flicka sailboat plans

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High-priced and truly unique, the Flicka has come close to reaching cult status. The Pacific Seacraft Flicka has perhaps received more

The Pacific Seacraft Flicka has perhaps received more “press” in the last few years than any other sailboat, certainly more than any production boat her “size.” Publicity does not necessarily make a boat good but it sure does create interest.

The Flicka is unique. There are no other production boats like her and only a few, such as the Falmouth Cutter and the Stone Horse, that offer the Flicka’s combination of traditional (or quasi-traditional) styling and heavy displacement in a small cruising yacht.

As the number of Flickas built by Pacific Seacraft passed 300 plus an indeterminate number built by amateurs early in its history, the boat seems to have become almost a cult object. High priced, distinctive, relatively rare but with wide geographical distribution and easily recognized, the Flicka invariably attracts attention and seems to stimulate extraordinary pride of ownership, The owners we talked to in preparing this evaluation all seem to be articulate, savvy, and involved. Moreover, they all show an uncommon fondness for their boats.

The Flicka was designed by Bruce Bingham, who was known as an illustrator, especially for his popular Sailor’s Sketchbook in Sail . Originally the Flicka was intended for amateur construction, the plans available from Bingham. She was designed to be a cruising boat within both the means and the level of skill of the builder who would start from scratch. Later the plans were picked up by a builder who produced the boat in kit form, a short lived operation, as was another attempt to produce the boat in ferro-cement.

Pacific Seacraft acquired the molds in 1978 and, with only minor changes, the boat as built by Seacraft remained the same until 1983, when a new deck mold was tooled to replace the worn-out original. A number of the modifications made early in 1983 are described throughout this evaluation.

Seacraft is a modest sized builder which has specialized in heavier displacement boats. The first boat in the Seacraft line was a 25-footer, followed by the 31′ Mariah, the Flicka, the Orion 27, and most recently the Crealock 37.

Seacraft has 22 dealers nationwide but concentrated on the coasts. Apparently the firm was able to survive the hard times that have befallen some if its brethren, giving credence to the axiom that to succeed a boatbuilder should produce an expensive boat to quality standards that appeals to a limited number of enthusiastic buyers.

The hull of the Flicka is “traditional” with slack bilges, a full keel, a sweeping shear accented with cove stripe and scrollwork, and bowsprit over a bobbed stem profile. In all, the Flicka is not an actual replica, but she does fulfill most sailors’ idea of what a pocket-sized classic boat should look like whether or not they are turned on to that idea.

The new price of the Flicka in the early ’80s ranged from about $13,000 for a basic kit for amateur completion to $36,000 for a “deluxe” version, with $25,000 a realistic figure for a well-appointed standard model. This was a high tab for a boat barely 18′ long on the waterline, 20′ on deck (LOD), and less than 24′ overall with appendages. With that high priced package you got a roomy, heavy and well-built boat that appealed to many sailors’ dreams if not to their pocketbooks.

Construction

The Flicka looks well built even to an untrained eye. And to the trained eye that impression is not deceiving. This is a boat that should be fully capable of making offshore passages. The basic question any buyer must ask is whether he is willing to pay (in money and performance) for this capability for the far less rigorous cruising on Lake Mead or Chesapeake Bay, to Catalina Island, or up and down the

The hull of the Flicka is a solid fiberglass laminate to a layup schedule adequate for most 30-footers of moderate displacement.

The deck has a plywood core rather than the balsa core common in production boats. In a boat of this displacement-length ratio the heavier plywood reduces stability but probably only marginally. Its virtue is that installation of add-on deck hardware is easier.

The hull-to-deck joint is done in a manner Practical Sailor strongly advocates: the hull has an inward flange on which the deck molding fits, bonded with a semi-rigid polyurethane adhesive/sealant and through bolted with 1/4″ stainless steel bolts on 4″ centers. These bolts also secure the standard aluminum rail extrusion; on boats with the optional teak caprail in lieu of the aluminum, the bolts pass through the fiberglass, and the caprail is then fastened with selftapping screws. As the rail sits atop a 1/2″ riser, water cannot puddle at the joint. We have heard no reports of any hull-to-deck joint failure in a production Flicka.

The interior of the boat uses a molded hull liner that is tab bonded to the hull. Given the ruggedness of the hull laminate, we doubt if this stiffening adds much to the hull itself, but it does make the relatively thin laminate of the liner feel solid under foot.

One of the more serious questions we have about the engineering of the Flicka is the under-deck mast support. Reflecting the quest for a completely open interior, the design incorporates a fiberglass/wood composite beam under the cabin house roof which transfers the mast stresses through the house sides to the underdeck bulkheads. Apparently these bulkheads are not bonded to the hull itself, only to the liner.

The builder defends this construction, claiming that it will support over 8,000 lbs (more than the Flicka’s displacement). In addition, beginning in 1983, a turned oak handhold post was added between the mast support beam and cabin sole, which further increases the strength of the mast support system.

Cabinetry, detailing, and finish are top quality for a production boat. However, keep in mind that the basic interior component is a fiberglass molding. Functionally the ease of keeping a molded liner clean has much to recommend it; aesthetically the sterility of the gelcoat may offend some tastes.

A few other specific construction details deserve note:

• The hardware on the Flicka is generally excellent, whether it is the standard or the optional cast bronze package, provided your taste allows for a mixture of traditional and modern. Since weight has not been a factor, most of the fittings are rugged, even massive. All through hull fittings are fitted with seacocks. Particularly impressive is the tabernacle mast step, a contrast with the flimsy sheet steel versions on cheaper boats. A notable exception to this endorsement are a pair of inadequate forward chocks.

• The scribed “planking seams” in the fiberglass topsides as well as the scrollwork are especially well done. However, any owner of a wood boat who has spent untold hours fairing topsides to get rid of real seams has to wonder at anyone’s purposely delineating phony seams in fiberglass.

• There is a removable section of cockpit sole over the engine compartment that gives superb access for servicing the engine and permits its installation or removal without tearing up the interior. It is a feature many boats with under-cockpit engines should envy given the chronic inaccessibility of such installations. Access to the Flicka’s engine from the cabin is no better than that on most boats even for routinely checking the oil level.

• External chainplates eliminate a common source of through-deck leaks but at the expense of exposing the chainplates to damage.

• There is good access to the underside of the deck and coaming for installation of deck hardware. The headliner in the cabin is zippered vinyl.

• Anyone with a modern boat with its vestigal bilge sump has to appreciate the Flicka’s deep sump in the after end of the keel.

• The ballast (1,750 lbs of lead) is encapsulated in the molded hull, risking more structural damage in a hard grounding than exposed ballast but eliminating possible leaking around keel bolts. Handling Under Sail

In an era that has brought sailors such hot little boats as the Moors 24, the Santa Cruz 27, and the J/24, any talk about the performance of a boat with three times their displacement-length ratio has to be in purely relative terms. In drifting conditions the Flicka simply has too much weight and too much wetted surface area to accelerate. Add some choppiness to the sea and she seems to take forever to get under way.

When the wind gets up to 10 knots or so, the Flicka begins to perk up, but then only if sea conditions remain moderate. With the wind rising above 10 or 12 knots the Flicka becomes an increasingly able sailer.

However, she is initially a very tender boat and is quick to assume a 15 degree angle of heel, in contrast to most lighter, shallower, flatter boats that carry less sail but accelerate out from under a puff before they heel.

In winds over 15 knots the Flicka feels like much more boat than her short length would suggest. As she heels her stability increases reassuringly. Her movement through the water is firmer and she tracks remarkably well, a long lost virtue in an age of boats with fin keels and spade rudders, Owners unanimously applaud her ability to sail herself for long stretches even when they change her trim by going forward or below.

Practical Sailor suggests those looking at—and reading about—the Flicka discount tales of fast passages. While it is certainly true that the boat is capable of good speed under optimum conditions, she is not a boat that should generate unduly optimistic expectations. In short, there may be a lot of reasons to own a Flicka, but speed is not one of them.

One mitigating factor is that performance consists not only of speed but also ease of handling, stability, steadiness, and even comfort. In this respect, the Flicka may not go fast but she should be pleasant enough to sail that getting there fast may not be important.

The Flicka comes with two alternative rigs, the standard masthead marconi sloop and the optional gaff-rigged cutter. Most of the boats have been sold as sloops. The gaff cutter is a more “shippy” looking rig, but for good reasons most modern sailors will forego a gaff mainsail.

If you regularly sail in windy or squally conditions, you might want to consider a staysail for the sloop rig. However, for a 20′ boat an inventory of mainsail fitted with slab reefing, a working jib, and a genoa with 130% to 150% overlap should be adequate. For added performance the next sail to consider is a spinnaker and, if offshore passages are contemplated, a storm jib.

Handling Under Power

Any observations about handling under power raise the question of inboard versus outboard power. In fact, this may be the most crucial issue a potential Flicka owner faces. In making the decision, start with an observation: at a cruising displacement of over 5,000 lbs, the Flicka is at the upper limit for outboard auxiliary power. Then move to a second observation: small one-cylinder diesel engines such as the Yanmar and BMW fit readily into the Flicka, albeit at the expense of some valuable space under the cockpit sole.

Without going into all the pros and cons of one type of power versus another, we suggest installation of a diesel inboard either as original equipment or as soon after purchase as feasible. The Flicka is a boat that seems to beg for inboard power (most small boats do not); she has the space, and weight is not critical. Moreover, cost should not be critical either. Inboard power adds about 10% to the cost of the boat with outboard power, a small percentage of an expensive package. Much of the additional cost is apt to be recoverable at resale whereas the depreciation on an outboard in five years virtually amounts to its original value.

Deck Layout

Any discussion of the livability of the Flicka should be prefaced by a reminder that above decks this is a crowded, cluttered 20 footer and below decks this is a boat with the space of a 26 footer. The Flicka is a boat with enough space below for one couple to live aboard and yet small enough topside for them to handle easily.

Nowhere is the small size of the Flicka more apparent than on deck and in her cockpit. The short cockpit (a seat length of barely over 5′, too short to stretch out for a nap), a high cabin house, sidedecks too narrow to walk on to windward with the boat heeled and always obstructed by shrouds, the awkwardness of a bowsprit, and lifelines that interfere with jib sheet winching are all indicative of the crowded deck plan.

The stern pulpit is an attractive option. However, it makes manual control of a transom-mounted outboard difficult. The pulpit incorporates the mainsheet traveler although the lead for close sheeting is poor. In 1983 an optional roller bearing traveler arrangement which spans the bridge was offered, and it provides a much better lead for close sheeting, at the expense of a certain amount of living space in the cockpit.

For outboard powered Flickas there is a lidded box that permits stowage of the fuel tank at the after end of the cockpit, a sensible and safe feature. For those owners who want propane and have inboard power, this same space fitted with a sealed box and through-transom vents would make a suitable place for gas bottles.

At the other end of the cockpit, the lack of a bridgedeck or high sill is, in our opinion, decidedly un-seamanlike. The Flicka should have at least semi-permanent means of keeping water in a flooded cockpit from going below. One of the 1983 changes was the addition of a bridgedeck.

If we owned a Flicka we would run all halyards (plus a jib downhaul) aft to the cockpit on the cabin top. We would not rig a fixed staysail stay, and we would certainly not use a clubfooted staysail. The boom should have a permanent vang.

The builder has made every effort to keep the interior of the Flicka open and unobstructed from the companionway to the chain locker, a noble endeavor that gives an impression of spaciousness rivaling that of 30 footers. Headroom is 5′ 11″ for the length of the cabin (find that in another boat-shaped 20 footer!). Better yet, height is retained over the galley counter, the settee berth, and the after section of the vee berths. Flicka’s high topsides permit outboard bookshelves and galley lockers, stowage under the deck over the vee berths, and headroom over the quarterberth.

Two notable features of the interior are conspicuous as soon as the initial impression wears off. There is no enclosed head in pre-1983 models, and there is no sleeping privacy. How important these factors are is purely a matter of individual taste and priorities. For a cruising couple a four-berth layout is a waste of space. The manufacturer, taking this into account, made space for the enclosed head offered in 1983 by shortening the starboard settee berth from 6′ 5″ down to 4′ 2″.

Incidentally, this observation about berths is not meant to imply any special deficiency in the Flicka. It is true of too many boats on the market. They are built for a boat buying public that seems to think the number of berths is almost as important as whether the boat will float.

The absence of an enclosed head in a small yacht of the proportions of a Flicka requires a conscious decision from any potential owner. The small space between the vee berths is designed to hold a self-contained head. A “privacy curtain” that slides across the cabin gives a modicum of respectability. Of course, its use is discouraged when anyone is sleeping forward. One owner solves this by lugging the head to the after end of the cockpit at night and encloses the cockpit with a tent, thus creating a privy or outhouse that boasts perfect ventilation. We hesitate to suggest his lugging it another few inches aft.

Less enterprising owners could consider installing a conventional marine toilet plus a holding tank under the vee berths. If sailing is done in waters where a through-hull fitting and diverter valve are permitted, then such a system is far more worthwhile than any self-contained system. Such a unit should make sharing your bed with the head as palatable as it will ever be.

Frankly, the lack of an enclosed head in a boat that otherwise can boast of being a miniature yacht is the most serious drawback to her interior, surplus berths notwithstanding.

Virtually every owner we talked with has added stowage space one way or another. Some have done it by removing the fiberglass bins that fit into the scuttles under the berths, others enlarge the shelves behind the settee berth and over the forward berths and others cut openings through the liner to give access to unused space.

Other modifications owners report having done include fitting the boat with a gimballed stove, adding fresh water tankage (20 gals standard), installing a third battery and/or moving them forward to help overcome a tendency for the Flicka to trim down by her stern, and fitting the cockpit with a companionway dodger.

One feature that does not seem to need any improvement is ventilation. The Flicka has an uncommonly airy interior, although we would add an opening port in the cockpit seat riser for the quarterberth. Her vertical after bulkhead means that a hatchboard can be left out for air without rain getting into the cabin.

Anyone considering the Flicka should ask Pacific Seacraft for a copy of the articles written by Bruce Bingham and Katy Burke on the changes they made to their Sabrina while living aboard and cruising extensively for more than two years.

Conclusions

Buyers put off by the price of the Flicka should consider the fact that this is a 20′ boat with the weight and space of a 26- to 28-footer of more modern proportions. That still may not put her high all-up price tag in crystal clear perspective. It shouldn’t. The Flicka is still an extremely expensive boat. She still has a waterline length of merely 15′, true accommodations for two, a too cozy cockpit, and a lot of sail area and rigging not found on more conventional contemporary boats. Nor does she have the performance to rival more modern designs. (One owner reports a PHRF rating for his Flicka of about 300 seconds per mile, a figure that drops her off the handicap scale of most base rating lists we’ve seen.)

At the same time the Flicka is a quality package that should take a singlehander or couple anywhere they might wish to sail her. There are not many production boats anywhere near her size and price that can make that claim.

The faults with the Flicka have to be weighed against her virtues as is the case with choosing any boat. Fortunately, though, her faults are the type that can be readily seen; they are not the invisible ones of structure, handling, or engineering so typical of other production boats. Similarly her virtues are traditional and time tested, She is built by a firm to whom the owners give high marks for interest and cooperation and the Flickas on the used boat market have maintained their value better than the average production boat. At the bottom line is a boat with much to recommend her.

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Bruce Bingham Flicka 20 Plans

Discussion in ' Boat Design ' started by mustafaumu sarac , Dec 22, 2017 .

mustafaumu sarac Senior Member

Hello there, At good old times ,may be 40 years ago , Turkish Yacht Magazine published Bruce Bingham Flicka 20 Plans. Here is the pdf article. I need your help , Rudder magazine published the Flicka 20 ferrocement construction articles - 6 or 8- starting from 1972 september issue. Can anyone send the scans in list or out of list or sell me the magazines or scans or photocopies. My email: mustafaumutsarac at gmail.com Thank you, Mustafa Umut Sarac Istanbul  

Attached Files:

Flicka 20 (1).pdf

PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

I can think of little worse than making a well burdened Flicka more so, in ferro cement.  

Flicka 20 designed for ferrocement , many been built than fiber used for mass production.  

I'm not sure where you're getting your information, but the extreme vast majority of Flicka plans were GRP built and only a handful of known ferro builds. Ferro was more time consuming and more costly, compairtivly and the rather burdensome lines of Flicka were made more so, to accommodate this alternative building process. Simply put and 20' long concrete yacht isn't a good idea. No Flicka's were production built as a ferro build, for the same reasons.  

Angélique aka Angel (only by name)

Now * for sale on eBay - 2 × - 1974 Ferro-Cement boat build book by Bruce Bingham . . . . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ferro-Cement : Design, Techniques, and Application by Bruce Bingham (1974, Hardcover) Brand New: asking US $ 96.49 * ​ ​ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ferro-cement: Design, Techniques, and Application by Bingham Concrete Boat Yacht Pre Owned: asking US $ 18.00 * - (spare link ) ​ There are also some other Ferro Cement boat build books offered for sale on eBay right now, although varying in asking prices when doubles show up, like above, and in the example below . . . . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ferrocement Yacht Construction by Chris Cairncross: Pre Owned asking US $ 9.90 * ​ Ferrocement Yacht Construction by Chris Cairncross: Pre Owned ‘‘Excellent’’ asking US $ 24.95 * ​ Ferrocement Yacht Construction by Chris Cairncross: Brand New asking US $ 79.49 * ​ * status at the time of posting this message​  

Here's an in 1973 started, but till today never finished, Flicka 20 ferro-cement build project , located in Branson, Missouri, USA. (ZIP code 65616) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ This unfinished project is since a long time for sale , asking US $ 1,000, which means the project seller could still have the plans, if so; then maybe good photos of these Flicka 20 ferro-cement plans are available on request . . ? ​ ​ ​  

Angelique, You are an treasure. I will buy these books after new year holiday. I will put the scans in to libgen.io. There are many boat plans over there. I am thinking to translate above books in to turkish also. My first boat will be GRP Yrvind 420 and than I find comfort , I will try to build flicka. Thank you very much.  

Boat Design Net Moderator Moderator

Before scanning/translating if thinking of doing so to share please check the copyright and be sure you don't violate the author/publisher's copyright first. Thanks.  

This Cairncross book was written at the height of the ferro craze in the early 70's and is currently viewable online in a few locations. I consider the Jay Benford book far superior on the subject, but this is a good start. I think "Tiller Publications" still retains control over Jay's book, but do not think Cairncross is as protected. Bruce Bingham is a well known author, published many times over his career, so likely also is still protected. It's still a good idea to check about this protection, though.  

Steve W Senior Member

The Flicka has more than enough displacement for ferro construction and many were built in this medium, nothing wrong with it. I have personally seen two ferro versions, the first being a beautifully built example, built at Span Farm boatyard in Auckland, NZ by a guy from Oregon and subsequently sailed home to Portland. The second not so beautifully built in Minneapolis. Interestingly enough I just bought an old copy of Nautical Quarterly magazine which had a story about the Flicka and was showing the article to our parts guy at work (just this afternoon) who has had a Pacific Seacraft Flicka for many years and while the article gives a displacement of 4500 lbs he says his is actually around 6500lbs, very easy to accomplish in Ferro. I don't know if folks built them from plans in one off solid glass but if so it would be no less work than in ferro to achieve the same quality of finish as the one I saw in Auckland. I have personally built a larger version, the Fred Bingham designed 24 ft Allegra hull for a client using the C flex method in solid glass as well as a Hartley RORC 39 ferro sailboat so I do know a bit about both mediums. Steve.  

My understanding (again) is the lines and offsets for a Flicka are different between the original and the ferro version, with obvious increases in volume and dimensions on the ferro version. Yes, this puppy does have the volume for this build method, but it was (the origional) a very burdened design, made much more so with this modification to the plans. I have a design much like Flicka, though less wetted surface, more refined appendages, etc., etc., etc. and it's about 26% lighter (3,700 LBS) than a GRP Flicka, yet still carries a 140 degrees of righting arm and a hefty for it's length displacement (315 D/L). The stock Flicka (GRP) has a D/L of around 505 and I can only imagine what a ferro Flicka would be 600? Really?  

My understanding is a little different than yours Par in that i believe that Flicka was originally designed to be built in Ferro and later built as a production boat by Northstar and then Pacific Seacraft. I am not aware of any being built by amateurs in glass but I could be wrong. Having built in ferro and various one off glass methods i don't agree that ferro is any more labor intensive. I do however agree that a 20ft concrete boat is not a great idea but then again I'm not a fan of a 6000lb boat in any material on an 18ft w/l.  

Flicka was originally designed as a set of plans for home building, with a couple hundred plan sets sold, before a partially completed plug was done by Bruce, eventually sold to Nor'star Marine for completion. Yeah, I miswrote the order of the design evolution. The ferro version was first, but never built by anyone other than the amateurs that bought the origional plans. I don't know when the design was redone to remove 40% of it's origional displacement, but this was done, because the ferro build idea, didn't take off like was expected. My understanding (which could be incorrect) is they were one off GRP's with a single skin and some amateur builds in C-Flex, though I've heard of molded veneer and carvel versions as well. I also understand no ferro Flicka's were production built. Almost all were GRP, with the first having a wooden deck and cabin structure, though all the rest where pulled off molds of this wooden decked version (Pacific Seacraft). Are there ferro versions, yep, sure are, but these puppies are pretty rare as completed and actually sailed boats. They also have half the capacity of the GRP versions and they need 8 knots just to get away from a leeward dock. In any case I think you and I are in agreement about the results of the concept. I've also heard that some of the original (ferro) home built's were over 9,000 lbs. displacement on an 18' LWL craft. Wow . . .  

I'll don't think the OP is industriously gathering the asked for info, since the over a week ago in post #5 linked on topic Bruce Bingham books are still for sale, even the one only askin US $ 18 (in Türk lirası ₺ ) , for what looks to be a comprehensive book by the designer of the boat of interest, about the asked for build method, which also looks to be in a nice and usable condition. P.S. -- An expansion of the message related to PM questions by the OP, answer partly posted here to be possibly reviewed by other forum members, and / or supplemented or corrected where needed. -- International Priority Shipping costs from the seller's location in Murrieta, CA, US to Istanbul in Turkey would be somewhere around US $ 27 (in Türk lirası ₺ ) I'll guess. Maybe this could be cheaper too, best contact the seller for this through the eBay ad . However, I don't know whether Turkish taxes and / or import duties are due for items like this one. Best ask info for this at a local office in Istanbul which handles such cases.  

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Are you sure about the lines being redrawn to reduce the displacement? I only ask because any competent ferro builder should be able to build to a 6500lb displacement without gobbling up all the payload. Now if you build the deck and cabin in ferro like the unfinished one shown above all bets are off. The biggest problem with overly heavy ferro boats stems from too much plaster over the steel armature. Too many builders did not spend enough time compacting the mesh and fairing the armature prior to plastering day and then the plastering team tried to fair with plaster. As with all method it comes down to workmanship and ferro was sold as a method that anyone could build with whereas I contend that any method that uses materials with no self fairing properties such as ferro and one off solid grp actually require a high level of skill if you want to keep the weight under control.  

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With the recent launch of a new open decked ‘Flicka 20’ in Hout Bay Harbour, Cape Town, South Africa, a new chapter in this tiny pocket cruiser's long history has just begun.The boat is named ‘Godspell’. It has an important roll to play in the local community and because of this the boat was partly Catholic Church funded. Peter and his son, who thought up the idea spent some fourteen months in her creation. To a standard so high and full of tiny details that have you staring at the boat for a long time, trying to take it all in!

About the Flicka 20:

The original design of the micro cruiser came from the board of Bruce Bingham; that was in 1972, when a magazine published the boat's lines, something we see very rarely now. In 1977 Bruce sold the world production rights to Pacific Sea Craft (PSC) Who have been contacted and have said they are not interested in this design anymore. It seems Bruce had a chance to design what will be forever one of those tiny boats that can go just about any place, from the West Coast, USA to the Pacific Islands, Transatlantic, the Gulf of Mexico, they have traveled the world and can be recognized instantly. Finding one near you may be easy, as some 800 plus boats have been built, making this design one of the best of its size there is.

With a length on deck of just 20 feet but with full six feet standing headroom inside, it was a great design that became as much a cult as anything. We hear of over four hundred and fifty plus having been built in GRP (glass reinforced plastic) (2003) if this is the case it is one of those designs that are now timeless and with a little searching you will find one that is priced just right for you?

To my mind ‘Pacific Sea Craft (PSC) in the USA built most of them (434?), excepting that some were also built by NorStar, said to be around twenty boats and Westerly Marine fitted some of them out. Some have been built here in South Africa as well. Bruce Bingham thinks he sold 400 sets of plans, so they have been built as one offs world wide. As of 2001 PSC decided to re-launch the Flicka design but needing a block booking of four to five boats at US$59,000 each. Not enough orders were taken and the design was moth balled. looking at their web site www.pacificseacraft.com the page on Flicka is now closed and no further support will be given or phone calls about the boat will be taken,so an end of the line for Flicka with PSC.

The original South African boat was taken from the designers lines, then used as a plug at some later stage. Either way, the moulds to the hull and decks are alive and very well and safe on a farm here in the Cape.

They had moved around some over the years too; the plug we have in Cape Town started off its life in Durban 1000 miles north east of the Cape, then the hull mould was stored around ten years back in the boat park of the Hout Bay Yacht Club. Later, it was moved to a place named Noordhoek, a farming and horse riding community across the bay five miles off. When a group took over the mould to go into production locally, the deck and interior moulds were produced. After a year had gone by they saw nothing but the new moulds to the decks and interior but not a single complete Flicka, they pulled the financial plug on the project and liquidated!

In all of this time only two hulls and the interior & deck moulds were made. To date not a single deck has come off the deck plug, so its still quite new. But that is as far as they went. Then came a forced sale and Peter, the present owner was able to buy the entire lot and be able to contain them all on his own farm (Flicka’s like farms it seems). Peter knew of another Flicka hull, it was in the same village as he lived, an offer was already out for that hull and before he knew it, he owned that one too! It is the boat in the picture above.

The writer went into some serious discussion to take over the moulds, plus at least one hull and deck unit. This came to nothing and the deal was never discussed again. Then the news comes out that just a few weeks back on a Saturday morning, the first of the three boats would be launched! Peter the builder had always said he would first do an open boat version for day trips around the bay. He reasoned that it would be a better vessel to take under-privileged local community children out on. Looking at the stunning example he has produced, he is right too. This will be one of the options available soon.

New boat purchases? The position in April 2006 is that we have a set of moulds in good condition, plus two complete hull and bulkheads, available for sale right now. Sales and shipping world wide would be by CKD Boats cc, Cape Town, fax & phone 021 510 7206 or www.ckdboats.com the email address is on the site.

This hull has its fiberglass interior mouldings in place and is for sale, either as is or as a completed boat to a sailaway boat. The price is subject to final specifications.

Anyone wanting to buy a new Flicka will do well to look at whats possible from Cape Town, South Africa. From a Hull Deck and Bulkheads, with the option to take the moulded interior as well, to a fully fitted out boat ready to sail, equipment subject to the buyers wishes.

Why buy in Cape Town?

Cape Town is now the hub of a fast growing boat building industry, with the SA government input of repayable low interest rate loans, funded trips to boats shows around the world and award winning boat show trade stands (Miami Strictly Sail 2006) Each year locally built boats take prizes in every category, remember that is against the worlds best and most well known and established boat yards. The other interesting piece of information is that due to the global position of Cape Town, at the end of the African continent, most boats sail on their own bottoms to their new owners and the ‘Flicka 20’ will be no different, excepting that her size does mean she could travel as deck cargo on a ship.

This growth in the marine industy has done the Cape Town area a lot of good. South Africa is a country hungry for employment. In addition, the South African ‘Boat Builders Council’ is professionally managed and is fully backed by both the City of Cape Town and national government. Each year brings new levels of excellence. One of which is training college for boat building artisans, formed in July 2005, a vital development, as at a last report, it was said that the country had over sixty boat yards now. Many need new and qualified tradesmen, now thin on the gound in a growing market but the new college will soon start supplying this need.

Back to the ‘Flicka 20’

Vist the FLICKA website Try www.google.com enter Flicka 20 sailing yacht, lots of interesting sites available.

The story of FLICKA may well end here, production wise at least, unless orders are a possiblility. The design is quite at home on a lake or a dam. It can be trailered to most places and weighs in around 2600 kgs, so the average 4x4 can tow this boat with ease. Then of course you can cross oceans in it!

Regards Roy Mc Bride Founder, www.ckdboats.com

Cape Town, South Africa

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The Flicka 20 Sailboat

Despite the diminutive size of the Flicka 20, these little sailboats have made impressive ocean passages and dealt with serious storms. Having proven bluewater capability, it enjoys a cult following. 

With just 20' on deck, there's enough accommodation and facilities below for a single-handed liveaboard cruiser. Their charm and character is undeniable.

Published Specification for the Flicka 20

Hull Type:  Long keel with transom-hung rudder

Hull Material:   GRP (fibreglass)

Length Overall:  24' 0" / 7.3m

Waterline Length:  18' 2" / 5.5m

Beam:  8' 0" / 2.4m

Draft:  3' 3" / 1.0m

Rig Type:  Cutter

Displacement:  5,500lb / 2,495kg

Designer:  Bruce Bingham

Builder:  Nor'Star Fiberglass Yachts and Pacific Seacraft (USA)

Year First Built:  1974

Year Last Built:  1999

Number Built:  400

Owners Association:  Not known

More about the Flicka 20...

Published Design Ratios for the Flicka 20

Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 14.6

Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 31.3

Displacement/Length Ratio: 425

Comfort Ratio: 36.8

Capsize Screening Formula:   1.6

The Flicka 20: A Few FAQs...

Based on the published Design Ratios for the Flicka 20, how would you expect the boat to perform under sail?

The Design Ratios indicate that the Flicka 20 is a heavy and stable boat that can handle rough seas and strong winds. It is not a fast or agile boat, but rather a comfortable and safe one. It has a low sail area to displacement ratio, which means it has less power to overcome its weight and drag. It also has a high ballast to displacement ratio, which means it has more stability and resistance to heeling. The capsize screening formula and the comfort ratio are both below the recommended thresholds for offshore sailing, which means the boat has a low risk of capsizing and a high level of comfort for its crew.

Is the Flicka 20 still in production and, if not, when did production end and how many of these sailboats were built?

The Flicka 20 is no longer in production. The last boat was built by Pacific Seacraft in 1998. According to the Home of the Flicka 20 Sailboat , about 400 Flickas were built in total, including those sold as kits or plans for amateur construction.

How many people can sleep on board a Flicka 20?

The Flicka 20 can sleep up to four people in its cabin. There are two quarter berths aft, one on each side of the companionway. There is also a V-berth forward, which can be converted into a double berth by inserting a filler cushion. The dinette table can be lowered to create another single berth on the port side.

How did the sailing press review the Flicka 20?

The Flicka 20 has received mostly positive reviews from the sailing press over the years. Some of the praises include:

• "The Flicka is one of those rare boats that transcends mere function and becomes an object of art." John Kretschmer, Sailing Magazine
• "The Flicka is an extraordinary little ship that can take you anywhere you want to go." Tom Dove, Practical Sailor
• "The Flicka is not just another small boat; it is an expression of individuality and independence." John Vigor, Good Old Boat

Some of the criticisms include:

• "The Flicka is slow and wet in light airs." John Vigor, Good Old Boat
• "The Flicka is expensive for its size and offers limited living space." Tom Dove, Practical Sailor
• "The Flicka is not for everyone; it requires a certain mindset and lifestyle." John Kretschmer, Sailing Magazine

What do owners of the Flicka 20 have to say about their boats?

Owners of the Flicka 20 are generally very fond of their boats and often form a close bond with them. They tend to value the boat's quality, character, and capability over its speed, space, and convenience. They also enjoy the boat's versatility, as it can be used for day sailing, coastal cruising, or ocean voyaging. Some of the testimonials from owners include:

• "The Flicka is a joy to sail. She is well balanced, responsive, and forgiving. She can handle any weather and any sea state. She is also easy to maintain and repair." Bob Horne, owner of Flicka 20 #1
• "The Flicka is a dream come true. She is beautiful, comfortable, and seaworthy. She has taken me to places I never thought I would see. She is also a great conversation starter and a source of pride." Ann Hill, owner of Flicka 20 #50
• "The Flicka is a lifestyle choice. She is not just a boat; she is a home, a friend, and a companion. She has taught me a lot about sailing, living, and myself. She has also given me a lot of happiness and adventure." Roger Olson, owner of Flicka 20 #207

What is the history of the builders of the Flicka 20 and is the company still in business?

The Flicka 20 was built by two different companies: Nor'Star Fiberglass Yachts and Pacific Seacraft:

• Nor'Star Fiberglass Yachts was founded by Bill Crealock in California in 1974. The company specialized in building high-quality fiberglass sailboats designed by Crealock and other renowned naval architects, such as Bruce Bingham, Robert Perry, and Gary Mull. Some of the models produced by Nor'Star include the Nor'Star 40, the Nor'Sea 27, the Dana 24, and the Flicka 20. Nor'Star ended production in 1977 due to financial difficulties and sold its molds and tooling to Pacific Seacraft.
• Pacific Seacraft was founded by Mike Howarth and Henry Mohrschladt in California in 1976. The company continued the tradition of building high-quality fiberglass sailboats designed by Crealock and other renowned naval architects, such as W.I.B. Crealock, Carl Schumacher, and Robb Ladd. Some of the models produced by Pacific Seacraft include the Pacific Seacraft 25, the Pacific Seacraft 31, the Pacific Seacraft 34, the Pacific Seacraft 37, the Pacific Seacraft 40, and the Flicka 20. Pacific Seacraft moved to North Carolina in 1990 and ceased production in 2007 due to bankruptcy. The company was revived in 2009 by Stephen Brodie and resumed production in Washington, North Carolina.

What is the average cost of a secondhand Flicka 20?

The average cost of a secondhand Flicka 20 depends on several factors, such as the year of manufacture, the condition of the boat, the equipment and accessories included, and the location and market demand. According to YachtWorld , a website that lists boats for sale worldwide, the average asking price for a Flicka 20 in 2023 is $32,500. However, this price may vary significantly depending on the individual boat and seller. Some Flickas may sell for as low as $15,000 or as high as $50,000 or more.

The above answers were drafted by sailboat-cruising.com using GPT-4 (OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model) as a research assistant to develop source material; to the best of our knowledge,  we believe them to be accurate.

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Boat Review: Flicka

by admin · November 7, 2008

Let’s talk about that recurrent daydream you’re having. You know the one–you’ve tied up loose ends, packed your bags and sailed for the horizon. Look closely at the scene in your mind. Notice the boat? Looks a lot like a Flicka doesn’t it?

I’m not clairvoyant, just subject to the same fantasy. For many enthusiasts, the Flicka is the quintessential small sailboat. Priced at nearly $100,000 in 1998, this three-ton blue-water cruiser will for most remain the stuff of dreams. Nevertheless, we decided to take a closer look.

In the early 1970s Bingham opened his own design office. By 1972 he was offering plans for a stout, plumb-bow 20-footer called “Flicka,” based on the Newport boats. After the favorable reception of his plans (over a five-year period, more than 400 sets were sold), Bingham began building a plug for a Flicka of his own, but circumstances forced its sale to Nor’star Marine in Santa Barbara before completion. Starting in 1975, Nor’star produced Flickas, either as owner-finished kits, or boats completed under contract by Westerly Marine of Costa Mesa. In 1977 Nor’star ceased production. In 1978 Pacific Seacraft bought the tooling and began building its version.

Over the years Flickas have been built from a number of materials to a variety of specifications. Pacific Seacraft reduced the deck camber which seems to account for the disparity in headroom measurements we found–variously listed as from 5′ 11″ to 6′ 2″. Flickas have been rigged as gaff cutters, yawls, mastheaded sloops, marconi cutters, schooners and junk rig, so some of our comments and those of owners will not apply to all examples.

In 1978 Pacific Seacraft completed hull number 25, and Bruce Bingham finally had his own Flicka– Sabrina. Pacific Seacraft continued building Flickas until 1998, halting production after the completion of hull #434. Robin Bradshaw of Pacific Seacraft told SCA that production was ended for a variety of reasons. Flicka had become quite expensive, in part because its smaller size relative to other models precluded more than one person at a time working on it. Robin said the Flickas were literally “handmade,” while the bigger boats might have as many as four persons working on them at once. The low number of man-hours per day spent on a Flicka tied up limited production space.

Robin told us Pacific Seacraft still has the tooling, and he wouldn’t completely rule out production of another Flicka, although there are presently no plans to do so. Pacific Seacraft does, however, continue to support the boat fully. Robin and the staff are happy to help with replacement parts and other questions about the boat he considers truly “one of a kind”.

Flicka, which means “happy little girl” in Swedish, is a fair if perhaps inadequate description of this legendary cruiser. The hand-laminated Flicka features a balsa-cored deck (plywood in hardware-mounting areas), backing plates for every piece of deck equipment (caulked on both sides), and eighteen hundred pounds of solid cast lead encased in fiberglass. What’s the Swedish word for “bulletproof”?

On an 18′ 2″ waterline, Bingham managed to incorporate a solid list of amenities; enough stowage for passage-making, standing headroom and–on some later models–an enclosed head.

With a fixed draft of 3′ 3″, the Flicka draws more water than most boats found in the pages of SCA, but, compared with vessels of similar capabilities, it’s relatively shallow draft.

Once again, Small Craft Advisor consulted the real experts–Flicka owners–for a discussion of the boat’s specific characteristics.

PERFORMANCE:

“I have sailed my boat thousands of miles upwind against strong trade winds.” Charles S. Dewell, Kawabunga 1981

Owners were generally pleased with the Flicka’s pointing ability. Jack and Penny Harding, owners of the 1984 Flicka Rapport, responded to our question about windward ability saying simply, “Don’t worry, she’ll get you home.”

Flicka owners concede–it’s not the fastest boat on the water. But the good news is that this beamy cruiser is faster than she looks. Essentially “5-knot-boats,” Flickas have reportedly averaged 5.25 knots on long passages.

We had an opportunity to test sail with Skipper Eric Jungemann aboard his Flicka Hotspur. Although initially somewhat tender, stability improved rapidly as the boat heeled. Eric told us the Flicka needs a decent breeze to realize its speed potential. But once moving, it does quite well. We enjoyed easy, responsive sailing and the Flicka felt as stable and secure as any boat we’ve sailed. “It’s a truck, not a Ferrari” Eric told me.

SEAWORTHINESS:

“I have weathered a 9.5 Beaufort wind-scale gale for three days in the North Pacific. She handles very well in the rough stuff. She heaves-to properly and rides well with a storm jib and double-reefed main.” Charles S. Dewell, Kawabunga 1981

Certainly anyone purchasing a Flicka does so with an expectation that he or she is buying seaworthiness; to that end the Flicka does not disappoint. Owners unanimously describe the boat as “stiff” and “stable.” With 30 percent of its displacement in ballast, the Flicka boasts genuine blue-water specifications.

One characteristic that makes Flicka particularly well-suited to long passages is her tendency to sail herself. With sails trimmed properly, the Flicka tracks well, holding course hour after hour.

“I’ve always felt secure aboard her.” Prince Riggs, Maggie Mae 1983

Having crossed the Pacific and Atlantic, the list of impressive voyages made aboard Flickas is long. With owners assuring us the boat inspires “absolute confidence,” the list will undoubtedly continue to grow.

On the issue of how dry the boat rides, there was a surprising amount of contradictory opinion. Responses varied from “real wet” to “bone dry.” However, most agreed cockpit drainage was adequate.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

The Flicka is a boat with true liveaboard potential. An open, unobstructed interior boasts a complete galley, standing headroom the length of the cabin, and tremendous stowage. She’ll swallow fifteen hundred pounds of crew and gear before sitting down on her lines.

In addition to a comfortable v-berth, there are either one or two quarter-berths, which were sometimes described as “a little tight”. Later generation Flickas replaced one of the two quarter-berths with an enclosed head. Considering the price of these boats and recognizing their true cruising potential, we’d appreciate the enclosed head model. We did, however, hear comments from owners who favor the four-berth arrangement with its extra space.

The galley consists of a deep stainless sink with a fresh-water hand pump, a two-burner alcohol stove, an ice box and storage lockers. Some owners have converted to propane, but in general, the stock galley is described as simple and effective.

“This boat has a lot of storage for a small boat–but it’s still a small boat. For an extended cruise that makes it difficult to stow equipment, food, water, etc. You need the same amount of safety gear on a 20-footer as you need on a 40-footer.” Charles S. Dewell, Kawabunga 1981

“When I bought her, I thought I was getting the best 20-footer in the world. Haven’t changed my mind yet.” Prince Riggs, Maggie Mae 1983

“20 years old and still very stout.” John Calhoon, American Pie 1979

Flicka owners used the word “overbuilt” more often than owners of any other boat we’ve reviewed, and apparently for good reason. Most skippers told us they’d had no problems with oil-canning, peeling or delamination. There was only one mention of blistering, but even that owner was pleased with overall quality. Clearly, both Nor’star and Pacific Seacraft seem to have made quality a priority. The Flicka is one of the few small boats so universally noted for superior construction.

COMPROMISES:

“The quarter berth is useless unless you’re a child or a midget” Prince Rigg, Maggie Mae 1983

Small Craft Advisor readers, some who own boats that would fit entirely inside the Flicka’s cabin, might not be as critical of the tight quarter-berths.

Other compromises mentioned include: The lack of a bridge deck on pre-1984 models, which leaves the cabin potentially vulnerable to a flooded cockpit, and of course the lack of a proper head on early boats.

One owner also mentioned, “fielding questions from crowds of onlookers” as a unique compromise Flicka owners must endure or enjoy, depending on one’s perception.

MODIFICATIONS:

Virtually all owners have modified some compartments or increased storage in some manner. Several have added staysails and one mentioned installing shore-power wiring.

Articles written by Bruce Bingham and Katy Burke about the modifications they made to their Flicka for cruising are still circulating. Anyone interested in modifying the Flicka, or any small boat, for serious cruising will find them informative. A good place to start your search would be the Flicka Sailboat homepage at:: http://home.att.net/~seagypsy/index.html#it

It’s difficult to call a boat in the Flicka price-range anything other than expensive, but that didn’t stop some of our survey respondents. They based their argument on Flicka quality, seaworthiness and resale value.

The $64,000 question was: would you buy the Flicka all over again? In essence, every owner said yes–and really–that’s all you can ask of any boat.

“We’ve had a blast on our Flicka. It’s a great boat for cruising the Puget Sound area and San Juan Islands. It’s easy to manage and the short length is a bonus when trying to find moorage in the summer. We’re often able to tie-up in the same areas as runabouts and dinghies.” John Calhoon, American Pie 1979

“If you want a small, thin-water/ deep-water ‘pocket cruiser’–and like a lot of attention–get a Flicka. Used ones are not too expensive. She’s not fast, but I sailed (in comfort) from San Diego to Hilo, Hawaii (2200 miles) in 22 days. Not bad for a boat with an 18-foot waterline.” Jack & Penny Harding, Rapport 1984

The Flicka represents the ideal for many sailors. She’s as lovely and romantic as she is seaworthy. She’s spacious and can carry a heavy load, but she can be easily single-handed. With many ambitious voyages to her credit and a lineage traceable to the capable Newport workboats, she’s more than time-tested–she’s a proven performer.

Special thanks to the Flicka Friends newsletter. For information contact:[email protected]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Discussion 1 Comment

I recently acquired a flicks ferro cement sailboat and I’m trying to find out where it might have been built. I got it near middle river Maryland. I believe it was built it 1972 because I found a 1972 silver dollar at the base of the mast. Any help would be appreciated

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Bluewater Sailboat – Flicka 20

The Bluewater Sailboat Flicka 20 is the polar opposite of ‘go small, go simple.’ Few other boats with proven blue water capabilities are smaller than 20 feet. Flicka has traversed the world’s waters, experienced strong storms, and survived reef groundings with minimal damage. Nonetheless, this miniature global cruiser may be loaded onto a trailer and driven home.

The Flicka 20 was designed by Bruce Bingham along the lines of the Newport workboats of the nineteenth century and was first introduced to the home-build market in 1972 before being produced, first by Nor’ Star and subsequently by Pacific Seacraft.

If you can get over the lack of deck room and find a spot to park your tender, you’ll find a boat that’s strong, seaworthy, and has the interior space of a boat six feet longer. She’s big enough to live in, yet because she’s so small, she’s wonderfully easy to handle. Despite her short length and heavy displacement, she sails effectively. These are some of the justifications for purchasing the Flicka 20, but perhaps the true reason is her charm and character; this little boat has a cult following.

• LOA: 24′ 0″
• LWL: 18′ 2″
• Beam: 8′ 0″
• Draft:  3′ 3″
• Displacement: 6,000 lbs.
• Ballast: 1,800 lbs.
• Headroom: 5′ 11″
• Sail Area: 243 sq. ft.
• Fuel: 8 US. Gal.
• Water: 20 US. Gal.
• Engine: Yanmar 1GM10, single-cylinder diesel, 9 horsepower
• Designer: Bruce P. Bingham
• Year Introduced: 1972
• Builder: Custom build / Nor’ Star / Pacific Seacraft

The Bluewater Sailboat Flicka’s earliest line drawings were published in RUDDER magazine in March 1972, although the Flicka’s origins may be traced back to the 1950s when Bruce Bingham sketched two derelict wooden sailboats on a river just south of Wickford, Rhode Island. Bingham subsequently discovered that these were workboats used by fishermen who sailed out to the stormy Block Island Sound to work the fishing there since 1840. These boats were known as Newport boats, and they had a reputation for being quick, seaworthy vessels that would safely return their crew. Bingham admired the rugged character of the Newport boats, and after discovering the line drawings in a book, he began changing the lines into a new design that became the Flicka 20. The design was primarily focused at the home construction market, and the length was restricted at 20 feet to keep costs low.

RUDDER published the first of a six-part article on creating a Flicka out of ferrocement in September 1972, showing more modifications to the lines and inside. According to legend, the first ferrocement Flicka was created as a demonstration project at a boat show to promote the building process. The boat did not catch on because ferrocement construction was expensive and required a lot of work for a little boat. However, 400 sets of plans were allegedly sold over the next five years, with the majority of these boats built from GRP but at least one from carvel planking.

Bingham and Katy Burke created a Flicka plug in 1974 and sold it to Nor’ Star Marine in California. Nor’ Star began producing firmly made GRP hulls in 1975, although there was no mould for the deck or cabin trunk at the time. Nor’ Star was constructing a GRP deck, cockpit, and cabin truck by February 1976. Their Flickas were either offered as kits or were completed by Westerley Marine. This was a successful mix that resulted in well-built, high-quality boats that many consider to be the most beautiful Flickas ever built, with exquisitely created and finished wood interiors. When Nor’ Star Marine folded in 1977, the winning relationship came to an end.

The Flicka was eventually sold to the then-new Pacific Seacraft Corporation, which established a reputation for high-quality construction and hand-crafted interiors. Pacific Seacraft further modified the Flicka by reducing the radius of the cabin trunk crown and placing the deck hatch to the cabin top forward of the mast step. Pacific Seacraft had constructed 434 Flickas by 1994, but the company went bankrupt in 2007. Stephen Brodie, a marine archaeologist, purchased the brand name, moulds, and tools at a bankruptcy auction and relocated the company to the East Coast, where it was revitalized.

In 2001, the new Pacific Seacraft sought to restart the Flicka design on the basis of a four or five-boat order. Unfortunately, the order was not filled, and the design was put on hold. The Flicka is unlikely to be produced again, but there are always Flickas for sale on the used boat market, and for anyone interested in building their own, the plans and at least one hull and deck kit are supposedly available presently through Roy McBride at CKD boats in South Africa.

As a home-made boat, Flickas are built to differing standards and in a variety of materials.

Pacific Seacraft Flickas were constructed of fibreglass, with early hulls manually poured in polyester resin and later hulls switching to osmosis-resistant vinylester resin. The decks are fiberglass with a balsa core, with plywood cores in locations with through deck fittings. The cabin is made of a single fiberglass pan that is glued to the hull and lined with lovely teak trim.

The mast is stepped in a stainless-steel tabernacle for ease of removal and quick raising and lowering to avoid overhead impediments.

The outboard chainplates were installed through the hull with stainless steel backing plates and employed high-quality bronze fittings. Enclosed heads with holding tanks became common in 1980, and later models include unique bronze port lights, inboard engines, and a good cruising rig by LeFiell.

Performance

Given her low waterline length, hefty displacement, and small rig, the Flicka sails very well. Though most Flicka owners would agree that boat speed is not the most important factor, she is far from slow. According to Pacific Seacraft, 5-knot average voyages are not uncommon. Owners claim she can easily sail at 4 to 5 mph in ideal conditions and can exceed 6 knots on a stretch in winds of 20 knots or higher. A beam to broad reach is her best point of sail.

Light air performance diminishes, as it does with most heavy displacement boats. Many owners suggest using a drifter in 10 knots for a little more go-go energy.

The Bluewater sailboat is agile, thanks to its wineglass sections, shallow draught, and 30% ballast ratio . Weather helm has also been reported by owners. Due to her tendency to pitch, tacking can be challenging in turbulent weather. Some owners claim that in certain weather circumstances, she can cause seasickness in even the hardiest sailors, yet her motion is normally gentle.

Aside from that, she is well-known for keeping her crew safe in a storm and is a lot of fun to sail.

If you are interested in learning more about the specifications and details of a sailboat, we recommend visiting the page Bluewater Sailboat data by   Ocean Wave Sail . This page provides comprehensive information and is an excellent resource for anyone seeking detailed information about 1000+ sailboats.

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Like a wolf in sheep's clothing, this small boat has a heart of an oceangoing cruiser

The Flicka is like Elvis or Prince, one word and you immediately draw a mental picture. Love it or dismiss it as a cutesy paean to tradition, it's impossible not to like the Flicka. A pocket cruiser with a big heart and impressive resume, it's a plodding beagle of a boat, small but adorable. And while heavy little boats like this drive performance sailors to quickly turn the page in hopes of finding a livelier boat reviewed somewhere else in this issue, cruisers and traditional boat lovers linger, light their pipes and admire this tiny ship.

First impression The Flicka's workboat pedigree is apparent when viewed in profile. The sweeping sheer, proud bowsprit, blunt bow, wide beam and low side decks were hallmarks of the Newport workboats of the 19th century. The relatively high cabintrunk may not be the most ascetically pleasing aspect of Bingham's design, but that's the trade-off for nearly six feet of headroom below. The full keel supports an attached outboard rudder and draft is just 3 feet, 3 inches. The rig came standard as a masthead sloop with an optional staysail stay.

Construction Flickas built by Nor'Star and certainly Pacific Seacraft have stood the test of time. Most Flickas were laid up with polyester resin, although later in the production run Pacific Seacraft switched to vinlyester resins that are more resistant to osmotic blistering. The hull is solid fiberglass. The decks are balsa cored with laminated plywood backing plates where necessary. The hull and deck are joined on an inward flange that is then covered by a husky teak caprail. A molded, structural hull liner provides athwartship support. In keeping with the Flicka's overall philosophy, it's built like a small big boat, not a small boat.

What to watch for There are very few reported problems with old Flickas. This reflects the seakindly nature of Bingham's design, excellent construction and sound engineering. The key things to look for are the owner modifications. Some of these changes, like converting the starboard settee to a dinette, or building in a cooler as a cockpit bridgedeck, are upgrades, while others are downgrades. Naturally, be wary of boats without a builder's certificate, and also check the engine. Several engine models were used over the years with the single-cylinder 10-horsepower Yanmar being the most popular.  The Pacific Seacraft-built boats don't have aluminum toerails while some early boats do. And the boats built before 1984 did not have a cockpit bridgedeck.

On deck You don't realize just how small the Flicka is until you step into the cockpit. Yet it, like the rest of the boat, is impressive and purposeful. The beefy tiller is mounted on the transom, offering good leverage for steering and freeing up cockpit space. Many Flickas have either a fixed mainsheet lead or traveler all the way aft. Engine access is through a hatch in the cockpit sole, which on boats with outboard motors turns into a large storage area. There are also cockpit lockers to port and starboard. Naturally the side decks are narrow, but the stanchions are sturdy and the lifelines surprisingly tall. There is a teak handrail all along the cabintrunk. The chainplates are outboard, and they are impressive, as is the entire standing rigging. The mast is deck-stepped with an odd, off-center compression post below. The single-spreader spar has an air draft of 31 feet and can be stepped fairly easily. There are some unusual Flicka rigs out there so be wary. While it is fairly common for there to be either a mobile or permanent staysail stay, you will also find the occasional gaff rig and at least one boat was built as a yawl. The bowsprit includes a beefy anchor roller, and the oversized mooring cleats would pass inspection for a Panama Canal transit.

Down below Stepping down below is the opposite of stepping into the cockpit; your reaction is, "This can't be a 20-foot boat." There really is standing headroom throughout and the open plan without a full forward bulkhead opens things up. The teak joinerwork is quite nice. The galley is to port with an enclosed head opposite. This head compartment is small, yet the civility of a private head is worth tucking your knees up. Some boats have marine heads, others have porta potties. The galley usually includes a two-burner stove top, a good-sized sink and an icebox compartment. The settee to starboard is relatively short, but it does make a nice seat if not a berth. The V-berth is large and comfortable. Two people, preferably young, agile and very much in love, can cruise long-term on a Flicka and maintain a standard of living beyond camping out. Ventilation is great with opening bronze portlights and a large hatch over the V-berth.

Engine The majority of Flickas have inboard diesels engines, but there are also plenty of boats with an outboard. A deep-shaft 9.9-horsepower seems to be the favorite size engine, with the major drawback being the lack of an alternator to charge batteries. As noted earlier, the 1GM 10-horsepower Yanmar is a fairly common engine but you will also find Flickas with Betas, Vetus, Ferryman and other types of small diesels. The fuel tank, which is located up forward, holds eight gallons.         Underway How does a Flicka sail? How can a boat that carries a total of 243 square feet of sail area and displaces 6,000 pounds along an 18-foot LWL sail at all? Better than you might think. The Flicka's hull speed is 5.7 knots. Sure, the boat needs a bit of breeze to gather way on, but it was not designed for light-air daysails. It may be small but it belongs on big bodies of water. And it's a passagemaker. Several Flickas have averaged 120 miles per day on trade wind crossings, and that's good going: 5 knots over 24 hours. The Flicka's history is filled with boats that have crossed oceans, and that's the ultimate statement about how it sails. With its long keel and low-aspect rig it's not a great performer to weather. It heels early before stiffing and tracks well. Owners admit to a bit of weather helm. Like many cruising boats, the Flicka is at its best on a reach, and can carry sail in genuine Force 4 trade winds. One of the disadvantages of a small boat is the tendency to pitch in choppy conditions.

Conclusion For many years buying a Flicka was for small boat eccentrics with plenty of money. It was a very expensive boat when new, and it also held its value on the used boat market. Ten years ago it was hard to find a Flicka for less than $50,000. Fortunately, the price is dropping. Today you can find a Flicka for less than $30,000. There are still late model boats for sale for $60,000 or more, but they are the exception. The Flicka has always appealed to budget-minded cruisers who want to set off this year, not save money for a bigger boat five years from now. Lin and Larry Pardey epitomize this philosophy: "Go small, go simple, go now." If that concept appeals to you, consider the Flicka. It is a small, strong, capable boat loaded with charm.

PRICE:  While the price has definitely dropped, the Flicka is still a lot of money for a 20-foot boat.

DESIGN QUALITY:  Whether you like full-keel cruisers or not, you have to give Bruce Bingham credit for creating a true cruising boat in such a small space and still have it look nice.

CONSTRUCTION QUALITY:  Pacific Seacraft did a terrific job building the Flicka. It used techniques and materials that you would normally find in larger boats.

USER-FRIENDLINESS:  The boat is easy to handle either alone or as a couple, and is amazingly comfortable for its size.

SAFETY:  Size is a factor in safety and the narrow decks and pitching motion in a seaway must be weighed against the robust construction and general seaworthiness.

TYPICAL CONDITION:  Most Flickas have been well maintained, and the quality construction has held up well. However, some owners have modified their Flickas, and this is rarely a good thing.

REFITTING:  Small boats are harder to work on, but the parts are less expensive, so these issues wash. The production style construction limits access to the hull.

SUPPORT:  Pacific Seacraft is no longer in business and the molds for the Flicka were not part of the bankruptcy sale when North Carolina businessman Stephen Brodie bought the company. Still, there is plenty of support online at www.flicka20.com and other sites. Download the original brochure; it's priceless.

AVAILABILITY:  More than 400 were built and for some reason quite a few are for sale right now. You can find Flickas all over the country-to make the best deal be prepared to do some traveling.

INVESTMENT AND RESALE:  Quality small boats really took a beating in the recession and while I suspect used Flicka prices will stabilize, I doubt they'll ever bring the dollars they once did.

LOA 24' LWL 18'2" Beam 8' Draft 3'3" Sail Area 250 sq. ft. Displacement 5,500 lbs. Ballast 1,800 lbs.

General Market Price Data $23,500-$39,500

Also in Used Boat Notebook

• Hunter Passage 42
• Pearson Rhodes 41
• Santa Cruz 52
• Allied Princess 36
• Kelly-Peterson 46

Also from Staff

• Tor Johnson
• Learn to Sail Better
• New boat: Aureus XV Absolute
• Remembering Hobie
• Catalina 275 Sport
• New boat: Saphire 27

The Flicka 20 is a 24.0ft cutter designed by Bruce Bingham and built in fiberglass by Pacific Seacraft between 1974 and 1999.

400 units have been built..

The Flicka 20 is a very heavy sailboat which is under powered. It is reasonably stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a coastal cruiser.

Flicka 20 for sale elsewhere on the web:

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Best Bluewater Sailboats Under 24 Feet

Last Updated by

Jacob Collier

December 28, 2023

Looking for a sailboat but don't want to bear the high costs? The best bluewater sailboats under 24 feet are trailerable and require low maintenance.

Many sailing enthusiasts cannot afford a large boat due to the docking fee and maintenance costs. Fortunately, bluewater sailboats under 24 feet, also known as pocket sailboats, are affordable small yachts that are trailerable to your choice of destination, so you don't have to bear the unnecessary docking fee.

The best bluewater sailboats under 24 feet are the Pacific Seacraft Dana 24, Norseboat 21.5, Catalina 22 Sport, Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20, and West Wight Potter 19. These sailboats have ample space for a couple and even a moderately-sized family along with all the amenities you may need.

A roomy cabin, galley, and settees are necessary to go cruising in the bluewater. However, sailboats are a cheaper and more convenient way to enjoy the shallow waters as all you require for sailing is a hull, rudder, mast, and sail. The sailboats on this list make your sailing experience even better with accommodations such as bedding.

We are a bunch of sailing enthusiasts and spend most of our weekends trailing our pocket sailboats, traveling to various offshore destinations. With years of knowledge, we have drafted a list of the best bluewater sailboats under 24 feet and discussed them in detail, so you can make an informed decision before buying your sailboat.

Table of contents

‍ Our Top Picks

West wight potter 19.

{{boat-info="/boats/west-wight-potter-19"}}

The West Wight Potter 19 is one of the most popular sailboats and has been at the top for over three decades. This sailboat is manufactured in California by International Marine, known for making reliable and robust sailboats.

Over the years, the West Wight 19 has seen significant changes in its design, making the boat easy to sail and increasing the storage space while keeping the design compact and available.

The 19-footer is the smallest sailboat on this list, but it doesn’t keep the boat from offering accommodations to make your experience comfortable.

Small sailboats are more about sailing instead of cruising with luxury. However, the Potter 19 offers several luxurious amenities.

The four berths allow you to camp in for a couple of days instead of spending only a day out on the water. Each berth is around six and a half feet long, with two settees and a v-berth.

The storage space under each berth and the ample walking space in between provide enough room for a small family to spend quality time. A small sink, stove, and mobile head increase the boat's functionality and ease the voyage.

The West Wight Potter 19 is far from disappointing when it comes to its sailing chops. Due to its lightweight build, you don't need a powerful truck to trail this sailboat to your preferred destination.

The hull and deck are fiberglass, which keeps the boat steady against rough water. A high freeboard keeps the cockpit and the deck dry.

The West White Potter 19's design is ideal for lake, river, and coastal sailing. However, this boat is up for the challenges as an individual has sailed from California to Hawaii, making history for the Potter 19.

You can buy West White Potter 19 from  Sailboat Listings  for $6,900.

Specifications

• Hull Type: Lifting keel
• LOA: 18.9 ft.
• LWL: 16.9 ft.
• Beam: 7.5 ft.
• Displacement: 1225 lbs.
• Ballast: 370 lbs.
• Sail Area: 115 sq. ft.
• First built: 1979
• Developer: International Marine (USA)
• Designer: Herb Stewart

Catalina 22 Sport

{{boat-info="/boats/catalina-22-sport"}}

The Catalina 22 Sport has quickly become a hot cake sailboat since the Sport version of the 22 feet hull was recently released. A retractable lead keel in the upgraded version makes it easier to haul the boat.

Other than that, the vinyl seating, a chrome fence, and a more dynamic frame give the boat a sporty yet exclusive look, putting it above its close competitors. That is why the Catalina 22 Sport has become a common sight at harbors across the state.

The update maintains the superior quality of the original Catalina yacht with a robust built, easy and comfortable sailing, and several accommodation features. The hull is made from hand-laid fiberglass bonded with a hull liner.

Beautiful single-piece fiberglass makes the deck a sight for sore eyes. It is treated with non-slippery material to keep the passengers safe from injuries.

A complete standing rig with an upgraded stern rail with controls keeps the boat sailing steadily. But the absolute joy of sailing this beautiful sailboat lies in an exclusive cockpit design. Raised contoured coamings keep the cockpit high and dry.

This boat is not just all about the looks and easy sailing. As mentioned earlier, it also has a roomy cabin with accommodations that can allow you to spend a couple of days on the boat. Two full-length berths measuring over six and a half feet are comfortable for full-grown people to sleep peacefully.

The V berth makes a bed for two where children can rest. Even though the Catalina 22 sport has enough space for a family of four to walk around without stepping on each other's toes, it is ideal for a couple to get away for a refreshing couple of days.

The best thing about Catalina releasing a newer model is that it boasts a 12 Volt electrical panel. You can keep electrical appliances working for a comfortable sailing experience.

Besides that, Catalina offers several optional features to enhance your experience on the 22-footer. These include a mast carrier at the front and rear, fabric cushion upgrade, headsail furling gear, and more.

Since the Catalina 22 Sport is made on order, you can contact dealers from  YachtWorld  to get the price of this boat.

• Hull Type: Fin w/spade rudder
• LOA: 23.62 ft.
• LWL: 19.32 ft.
• Beam: 8.67 ft.
• Displacement: 2,380 lbs.
• Ballast: 550 lbs.
• Sail Area: 110 sq. ft.
• First built: 2004
• Last built: -
• Developer: Catalina Yachts
• Designer: Gary Douglas

Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20

{{boat-info="/boats/pacific-seacraft-flicka-20"}}

The Pacific Seacraft Flicka is the most convenient and trailerable sailboat on our list, with an overall length of 20 feet. If you like a minimalist lifestyle and want the same in your bluewater pocket sailboat, this one's for you.

A functional galley with a sink and a counter and a small sink, toilet, and shower provides you with the basic amenities you and a couple of your friends and family need for a few days offshore.

There's more to the accommodation you can expect from this 20-footer sailboat. This boat has four berths, including a v-berth, so sleeping comfortably or stretching your legs occasionally is not an issue. A pop-up dining table and a chart table within the cabin make eating and other activities doable.

Nevertheless, most people underestimate the Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20’s ability to handle offshore rigidity, and they are often surprised at what this boat has to offer. A full-ballast keel, hull shape, manageable rig, and a self-draining cockpit ensure satisfactory offshore performance by the littlest contender.

Moreover, we find its outstanding standing headspace one of the boat's best features. Unlike other pocket sailboats, the Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20 has a six ft. headspace. You don't have to duck every time to save your head from banging against the roof.

The Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20's size and its minimalistic yet fulfilling features are why this boat is in high demand. With only 400 of them ever made, you will have to dig deeper and longer to find one worth buying. Due to this, the price of this boat is also slightly higher.

You can buy the Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20 from  YachtWorld  for $29,900.

• Hull Type: Long keel
• LOA: 24 ft.
• LWL: 18.75 ft.
• Beam: 8 ft.
• Displacement: 6,000 lbs.
• Ballast: 1,750 lbs.
• Sail Area: 261.89 sq. ft.
• Fuel: 12 gallons
• Fresh Water: 20 gallons
• Engine: Yanmar
• First built: 1974
• Last built: 1994
• Developer: Pacific Seacraft
• Designer: Bruce Bingham

Pacific Seacraft Dana 24

{{boat-info="/boats/pacific-seacraft-dana-24"}}

The Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 is the best overall sailboat on our list. This one is the larger of the two Pacific Seacraft sailboats mentioned. It has an overall length of 24 feet but provides you with loads of amenities.

According to the features listed, the boat might seem insufficient for an overnight sail on the water. Once you are on the boat, it won't occur to you that you are on a sailboat that is just 24 feet long.

While only four feet longer than the Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20, it adds enough space to make the cabin roomier and another berth for one more person. Not only that, the extra length provides more space to the galley.

You have increased movement and work it better. However, the length still keeps the sailboat maintaining the qualities of a smaller sailboat, allowing you easy maintenance and mobility.

Despite being larger, Pacific Seacraft Dana 20 is faster than the smaller one. As surprising as it may sound, this is because this boat's engine is more powerful and helps the hull sail faster. A high bow flare and freeboard ensure the deck remains dry unless high tides take charge.

It is ideal for a pair, especially couples who do not look for much except spending quality days offshore with the basic amenities on hand.

The Dana 24 were sold as kits and bare hulls. No one knows how many of these sailboats exist and how many of those are factory assembled. Due to this, you might also find slight differences in the build from unit to unit.

You can get the Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 from  YachtWorld  for $49,000.

• LOA: 27.25 ft.
• LWL: 21.42 ft.
• Beam: 8.85 ft.
• Displacement: 8,000 lbs.
• Ballast: 3,200 lbs.
• Sail Area: 361.22 sq. ft.
• Fuel: 18 gallons
• Fresh Water 40 gallons
• First built: 1948
• Last built: 2007
• Designer: W.I.B Crealock

Norseboat 21.5

{{boat-info="/boats/norseboat-21-5"}}

Do you prefer an open sailboat with a rugged design to keep your sailing experience raw? Get your hands on the Open Cockpit Norseboat 21.5. This boat has no cabin.

Simple sailboat design with settees on the side and enough storage room for a couple of passengers to enjoy a voyage across the lake or cruise near the coast.

But that's not all. The Norseboat 21.5 also comes in a cabin design that offers enhanced comfort. Whichever version you prefer, this boat offers a rugged design with carbon-fiber material instead of fiberglass, making it stronger than most sailboats.

However, you will have to compromise on the beauty part. Still, the boat provides a steady sailing experience with all the necessities you might require.

The Norseboat 21.5 sits lower near the water, and with a simple handling sloop rig and fully battened mainsail, it sails light and quick against the light wind. The boat is highly responsive to the tiller, requiring minimum effort from you to put it in the right direction.

Both versions of Norseboat 21.5 are lightweight, making them easy to haul and trail. You won't need a large truck to trail this boat to your favorite spot.

A mid-sized vehicle will do the job. On the other hand, their build maintains a strong presence uplifting their seaworthiness while a foil-shaped stub keel maintains stability.

You can buy the Norseboat 21.5 directly from  Norseboat .

• LOA: 21.8 ft.
• LWL: 19 ft.
• Beam: 7.1 ft.
• Displacement: 1,750 lbs.
• Ballast: 275 lbs.
• Sail Area: 197.2 sq. ft.
• Developer: NorseBoat Limited (CAN)
• Designer: Kevin Jeffrey/Mark Fitzgerald

Easy handling, low cost of maintenance, minimalistic designs, basic amenities, all while going offshore — these are the main selling points of pocket sailboats. All the boats mentioned above will serve you well if you are looking for the best bluewater pocket sailboats. Choose wisely!

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Best Bluewater Pocket Sailboats

Best Bluewater Sailboats Under $100k

Born into a family of sailing enthusiasts, words like “ballast” and “jibing” were often a part of dinner conversations. These days Jacob sails a Hallberg-Rassy 44, having covered almost 6000 NM. While he’s made several voyages, his favorite one is the trip from California to Hawaii as it was his first fully independent voyage.

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• Sailboat Guide

1996 Pacific Seacraft Flicka, 20 ft.

• Description

Seller's Description

Pacific Seacraft Flicka, 20 ft., 1996 sailboat for sale Full keel

Enclosed head with bridge deck model 2 complete sets of sails all in good condition Harken roller furling Trailer: None Engine: Yanmar 1GM10 1996 less than 1470 hrs. Batteries:Two, 1 year old group 31

Accessories: (All NEW items listed are approximately 2 years old) New oversized Rocna and Delta anchors with oversized chain and rode New Jabsco marine head with some new hoses. New life lines by Rigging Only New standing rigging same mfg. New Strataglass on dodger Bimini New exhaust hoses New SS mixing elbow in exhaust system New cutlass bearing New stuffing box material Engine serviced by diesel mechanic New brass Interior bunk lamps with LED lighting New batt operated marine carbon monoxide detector New smoke detector New paint on mast New wiring in mast New masthead light New spreader light New battery charger-Chargemaster 35A, 3 bank New Racor Fuel Filter/Water Separator Fire boy automatic fire extinguisher LED all exterior lights New Garmin radar 18 HD+ New Garmin chart plotter with new depth transducer New electronic compass (steady cast) Backup B&G depth gauge New Icom M506 VHF with DSC New antenna and coax cable Back-up Icom M412 VHF New service on cockpit self tailing winches New tiller with 15+ coats of Epiphanies varnish New Sunbrella Upholstry throughout New cockpit hot shower 20 gal. Integral fresh water tank and New approx 30 gal. water tank for shower/fresh water wash down. (30 gal water system has New oversized pump, 20 gal. Has electric pump and manual) Marine kerosene lamp Screens on all port lights and hatches with custom screens for companionway. Some running rigging new, some backup running rigging. Teak flag staff Stainless steel fishing rod holder Whisker pole needs lubrication Canvas tiller cover, sail covers, teak handrail covers etc. Coming boxes with teak rails both sides of cockpit Full custom cockpit cushions 12 volt refrigeration system New 50 watt flex solar panel’s x2 not installed but wires in place. 150 watt rigid solar panel with mounting frame available New teak and SS 3 step swim ladder New Pettit sr 60 multi season bottom paint (2-3 coats with 3-4 on waterline) Electric and manual bilge pumps New custom made lower pentil on rudder FeatherStream feathering propeller New Achilles LT-2 dinghy. Inflation pump, large repair kit and oars included. (floor needs repair) New fenders Major parts of wind vein steering. May be missing some custom brackets.

Problems: 1. Discoloration on short section of cabin sole. 2 foot section of lock rash on starboard toe rail. (6 foot piece of teak included in sale) 3. Soft area under mast was removed with clear margins and replaced with solid fiberglass and original outer deck layer returned and painted. (See pics #3,4,5) No blisters when bottom painted last May and all fiberglass on both deck and hull in good condition for its age. Everything works that I am aware of and will be sold as is where is. The Suzuki dinghy motor, grill and personal items seen in pictures do not go with sale. or phone 601-688-0179 (No Saturday calls please)

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

From BlueWaterBoats.org :

At the extreme of ‘go small, go simple’ is the little Flicka 20. At an incredibly small 20 feet, few other boats can claim proven blue water capabilities. Flicka has crossed the oceans of the world, weathered severe storms and survived groundings on reefs with little damage. Yet this pint sized world cruiser can be popped onto a trailer and taken home.

Designed by Bruce Bingham along the lines of the Newport workboats of the 19th century, the Flicka 20 was originally introduced to the home-build market in 1972 before reaching production, first by Nor’ Star and then by Pacific Seacraft.

If you can get over the lack of deck space and finding place to stow your tender, you’ll find a boat that’s essentially solid, seaworthy and with the interior space of a boat 6 feet longer. She’s large enough to live in, and being so small she’s incredibly easy to handle. She sails well despite her short length and heavy displacement. These are some of the reasons people rationalize buying the Flicka 20, but perhaps the real reason is her charm and character; this little boat has quite the cult following.

The first line drawings of the Flicka were published in RUDDER magazine in March 1972 but the origins of the Flicka go back to the 1950’s when Bruce Bingham made some sketches of two derelict wooden sailboats on a river just south of Wickford in Rhode Island. Bingham later learned that they were workboats that had been used since 1840 by the fishermen who sailed out to the stormy Block Island Sound to work the fishery there. These boats were known as Newport boats and had a reputation for being fast, seaworthy boats that would bring home their crew safely. Bingham liked the rugged character of the Newport boats and upon finding the line drawings in a book he started modifying the lines into a new design which became the Flicka 20. The design was originally aimed at the home build market and the length was kept at 20 feet to make it affordable.

In the September of 1972  RUDDER published the first of a six part article on building a Flicka from ferrocement, which showed further refinements to the lines and interior. Rumor has it that the first ferrocement Flicka was built at a boat show as a demonstration project to promote the construction method. The boat failed to catch on as ferrocement construction was expensive and a lot of work for a small boat.  However, over the next five-year period, 400 sets of plans were reported sold, most of these boats built from GRP but at least one using carvel planking.

In 1974 a Flicka plug was made by Bingham and Katy Burke and sold to Nor’ Star Marine in California. In 1975 Nor’ Star started producing solidly built GRP hulls but at this stage there was no mold for the deck and cabin trunk. By February 1976, Nor’ Star was producing a GRP deck, cockpit and cabin truck. Their Flickas were either sold as kits or sub contracted to Westerley Marine for completion. This was a successful recipe which produced well constructed, high quality boats, regarded by many to be the most beautiful Flickas ever produced, with finely crafted and finished wood interiors. The winning partnership was brought to an end when Nor’ Star Marine closed down in 1977.

The Flicka was then sold to the then newly starting out Pacific Seacraft Corporation, who built a reputation for high quality construction and beautiful hand-crafted interiors. The builders at Pacific Seacraft modified the Flicka further by decreasing the radius of the cabin trunk crown and moving the deck hatch to the cabin top forward of the mast step.  By 1994 434 Flickas had been produced by Pacific Seacraft but in 2007 the company went bust. The brand name, molds and tools were bought at a bankruptcy auction by marine archaeologist Stephen Brodie and the company was moved to the East Coast where it was resurrected.

In 2001, the new Pacific Seacraft attempted to relaunch the Flicka design on the basis that they required an order of  four or five boats. Unfortunately, the order was not filled and the design was shelved. It is thought unlikely that the Flicka will ever be in production again but there are always Flickas out there for sale on the used boat market and for those who are interested in building their own, the plans and currently at least one hull and deck kit are apparently available now through Roy McBride at CKD boats in South Africa.

Configuration & Layout

The Flicka’s workboat heritage is clear to see in her strong sheer, bluff bow and low freeboard (for hauling nets). She has a full keel which draws 3 feet 3 inches and a simple transom-hung rudder. Her 1800 pounds of ballast is positioned well forward in the hull and is responsible for a large part of her total displacement.

In order to create a lot of space on a waterline of only 18 feet 2 inches the Flicka was designed with a relatively wide 8 feet beam, tall topsides, and a high coach roof. This design might suggest elements of a bathtub toy, however the Flicka is far from ugly and has an undeniable charm which attracts attention wherever she goes.

Most Flickas use a masthead sloop rig which is set from a short bowsprit. It’s a small rig with 106 square feet in the mainsail and two rows of reefing points, and a working jib of 137 square feet. Variations do exist including some that are fractionally rigged, while others employ a full cutter rig, though it is debateable whether there is any advantage in cutting up the sail area in an already small rig thereby creating extra windage from the extra halyard, sheeting lines and inner stay.  Several Flickas have been successfully converted to gaff and junk rigs and there is at least one yawl.

On deck you’ll find narrow side decks and relatively restricted access to the mast and foredeck. There’s little space to stow a tender, most owners tow theirs or stow it below. The cockpit is small and protected although comparatively large in comparison to the Flicka’s size. At 1 1/2″ the small cockpit drains have been an area of concern for some blue water sailors.

Bingham’s beamy hull allows for a capacious interior with 5 feet 11 inches of headroom and three full-sized berths. The interior is open-plan with no bulkhead separating the forepeak from the main cabin. Her fresh water supply is carried in a 20 gallon tank under the quarter berth.  The diesel fuel tank, which lives under the V-berth, holds 8 gallons, as does the holding tank. The standard inboard engine is the economical Yanmar 1GM10, a single-cylinder diesel of 9 horsepower.  Access to the inboard is afforded by a watertight hatch in the sole of the cockpit. With an inboard and enclosed head almost half the stowage space on the Flicka is lost and for that reason an outboard engine is the choice of many Flicka owners. With an outboard the fuel tank can be replaced with freshwater and a lot of extra space is created behind the companionway steps.

Construction

Being initally a home build boat you’ll find Flickas built to varying standards in a range of materials.

Pacific Seacraft Flickas were built in fiberglass, early hulls were hand laid in polyester resin while later hulls switched to osmosis resisting vinylester resin. The decks are fiberglass with a balsa core while areas with through deck hardware are cored in plywood. The interior is built from a single fiberglass pan which is bonded to the hull and lined with beautiful teak trim.

The mast is stepped in a stainless-steel tabernacle to allow easy removal for trailering as well as quick raising and lowering to avoid overhead obstacles.

Quality bronze fittings were used and the outboard chainplates were mounted through the hull with stainless steel backing plates. After 1980 enclosed heads with holding tanks became standard and the later models also come with custom bronze port lights, inboard engines and an excellent cruising rig by LeFiell.

Given the Flicka’s short waterline length, heavy displacement and small rig, it’s generally agreed she sails exceptionally well. Though most Flicka owners would agree that boat speed is not the number one priority, she is not a laggard by any means. According to Pacific Seacraft long passages of a 5-knot average are not uncommon. Owners report that she can easily sail 4 to 5 knots in the right conditions and can exceed 6 knots on a reach in winds of 20 knots or more. Her best point of sail is a beam to broad reach.

Like most heavy displacement boats, light air performance suffers. Many owners recommend the use of a drifter in 10 knots for a bit of extra go-go juice.

With her wineglass sections, short draft and 30% ballast ratio the boat is tender. Owners have also reported a tendency for weather helm. Tacking can be difficult in choppy conditions due to her tendency to pitch. Some owners have suggested that in certain weather conditions she can induce seasickness in even the hardiest of sailors but her motion is generally kind.

That aside, she is renowned for keeping her crew safe in a blow and she is a whole lot of fun to sail.

Buyer’s Notes

Flickas built by Pacific Seacraft are considered by many to be the one to go for due to their superior construction quality. Due to her solid construction and sensible design, the Flicka 20 has aged well. There have been no specific weaknesses that have come to light. Flickas tend to be well loved and in relatively good condition and have proven to be popular in the used boat market.

There is an active owner community. For further advice, boat listings and resources it is recommended buyers get in contact via the Flicka20.com website as well as the email discussion list on Yahoo Groups.

As of 2010 the asking prices for the boat is in the range of $10k – $50k USD depending on year and condition.

Links, References and Further Reading

» Flicka 20 information and resources at flicka20.com » Flicka 20 owners discussion group at Yahoo Groups » Flicka Review from Good Old Boat Magazine by John Vigor Nov/Dec 1999 » A Flicka Sailboat Story by Roy McBride » Flicka 20 info at CKD Boats , source of Flicka 20 Hull and Deck kits. » Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere by John Vigor , (Ch13, p77-82) an in depth look at the Flicka 20. ISBN:978-0939837328

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1982 Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20

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Limits of a Flicka 20

• Thread starter SailorElliot
• Start date Aug 1, 2021
• Tags breaking waves flicka 20 storms
• Forums for All Owners
• Ask All Sailors

SailorElliot

Hello! I was wondering what the "weather limits" are for a Flicka 20 (example: 30 knots of wind, 4 foot breaking waves). Also, if you have any tips on making storms/heavier weather more comfortable and safer, please let me know! Thanks, Elliot  

jon hansen said: that boat can cross oceans. match you sail square footage to the force of the wind. keep the vessel buttoned up/ keep 100% of the water out, hang on. heavy weather handling? lots of books and/or videos on that Click to expand

Hello SailorElliot, If you have not already done this.....check the pedigree of the Flicka 20 on sailboat data. Many different constructions and options according to the site. For any sailboat we owned I felt sure it could sail better (and therefore handle more difficult situations) than I could handle. My $ 0.02.  

The Flicka 20 Sailboat : Bluewaterboats.org

Thank you! I was also wondering, what are the chances of the weather really picking up?  

Chances that the weather will really pick up are 100%. You just don't want to be there then. The Flicka is not fast enough to outrun every weather system, so it is a good idea to be prepared.  

SailorElliot said: what are the chances of the weather really picking up? Click to expand

• What are the chances that if sailing in the open ocean during Hurricane Season of you running into a Hurricane? If you sail in the area that hurricanes form, better chance of experience than if you avoid such areas.
• If you sail in the North Atlantic during the winter months, then you are likely to experience "Weather really Picking Up"!

Kings Gambit

I think he’s referring to the weather of the San Pedro Channel, perhaps the Inner Waters generally. The basic answer is that “weather” can develop between forecast up-dates and lead to advisories; thus perhaps “picking up”during your transit interval, etc. The most common advisories off southern California are Small Craft Advisories and Gale Warnings. During the winter Santa Ana conditions can develop quickly, often leading to gale force winds from the northeast. The warning time on those may be only a few hours.  

Here are the forecasts for my trip: 5 to 8 knots of wind, up to 10-knot gusts. Waves 2-3 in Santa Monica Bay with 5-8 second period. Waves 3 and 3 in the middle of the passage with, again, 5-8 second period. Will that work?  

Have you been out in those conditions? Is the boat sound, the rigging reliable, motor in good operating condition? Are you fully prepared for this journey? Do you have the charts, the safety equipment, the knowledge how to sail the boat, how to navigate from your start point to your destination? If you can truthfully answer yes to all of the above then it sounds like you are ready to go out and test the waters. Recognize, that no one is ready having never been there before. Once you leave the safety of your experience you need to constantly consider the evolving conditions. Always consider returning to your safety zone if conditions exceed your level of comfort. Only you can really decide if it will work.  

The Water in Between: A Journey at Sea

SailorElliot said: Here are the forecasts for my trip: 5 to 8 knots of wind, up to 10-knot gusts. Waves 2-3 in Santa Monica Bay with 5-8 second period. Waves 3 and 3 in the middle of the passage with, again, 5-8 second period. Will that work? Click to expand

jssailem said: Have you been out in those conditions? Is the boat sound, the rigging reliable, motor in good operating condition? Are you fully prepared for this journey? Do you have the charts, the safety equipment, the knowledge how to sail the boat, how to navigate from your start point to your destination? If you can truthfully answer yes to all of the above then it sounds like you are ready to go out and test the waters. Recognize, that no one is ready having never been there before. Once you leave the safety of your experience you need to constantly consider the evolving conditions. Always consider returning to your safety zone if conditions exceed your level of comfort. Only you can really decide if it will work. Click to expand

jon hansen said: The Water in Between: A Journey at Sea Wise, funny and beautifully written, The Water in Betwe… www.goodreads.com he had never sailed. left his life as a doctor. bought a boat. put it in the water. knew nothing. sailed to tahiti and back. fun read! Click to expand

Kings Gambit said: Those should be “fairly benign” conditions. Likely a little slow-going for your heavy sloop, but comfortable. I’d prepare for a long (hours) trip. It’s a bit like one’s first dive off the high dive. Once you’ve done it once or twice it’s not as “scary.” Click to expand

So if I was comfortable, I would go til that changed. That is the way I sail my boat. 2019, I left my marina to meet up with friends. I had to sail about 40nm to meet them in a bay for a couple of days. About 20 miles into my journey I got a call. They were in 40 knots of wind, the waves were 6 feet and they had decided not to go any further. At the same time I got a Small Craft warning for the next 24-48 hours. Winds in excess of 40 knots. Waves 6-8 ft. I had 2 choices. Find a safe harbor and hope that the weather might improve in 24 hours, or turn around and head back to my marina, spend the night there and see what happens. I chose my marina. Weather went from bad to worse. Winds were clocked at 53knots over night. In the morning driving rain and winds 30 knots SCW for then next 48 hours. I hated not getting to join up with friends, but was pleased to be safely in the marina able to sail another day.  

garymalmgren

Here are the forecasts for my trip: 5 to 8 knots of wind, up to 10-knot gusts. Waves 2-3 in Santa Monica Bay with 5-8 second period. Waves 3 and 3 in the middle of the passage with, again, 5-8 second period. Will that work? Yes. Have a good trip.  

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Flicka 20 Sailboat Specifications

• Specifications
• Sloop Rig dimensions
• Sloop Rig Sails
• Hull Numbers

These are the specifications for the Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20. They mary vary slightly for other versions.

These are the rig dimensions for the Pacific Seacraft Flicka. Other Flickas may vary in rig and sail area from these measurements.

E Foot length of mainsail from tack to clew. Distance from the tack to the black band at the end of boom, so long as the sail does not extend beyond the ban. Otherwise, use the length of the foot when outhaul is fully taut. In the event the clew of the mainsail is carried below the top of the boom where it intersects the mast (boom drop), measure E along the slop of the mainsail.

I The foretriangle height measured along the foreside of the mast from the main deck "datum" to the top of jib halyard sheave. Note: the height of the deck used as datum for this measurement shall be taken as 4% of beam above the shear line abreast of the mast.

J Distance from the foreside of the mast to the point where forestay attaches to the deck or bowsprit, in a direction level with the waterline.

P Luff length of mainsail from tack to head. Distance from the tack to the black band at the top of the mast, so long long as the sail does not hoist above the band. Otherwise, use the top of the main halyard sheave.

These are the hull numbers for Pacific Seacraft Flickas. If you have any information on the Nor' Star Flicka hull numbers please get in touch.

Flicka hull number One : PCS205000179

Flicka hull number Two : PCS20500A191