Dinghy Cruising Boat Choice for Novice Sailor

[Simon4043]

Hi, I think the main aim of successful cruising is to ensure the safety and comfort of the wife and kids. No matter how the day starts out, it can get cold and wet on the water. Sure, you can put up with anything, but you're the enthusiast! I learnt the hard way with my wife, and she refused to sail with me for years.
For my family, a weighted-centreboard trailer sailer WITH A CABIN is a must. Now if the wind and rain pick up, my wife just sits down below and reads a book.
We bought a 40 year old Hartley TS16 for the cost of the trailer, and take her everywhere, often sleeping in her on the trailer. With a 10hp outboard her towing weight is 750kgs. Easily towed by a 4 cylinder family car, but NOT a C1!

 

[Lakesailor]

hmmm. 4 cylinder family car.

In the UK the only way to check if your car can tow a given load is to see the manufacturer's recommended towing limit.
Lots of info here

 

[Simon4043]

We have a Toyota Camry 2000cc, which has an unbraked towing limit of 500kg, but a limit of 1100kg with a braked trailer.
I'd be surprised if it was legal to even fit a towbar to a C1

 

[DownWest]

There are a few small cars around where the manufacturers don't allow for towbars, fitting one is illegal as one must fit an approved unit to cars built after 1993(?). So no DIY.
A

 

[Lakesailor]

Hmmm Simon
Could have been mentioned before

 

[TQA]

OK, now that's settled, what vehicle do they need as well as what boat?

 

[EuanMcKenzie]

great opportunity

great you can get yourself that Drascombe and add a classic landrover to go with it!

perhaps you should just join a sailing club in the meantime, buy a Wayfarer and keep it there as a cruising base.

or how about an Osprey. I've had two and they work well two up for racing or will take 3-4 cruising. More tippy than a wayfarer though

A mark two with the rear half deck in wood is a nice boat and better value as a cruising Dinghy.


I was a member for a short while at Ribble Cruising Club in Lytham and they used to have a fleet.(also Kestrels, another choice).

There's also a club at Skippool creek at Blackpool. Forgotten it name though.

I'm sure if you bought a boat locally they would get it to a club for you as part of the deal.

Muddy place though!

 

[zarathustra]

The Hunter or similar as mentioned may very well be of more value to you than a dinghy, or have you considered looking at squibs? The use of a more powerful car would be alot more comfortable for trailer towing.

Best of luck whatever you choose, dinghys are great fun.

 

[cliffordpope]

If you are talking about camping you presumably mean just pulling into a secluded cove and pitching the tent on the beach?
In that case you need a boat light enough to carry up above high water mark, or with some kind of simple roller or pair of wheels you take with you?