Sailboat Caracolito

Another Intriguing Minicruiser Design

Article by Pere Riera from Barcelona

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I want to share my micro cruiser project with you because possible it might be interesting to other enthusiasts of these mini boats, and we can share ideas.

I have been sailing since I was 14 years old, starting with dinghies, competing in the 470 class, family cruises on modern fiberglass boats, and currently on a beautiful classic 42-foot long keel ketch that I have owned for 26 years, sailing with my family all over the Mediterranean.

Now, at 66 years old and approaching retirement, I am thinking about a project for a tiny cruiser to improve mobility and eventually replace my beloved 42, which is fantastic but now demands maintenance work that I am unsure I will be able to handle in the near future.

The idea is to design a small but heavy sailing cruiser, but since I am no longer a tough "youngster," it must have the following minimum essentials:

• Interior height of 6'

• Self-bailing cockpit almost 6' long for a good siesta with a bimini.

• Two generous single beds that can be converted into a large double bed.

• Separate bathroom with shower and washbasin for my privacy.

• Kitchen with 2 burners and space for pots, etc.

• 100-liter drinking water tank to aid keel ballast.

• 75-liter plastic gasoline tank for 200 or 300 miles of autonomy with a small outboard motor in calm seas.

• Electric refrigerator for some beers.

• Ability to install two 160-watt photovoltaic panels on the bimini for total autonomy.

• Watertight, easily collapsible aluminum mast to facilitate road
  transport on a trailer.

• Easy access from the ground via the stern when on the trailer, enabling amphibious mode for trips impossible with a large sailboat. This ladder will also help me climb back on board from the water in a dignified manner.

• Must be usable for long periods both on land on its trailer (with a
  dry toilet) and at sea.

• Made of plywood and easy to self-build.

• Full keel with good displacement (heavy) for stability and self-righting in case of capsize. Cruising speed is somewhat secondary. The goal is to live on board without hurry, waiting for favorable winds.

• Draft must not exceed 2' (0.6M).

• Must not break my budget.

• Must have an attractive appearance (at least to my eyes...).

• Capable of long passages and unsinkable to avoid the need for a
  heavy liferaft.

• Ability to install radar, VHF, and AIS.

• DIY wind vane self-steering.
  

Well, this is the long list of my essentials, backed by my sailing experience. The challenge is fitting all these desires into a 15.5' (4.75M) sailboat.

How is it possible? Let's be honest, it won't be the fastest or most beautiful boat in the club, but I think it can be achieved. The fundamental, indispensable feature that makes these characteristics possible is the "keel box," a great idea from master Bolger, my inspiration. This keel enables the interior height, a large freshwater tank, and the ease of placing lead or iron ballast at the bottom of the keel box simply by gluing heavy pieces (lead or steel plates) at the bottom (no casting or juggling; ballast can be installed when the boat touches the water to gauge the real center of gravity).

Why 4.75M? It is the resulting measure of joining two 8' plywood sheets
lengthwise.

I don't think it will be an easy boat to build if all the details I've described are included, but it will surely be more economical than a 28' with the same requirements. I also don't want it to be an eternal project, as my expiration date might be short.

Can you spend long periods on a 15' boat? I think so, if we have a minimalist attitude. I get excited reading stories of bicycle travelers who travel the world for years with only 30 kilos of equipment. This 30 kilos includes the house, kitchen, food and water for several days, four-season clothing, enough changes of clothes, a mechanical workshop, computer equipment, and a few other things. If I tell these bicycle travelers about the comforts and equipment of my "super sailboat," they would surely think I
am a spoiled bourgeois with excessive luxuries.

Below are some photos of the design for anyone interested or just curious to
comment.

I must say that I am not a naval architect and cannot guarantee the results—
I am just an enthusiast.

The drawings are available on Onshape, searchable by the name "sailboat
Caracolito." They are public, and everyone can freely access them. You can
also contact me at my email Pedrorivi60@gmail.com to exchange ideas. •SCA•