POCKET CRUISERS & TRAILER SAILORS - What are They?
It's all about self sufficiency.

Have you ever driven by a lake or bay and spotted a lone sailboat anchored in a secluded cove and thought to yourself, "I'd really love to do that some day". Of course you have! Everyone has! That's what postcards are made of.

The fact is, that while many possess the romantic dream of someday owning a sailboat, they believe it to be a past-time available only to the wealthy, certainly not within their own fiscal realm of possibility. The sole purpose of this site is to dispel the "Required Wealth" myth, and to encourage you to follow your dream, by sharing in my experience building and sailing the Kingston 15.

Since I’ve began sailing, we've found that there are many types of sailors. Some are social and join clubs to not only sail but enjoy the camaraderie of others with like mind. Others are more competitive and sail in regatta's or regular club racing events. Still others are searching for a low cost past-time the whole family can enjoy. Some like the challenge of building a vessel, others prefer just being aboard, watching the goings on in marina or anchorage and reminiscing past voyages with whoever will listen. Some day sail short stints of 1 to 4 hours and others cruise overnight, weekends and longer. I fall into the categories of boatbuiding and coving overnight. Nothing can beat dining on a meal of freshly grilled salmon, steamed asparagus and a good bottle of wine, watching the sunset aboard your own boat. Your private paradise away from the chaotic world. The common thread between them all is a love for being on the water and harnessing the power of the wind, while enjoying nature.

When you're outside this circle of people, you may consider the lifestyle unique and exclusive. However shortly after getting started, you quickly realize that you're not alone. Thousands enjoy sailing, be they young or old, rich or poor.

Sailing small craft such as these outlined on this page commonly are termed “pocket cruisers” or “trailer sailors”. The two terms have used interchangeably. I do not wish tie it to a particular size or style of boat. The truth is that virtually any sailboat can be trailered, though some perhaps are easier than others. Basically a "trailer sailor" is the person, not the boat, and that person prefers to be more self sufficient aboard his boat and how he chooses to get to his sailing destination.

Trailering vs. Non Trailering

There are a number of advantages to trailer sailing, however there are likely an equal and opposite number of disadvantages. Every type boat and sailing style comes with compromises, and personal preference is rather objective in nature.

Some trailer sailors slip their boats or dry-store (leave the boat on the trailer when not in use) at marina's and clubs, and then trailer their boats home for storage…being ready to go at a moments notice. Again it's difficult to generalize, but I believe those who take this approach actually sail more per season than those who store their craft away from home.

If you've truly got the bug, or think that you could, please continue through this passage, and enjoy my account of why I find pocket yachts such a desirable choice of craft.

• It can function as a caravan to afford instant and comfortable
  accommodation for intrastate and interstate travel.
• It doesn't take a large vehicle to tow it.
• It can be used entirely as a motor boat for cruising and fishing.
• In the event of an outboard motor failure it is always possible
  to get home.
• It is possible to launch, retrieve and sail it single handed or with
  a wife or family crew.
• The initial outlay is modest and there is always a market if
  required to sell later.
• Not a vast area is necessary to store it and it can be covered
  with a $20 plastic tarp if other cover is unavailable.
• It can be used as a driveway retreat for students when studying,
  free of TV and other distractions.
• Emergency accommodations.
• A fun alternative to sleeping in the house.
• A more controlled environment from accelerated weathering or
  vandalious activity.
• No need to use expensive anti-foul paint.
• This is a great way to teach children practical outdoor skills and give
  them an appreciation of the sea, wildlife and team spirit and in our
  case coping with adversity (only joking).
• An excellent reason for getting up early in the morning and taking off
  for new destinations.
• Competitive racing or quiet cruising can lead to the making of
  new and long term friends with a common interest.
• You don't have to sail in the same body of water every time you go out.
• When you're on the water you can leave your cares on the shore.

  Favorite Pocket Cruisers

  For the sake of comparison, below are my personal favorites in the small class of pocket yachts. Each of the boats are easily built from plans and are available from:

  
  Kingston 15
  Midwest Engineering PO Box 4706 Overland Park, KS 66216 USA

  
  Bolger Micro
  Phil Bolger & Friends PO Box 1209 Gloucester, MA 01930 USA

  
  Minuet
  Glen-L Marine 9152 Roscrans Bellflower, CA 90706 USA

  Specifications	Bolger Micro	Kingston NF15	Glen-L Minuet
  Length Overall	15'-4"	15'- 2 1/2"	15'-0"
  Length Waterwaterline	0000	14'-2"	0000
  Beam	6'-0"	6'-2"	6'-6"
  Draft-Board Up	1'-9"/full keel	0'-7"	1'-0"
  Draft-Board Down	1'-9"/full keel	2'-11"	2'-11"
  Ballast	420 lbs lead	147 lbs cement 115 lbs steel	120 lbs steel
  Displacement	1650 lbs	1279 lbs	885 lbs
  Cabin Headroom	0000	4'-3 1/2"	37"
  Cockpit Size	0000	6'-6"x4'3 1/2"	6'-5"x5'-0"
  Sleeps	2 adults 6'-6" berths	2 adults 6'-7" berths	2 adults
  Day Sails	6 adults	2-4 adults	2-4 adults
  Sail Area-Main	153 sq ft	120 sq ft	83 sq ft
  Sail Area-Jib	0000	0000	46 sq ft
  Power	2-6 hp short shaft	2-9.9 hp long shaft	2-7.5 hp short or long shaft
  Material	Plywood 1/4" or 3/8"	Plywood 3/8" sides, 1/2" bottom	Plywood 1/4" sides, 3/8" bottom
  Covering	Fiberglass/paint	Fiberglass/paint	Fiberglass/paint

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