Looking for a slightly bigger and stable sailing dinghy

[Ian_Edwards]

I'm currently in Australia, just south of Sydney.
For years I've been using a GRP Cousair dinghy sail number 403. About 16ft, low freeboard, not that stable, and built in 1972.
Over the years, I've replaced the transom, reinforced the foredeck to take the forestay and jib tack loads. Repaired the hull where the trailer rollers had overloaded it. And patched the mast twice.
It's getting to the stage that it needs replacing, but with what?
Ideally I'd like something like a Wayfarer Mk4, but they don't seem to be available in Australia.
It needs to be towed and launched by a decent 4x4 and be happy on a sheltered drying mooring for the summer.
Any suggestions?
Preferably something which might be available in Australia.

 

[alahol2]

Status 580 / 19?

 

[northwind]

Gem550? They were popular in Aus and the uk

 

[Ian_Edwards]

Thanks, both look as though they fit the bill.
I've looked up the designs and the Gem550 looks to be the better option.
The task now is to find one not too far away in reasonable condition at a fair price.

 

[wombat88]

Ask the Dinghy Cruising Association (website and FB page) They have plenty of members in Aus who may help you with what is available locally.

 

[dancrane]

Currently my favourite YouTube channel is Sailing Kate Louise, which shows dinghy cruising mostly in New South Wales. I'm not certain it provides any clear answers to Ian's question, but the Australian interpretation of 'dinghy' seems to be broader than in the UK.

Cuddy-cabins and permanent ballast seem commonplace, and even small yachts join their 'raids' (cruises). Given how much less risk and discomfort such vessels represent compared with lightweight open boats, this brilliant attitude has changed my own boat-owning outlook.

The regrettable part of very small yachts is how unsatisfactory their space feels for any longer than a summer day aboard, compared with hulls a few feet bigger; and considering the high cost of keeping one afloat, compared with a dinghy berthed ashore...

...but if one treats a tiny yacht as only a dayboat with an "if necessary" option to stay aboard after nightfall, suddenly its weatherproof accommodation and self-righting feel like generous luxury features, compared with the austerity of true dinghies.

I must add that Sailing Kate Louise includes lots of unballasted open designs too, including very pretty classic-styled wooden boats.