Pocket Rocket Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

With a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 108, the Pocket Rocket is firmly categorized as a light sportboat. Its sailing performance is characterized by rapid acceleration and a "larger than life" feel, owing to its significant 9.5-foot beam. This beam allows for high form stability and effective crew weight transfer—a trait noted in Sail Magazine's review of the updated Rocket 22 variant, which described the boat as reaching nearly 6 knots in just 8 knots of breeze.

The fractional rig is often described as slightly over-powered for the hull weight, with a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of roughly 23.0. This configuration requires active trimming of the massive nine-foot traveler to depower in gusts, particularly since the design typically lacks a traditional backstay. Owners report that the transom-hung rudder provides excellent feedback, though it can become heavy if the boat is allowed to heel excessively. The high ballast ratio (46%) ensures that despite its light weight, the boat remains remarkably stiff once the crew is hiked out.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its racing pedigree, the Pocket Rocket features a minimalist interior that Gary Mull once described as "really nice" for its functional simplicity. The cabin is essentially a fiberglass shell designed for "boat-camping" or basic overnight stays rather than long-term cruising. It typically accommodates four berths, including a surprisingly large V-berth that measures nearly seven feet in length and six feet across at the main bulkhead.

Headroom is restricted, consistent with its low-profile sportboat silhouette, but the nearly ten feet of beam creates a sense of volume that surpasses many other 22-footers. On the later Rocket 22 siblings, the interior surfaces were updated with lightweight foam-sandwich panels and gelcoat finishes for easier maintenance. Most versions include a dedicated space for a portable toilet and a simple cooler integrated beneath the cockpit, further reinforcing its utility as a high-speed weekender.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Pocket Rocket has maintained a persistent presence in the racing scenes of the Pacific Northwest and the Okanagan Valley. It is frequently cited in sailing media as a precursor to the modern "sportboat" movement. While not a household name, the boat has been the subject of technical reviews in Pacific Yachting and has a dedicated following on technical forums where its ability to outperform larger, more modern designs is often documented.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several high-signal technical areas common to this aging fiberglass fleet:

• Rudder Blade Weight: The original stock rudders were often considered over-sized and heavy by modern standards. Many owners have upgraded to high-aspect carbon or composite foils to reduce drag and improve helm feel.
• Deck Core Integrity: Given the early 1980s construction of many hulls, the balsa-cored decks should be thoroughly percussion-tested for moisture ingress, especially around the chainplates and the oversized traveler tracks.
• Rig Tension Hardware: On later "Rocket 22" models and modernized original hulls, the mast jack system and under-deck control lines require regular inspection. Because the boat lacks a backstay, the rig relies heavily on shroud tension and mast-base adjustments to maintain forestay tautness.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: On the 1983 Laminex models with fixed fin keels, the joint should be inspected for "smiles" or stress cracking, which can occur if the boat has been campaigned hard in heavy weather.

Community & Resources

The most active community for the Pocket Rocket is centered in British Columbia, specifically within the Penticton Yacht Club, which has historically hosted one of the largest racing fleets of the original Laminex hulls. Technical discussions and tuning guides are often shared through the "Rocket 22" owner networks, which continue to support both the original 1980s hulls and the newer 2000s builds.

The Verdict

The Pocket Rocket remains one of the most cost-effective ways to access high-performance sportboat sailing. It bridges the gap between a pure racing machine and a trailerable weekender.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and planning potential.
• Huge cockpit ergonomics designed specifically for racing.
• Easily trailerable due to its light displacement and (on newer models) lifting keel.
• Legendary Gary Mull design pedigree with high form stability.

Cons:

• Minimalist interior lacks basic cruising amenities.
• The rig can be "fussy" to tune without a backstay.
• Original rudders on older models often require replacement for optimal handling.