18′ Morning Tide Pocket Cruiser

Description

Morning Tide 18’ Pocket Cruiser Plans – Classic Style, Flexible Layout & Easy Home Build

The Morning Tide 18 Pocket Cruiser builds on the charm of the Morning Tide 14, giving sailors more space, comfort, and versatility. At 18 feet, she blends the classic look of a traditional long-keel cruiser with the practicality of modern home boatbuilding.

Inside, the plans provide several layout options. The standard fit-out includes forward V-berths, a compact galley, and an aft WC compartment. However, you can easily adapt the design to add quarter berths or extra storage. For even more flexibility, the plans also show details for an optional outboard well.

Her hull combines strength and simplicity. Construction starts with an “egg-box” framework made from pre-shaped plywood frames and fore-and-aft girders that slot together. From there, you attach the hull panels and finish the chines with stitch-and-tape methods for a quick build. If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can choose plank-over-frame or clinker construction instead.

Like her smaller sister, she carries a long keel with a simple ballast box for stability. Yet, you can also adapt the plans to include alternative keel options, making her suitable for a wide range of sailing conditions. As a result, she is equally at home in sheltered waters or out on longer coastal adventures.

With her classic lines, practical layout, and flexible build methods, the Morning Tide 18 is an ideal project for home builders. She offers the freedom to customize, the confidence of seaworthy design, and the joy of cruising in a yacht you built yourself.

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Key Features:

• LOA: 18 ft – compact yet spacious pocket cruiser

• Flexible interior with berths, galley, and WC options

• Optional outboard well for added convenience

• Long keel with ballast box (adaptable to other keel types)

• Simple plywood “egg-box” construction for easy building

• Choice of stitch-and-tape, plank-over-frame, or clinker methods

• Perfect for weekend trips, coastal cruising, or extended adventures

18′ Morning Tide specifications

Description	Imperial	Metric
LOA	18'6"	5.64m
Beam	7'4"	2.25m
Hull Mid Depth	3'7"	1.10m
Draft	3'2"	0.73m
Sail Area	252 sq.ft	23.4 sq.ft
Estimated Dry weight	3197 lbs	1450 kg
Ballast	1213 lbs	550 kg
Head Room	5'	1.53m
Berths	2 - 4
Hull Shape	Round Bilge multi chine
Construction method	Stitch and tape, ply over frame, clinker ply
Plywood requirements	3 x 6mm sheets 23 x 9mm sheets
Drawing/ Design Package	10 x A1 drawings	9 x A4 instructions
Guidance usage	Estuary, coastal, cross channel
Additions and alterations included with the plans