Bumblebee Dinghy Info

[AshleyWright]

I've just been given a very sound Bumblebee dinghy. I found: http://www.cvrda.org/wp-cvrda/dinghydata/bumblebee/ but was wondering if anyone had any actual information or hints for setting up and sailing her.

Thanks
Ash.

 

[johnphilip]

Forgive if I am teaching about sucking eggs,but...
Be aware of the limitations of this type of small dinghy. Don't go sailing off down river with wind and tide behind you, you are unlikely to make any headway back beating against wind and an ebb tide. Go uphill first so you know the return journey is the easy bit.

 

[AshleyWright]

I need to make or buy a cover for the Bumblebee. Anyone have any recommendations for a suitable fabric or cover manufacturer? Unfortunately I do not have anywhere undercover to store it atm, so it would have to be waterproof, UV resistant and, presumably, breathable. Dinghy is 8' 6" x 4' and shaped pretty much like an Optimist (i.e a pram).

 

[Old Rhodie]

"hints for setting up and sailing her."
Be aware that it was designed for children - so the weight of an adult in it gives stability problems in light weather.
Ken

 

[VicS]

Good luck with the Bumble bee.

I remember the design being published in the mid 1970s and FWIW I also remember that George Taylor, who was then deputy editor of PBO magazine,
built one for his daughter Samantha.

When it's at home I keep my ply wood dinghy covered with a piece of heavy black polythene damp proof membrane.. I seems to be resistant to UV damage as I have been using the same piece for over 30 years ...... I am sure the fact that it's black is important.

My Mirror has a cover made of something similar (pond liner I think) and is even older. A few repairs have been made using heavy duty black tape so if you go this route it's worth also buying a roll of joining/repair tape (gaffer or duck tape does not last).

 

[AshleyWright]

"Be aware that it was designed for children" - indeed it is a bit small for me, but great for my two boys who are on the brink of teenage.

 

[ifoxwell]

Old thread I know but we have finally got around to posting a video of my daughter and me in her Bumblebee... No wind but it gives those that have no idea what a Bumblebee is a chance to see one