PocketShip.net

Hi John,

I live in Hobart, Tasmania, Aus. and have been looking at a number if designs up to 18' catboat's, norfork island sharpies and the chebacco. I think this little boat is the best I've seen around. The question I have is how does this fair in conditions on average 15 - 20 knots this is in summer where the sea breeze kicks. This design suits my needs size and character.

I can't answer your question because my pocketship is still mostly a pile of plywood, but have you watched the video on the website of the boat in action? I'm sure John will have more info for you, but if you haven't watched the video you should definitly give it a look.

>>>>>>>The question I have is how does this fare in conditions on average 15 - 20 knots this is in summer where the sea breeze kicks. This design suits my needs size and character.>>>>>>>

It was a complicated design brief, and one of many attributes the boat had to have was the ability to manage in rough conditions. The filter was the ability to cross to the Bahamas from Miami on a good weather report. That's across the Gulf Stream. In the right hands, no problem.

In terms of waves, the boat is dry and safe. Frankly I think it's dryer than my 6000-pound Folkboat. Punches energetically through chop.

The boat has more sail area than my underwriters would prefer. It's overpowered starting at about 12 knots if you're lightly loaded. Reefed, 15-20 is absolutely no problem though you'd want the second reef option in the mainsail. I haven't studied it on the drawings, but a smaller jib wouldn't hurt if you can always count on 15-20 knots. If you don't have to make a lot of ground to windward, just rolling up the jib is an excellent first reef.

Someone was emailing with me about sail area the other day and I got curious about how PocketShip's Sail Area/Displacement Ratio compares to similar pocket cruisers:

PocketShip: 800lbs - 148sqft - SA/D=27.5 (Higher is faster)
West Wight Potter: 475lbs - 98sqft - SA/D=25.8
Montgomery 15: 750lbs - 122sqft - SA/D=23.6
ComPac 16: 1100lbs - 115sqft - SA/D=17.3

Thanks John for that info looks like I've settled on the boat I'm going to build