"PocketShip" is a small cruising sailboat of refined model, meant to sail well on all points, provide dry camping accommodations for one or two adults, and trailer behind a four-cylinder car.

Designer John C. Harris has designed, built, owned, and cruised aboard a variety of smallcraft.  His first camp-cruiser  as a teenager was an 11'6" rowing boat with a tent, in which he explored the upper Chesapeake, sleeping aboard.  Twenty years later, he wanted a fast-sailing pocket cruiser with a dry and commodious interior.  It had to be quick and easy to build or the project would never get finished, so stitch-and-glue plywood construction was a given from the start.  The cockpit was laid out for daysailing comfort and is large enough for sleeping on warm nights.  Auxiliary propulsion is a pair of oars or a yuloh which will drive the boat at a couple of knots when the wind doesn’t suit.  (PocketShip can carry an eggbeater outboard for those who simply cannot live without gasoline.) 

Interior arrangements are ample, we think bigger and more comfortable than anything else this size, without compromising Pocketship's looks and performance.  Two adults may sleep below or wait out a rain shower, and a portable head stows beneath the cockpit, sliding forward into the cuddy for use.

Geoff Kerr of Two Daughters Boatworks built the first hull.  He started in mid-January 2008 and clocked about 525 hours before delivering a finished hull and spars, ready for hardware.  PocketShip was rigged at CLC and launched on May 10th, 2008.  The typical amateur builder might require about 30 weekends and occasional evenings to see this one through.

While PocketShip started as a personal boat for John, leaked photos of the project generated a giant wave of email and demands for plans and kits.  Thus PocketShip will join Chesapeake Light Craft’s fleet officially on July 1st, 2008.

Plans comprise full-sized patterns for every part in the boat, plus a lavishly illustrated manual. Kits comprise only the pre-cut plywood parts, epoxy, and fiberglass for the hull.  The solid timber (floorboards, stringers, rails, spars) will be sourced and milled by the builders.  Hardware and lead ballast are not included in the kit.

You can watch Part I of a video about the design concept and hull construction by scrolling down.  Part II will be along in a bit, with completion and under-sail footage.

Sailing trials were conducted throughout May and June 2008 and have included loads of 1 to 4 adults and wind conditions of 0-18 knots.  PocketShip is stiff and fast and tacks through 90 degrees.  The helm is light and the boat will spin nearly in its own length in both light and heavy air and with a variety of sail combinations.  We are thrilled with performance and handling---all expectations have been exceeded.  Many thanks to OkoumeFest attendees George K., Nick & Robin, David D., and Bob M. for contributing action photos!

Click on the “Construction Gallery” to see a step-by-step commentary by John Harris about the design and construction of PocketShip. You'll need to enlarge the pop-up Gallery window or scroll down to read the captions that accompany each image.  Click the "Main Gallery" link to see photos of PocketShip under sail in a variety of wind and sea conditions.

Note: We're taking pre-orders on the PocketShip kits and plans, which begin shipping after July 1st.  As with all kit and plans orders, your card will not be charged until your order actually ships.