dabbler dinghy

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nyx2k

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ive been taking sailing lessons for just a few weeks and ive just been given a dabbler dinghy about 12ft long.
ive got no idea about this model. ive been out sailing today and it is pretty stable if not very fast. does anybody have any idea what sort of hp engine this would be used with and would it be suitable to use on the sea near the shore.
regards nick
 
Nick, don't know this dinghy and can't find any references to it but in general a small hull like this won't be happy with anything bigger than 3.3hp and 2 to 2.5hp would be a better max to work to. Weight on the transom is the big issue. A 2.5hp 2 stroke Merc weighs about 28lbs (just under 13kgs) and the 3.3 not much more. Doesn't sound much but can affect trim considerably.

As far as sailing inshore is concerned you have to way up the safety aspects for yourself. No small boat is safe in the wrong hands and boats renownded for their sea keeping can be dangerous if handled badly. Main things for me would be stability and adequate fixed buoyancy.

Knowledge of local conditions also plays a big part especially with small open boats.

Sorry if stating the obvious.

How about a pic so we can see the style of the boat?
 
just checked on the plate and it says
dabbler dinghy.
po box 8
longdon staffs

ive looked at loads of pics etc and can find no mention at all about this craft. its an unsinkable foam filled hull
about 12ft long.
i have a pic but cant find on forum to upload pics...will look a bit harder and post a pic later
regards nick
 
Depending on what offers are about, the Tohatsu 3.5 is probably the best power/weight/cost ratio for a dinghy like that. 2stroke, so no worries about laying it down, light - 13kg from memory - and reliable. Mine's 4 years old and still runs and starts like new in spite of some pretty heavy use.

The extra umph when you need it to fight a tide or a chop is well worth while compared to a 2hp and the cost difference is minimal. It'll even push Jissel along at 4kts in smooth water.
 
This is a safe, sound, stable, multipurpose family dinghy which will sail or motor reasonably well. It's quite heavy and will motor better with a 3.5hp engine such as the Tohatsu. It will probably take up to 5hp quite safely. If it's relatively new, there should be a plate on it somewhere saying what it's rated to take.
 
Looks like robust little boat which should be fine for the uses you suggest. Try launching from a slip if you can as beach launching can be tricky if there's any swell. It is all too easy to roll the boat in the surf which could be expensive with the outboard in place.

Good luck with it and have fun.
 
I've got a Dabbler dinghy which I use with a 2.2hp outboard. It's a double skinned hull, which makes it heavy for its size. I reckon it could take a 3.5, but no more.

It's sailing ability is pretty abysmal, especially upwind. It has dreadful lee helm. Motoring and rowing fine though.
 
i have a mariner 2hp that i use for my redstart and an old but good working 1.5hp seabee. both prob too small. may try it out first as opnly want to use it on fairly calm days on the sea near my house in southend... both boats would benefit from a 3.5hp tho i think
 
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