5 of the Best Trailerable Pocket Cruisers
Captain Trip does a walkthrough of five pocket cruisers small enough to be trailered and large enough to function as weekenders for the family. Check out these inventive and innovative designs that maximize the available space on these very practical and relatively affordable boats.
Nimbus C9
The Nimbus C9 (30’8”/ 9.35m LOA) is a fully-enclosed commuter design that also functions well as a weekender. The swiveling cockpit chairs provide ample space for four to dine. The cockpit passenger sofa converts easily into an extra bed for two children or one adult. The forward cabin has room for a double berth with separate head and kitchenette. The foredeck features a large loading hatch with access to the cabin as well as an optional daybed which creates an extra seating area for 4. She buttons up completely for typical Nordic weather, but sliding doors and sunroof open her to air flow on balmy days. LEARN MORE
Solara S250C
The Solara S250C is 31' 2" (9.5 m) long including the outboard and bow pulpit, and her 8’6” (2.59 m) beam makes her fully trailerable. Standard power is a single F300 Yamaha, and a standard bow thruster promises easy docking. The stepped hull has a vinylester barrier coat. AC and heat is standard, and can be powered by the multiple lithium-ion batteries when away from the dock via a 3000-watt inverter. The large V-berth forward overnights two, while the cabin dinette seats four and converts to overnight two as well. LEARN MORE
Ventura V300
Not many boats in this LOA (30’/9.14m with swim platform) include a “balcony” in addition to the swim platform, but the Ventura V300 does. She’s also unusually deep at the bow, adding security for kids and pets and also promising a dry ride. The transom has a hidden BBQ station facing the swim platform, similar to that in larger yachts. Power is a Volvo-Penta sterndrive from 300 to 430 HP, allowing more usable space on the aft platform than outboard boats. She overnights four in two cabins, with a queen in the forward cabin. LEARN MORE
Trophy T29 EX
The Trophy T29 EX manages to fit overnight space for five aboard including 3 on convertible bunks in the wheelhouse/salon. Standard features include trim tabs, bow thruster, spotlight, electric windlass, cockpit Bimini, 9” Simrad GPS/Sonar and Mercury Vessel View system. Standard power is twin 225-hp Mercury Verado’s. Sliding doors on both sides of the house as well as aft deliver plenty of air flow, or buckle her up on cold days and turn on the optional diesel heater. Her beam is 9’9” (2.97 m) and she has a 17-degree deadrise at the transom which should deliver quick planing. LEARN MORE
Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin
The 29 XC Cross Cabin includes a hideaway cabin in the front of the console accessed by a flip-up door which hides the optional head and sink, but the area can also convert to a bunk for two or a large storage area. The aft deck comes standard with fishing or gear hauling space, but the optional aft cabin, which also sleeps two, is accessed either from inside the wheelhouse or from the aft deck via another flip-up door. The helm provides an exceptional view due to a wrap-around windshield, and sliding doors on either side make access to lines quick and easy. LEARN MORE