cabin, and waterline length are available.  Of course this translates to more creature comforts, more storage, and more sailing speed. Many Allegra sailors attest that this boat can fairly easily exceed her hullspeed.

Allegra 24 in all her glory

While Allegra was sold as both a bare hull (for home builders) and as a kit that could be completed by any number of yards/builders on a custom basis, there are many finely finished examples out cruising the seas. This isn't always the case with home-built or kit boats. I think the level of finish on the Allegra's I've seen for sale is a testment to their owner's passion. Yachtworld only shows one Allegra currently on the market. Her asking price is $48k. [Note: I almost included the Pacific Sea Craft Dana 24 in this list, but decided against it since PSC was already represented w/ the Flicka and the Allegra is similar. Still, it's worth your time to check out the Dana if you like this style of boat.]

3. Tom Thumb 24: The Tom Thumb 24 may well be the most interesting boat on this list, which is a true feat considering the unique niche that most of these pocket cruisers occupy. At first glance, the Tom Thumb 24 looks a lot like the Flicka or Allegra. But look close at those hard chines and you'll realize she's made of steel. Of course steel sailboats aren't all that uncommon, but finding one this small definately is. Conventional steel boat design would have many believing a 24-footer would be too heavy. That's where ingenious designer Grahame Shannon and monocoque construction comes in. Grahame designed the Tom Thumb 24 to be built frameless and instead use interior plywood furniture for stiffening structures. This is a common constuction technique with modern fiberglass boats, but steel boats typically have a heavy steel frame inside. Grahame's frameless steel skin and wood cabin kept the design light enough to actually sail quite well. You can still purchase the design plans for your own Tom Thumb 24 (or larger!) today from Bruce Roberts Yacht Design and be cruising in a truly unique boat tomorrow.

Tom Thumb 24 slicing nicely through the chop


4. Nor'Sea 27: The Nor'Sea 27 is the largest boat on my list, so what's so "pocket" about this pocket cruiser? Consider that one day the Nor'Sea 27 can depart the middle of the United States and be ripping down the interstate at 55mph (on a trailer, of course) and the next she can be headed offshore from San Diego harbor enroute to the Marquesas thousands of miles away. This bluewater sailboat was conceived from the beginning as a trailer-sailer. Designer Lyle Hess was challenged to build a trailerable bluewater boat and he delivered. Hess is quoted as saying; "Any boat that points her bow out to sea should be designed so that the crew need not worry about a safe return - no matter what tricks the weather may play". And so it is with the Nor'Sea 27. If that isn't enough lure, take a peak below decks and you'll see fine craftsmanship and very cruiser-friendly layouts. She's available in both aft and centercockpit configurations with lots of space and plenty of berths. Center cockpits usually look funky in small sailboats, but amazingly Hess makes the Nor'Sea 27 gorgeous in addition to being trailerable and bluewater capable. What's the trade-off? Price. New complete boats are still available from Nor'Sea for about $170k, but they've been in production since 1977 so the pre-owned market is an option with prices starting in the $30k's.

A local (to me, sort-of) Nor'Sea 27

5. Falmouth Cutter 22: I find it fitting that a bluewater pocket cruiser takes its' name from one of the deepest natural harbors in the world, a harbor that is also famous for being the starting point of Francis Chichester's epic circumnavigation and the homeport of Charles Darwin's HMS Beagle. It takes a very big small sailboat to live up to the Falmouth name, but the Falmouth Cutter 22 does so and then some. Maybe this shouldn't come as a surprise since the Falmouth Cutter was designed by Lyle Hess, the designer of the Nor'Sea 27 above and the better known Bristol Channel Cutter 28.

Falmouth Cutter 22 in action

Inspired by 19th century working pilot boats who's primary purpose was to carry heavy loads in just about any sea condition, Hess drew the FC22 with historically beautiful looks and a hull shape that's proven itself for more than 100 years. This boat is old world seaworthiness and charm meets modern construction techniques and building materials. She's got a good turn of speed considering her short waterline. And like the old pilot boats that use to ply the waters of the North Sea, she'll make sure her crew makes it home through gale and hail. My favorite feature may well be that the FC22 is extremely accommodating down below for an ambitious cruising couple or a solo sailor.

Are you sold on the FC22? Get ready to pay the price for true love, because it doesn't come cheap. While the Falmouth Cutter was originally built by the well-respected Sam L. Morse Co. in California, she's now available as new construction from Cape George Marine Works in Washington for around $175k.  Yes, you read that right...$175k for a 22 foot sailboat!  If that's above your budget but you're still smitten, you can try the brokerage market on Yachtworld where two early 1980's FC22's are currently available for about $50k. No matter your choice of new or used, Lin and Larry Pardey's very similar Hess-designed 24 footer Seraffyn has proven that this an extremely capable pocket yacht for satisfying the most ambitious cruising plans.

So there you have it, 5 little yachts that can take on the world or simply draw admiration and longing stares at your local dock. As you can see in most of the examples above, a small cruising sailboat doesn't necessarily equate with a small purchase price. These are little boats for living large on a giant ocean. If you're hoping to spend time cruising or crossing a giant ocean but don't have the budget for one of these pocket cruisers, try these potential bluewater boats for those on a shoestring budget.

Comments

  1. What, no Georgian 23? ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gotta love those little Canadian sloops!

      Delete
  2. Replies
    1. 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?

      Delete
    2. 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.

      Delete
  3. Bill Hinkel17 August

    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

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

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous30 June

    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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      Delete
  8. Anonymous31 July

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous08 February

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

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

      Delete
  10. Anonymous02 March

    what about the Catalina 22 ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      Delete
  11. Anonymous18 July

    My little hurley 22, can she make the mark?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09 December

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

      Delete
  12. Morris Frances 26.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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!

      Delete
  13. Anonymous08 October

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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

      Delete
  14. Anonymous18 October

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous24 October

      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.

      Delete
  15. What about Cape Dory's?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      Delete
  16. Anonymous12 March

    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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      Delete
  17. Anonymous30 March

    West Wight Potter 14 #223. Mexico to Hawaii.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous20 April

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

    ReplyDelete
  19. A Vancouver 27 !!!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous24 September

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous23 November

      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.

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous06 December

      I think it would be a excellent choice

      Delete
  22. 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      Delete
  23. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  24. 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.

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

      Delete
  25. 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-/

    ReplyDelete
  26. Anonymous10 June

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  27. glennmacleod2@hotmail.com22 February

    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???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  30. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Anonymous28 May

    What about steel Tom Thumb 24 ???

    ReplyDelete
  32. Anonymous08 June

    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,,,

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Top 10 Favorite Affordable Bluewater Sailboats

Escape to the Sea: How to get from the Great Lakes to the Caribbean