The mysterious attraction of clinker boats

I used to love the chuckle of our Stella.
On a few occasions when the wind dropped in the night, the silence would wake me up thinking we must have run aground.
I saw a picture of a Brightlingsea One Design on Sailing Anarchy recently. They were asking for information about it, but described it as being "lapstrake". What are these colonials like?
 
I now have a simulated clinker dinghy

it is from a mold taken from a small woodeen tender in Keyhaven

I bought it because I had a conversation with a southwold fisherman diligently scraping away at his clinker 20 footer. I asked whgy he stuck with it. He said that the clinker resistss rolling and keeps the boat tracking straight.

He says his clinker boat is more stable than an equivalent 24 footer.

I am pleased as punch with the little dinghy

it tows a treat, motors well, rows beautifully both forwards and backwards, it can really swallow some weight and blow me if it does not sail without either a centre plate or a rudder.

Here is weet pea under tow - fully fendered for action

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and here is her saiiling. I have just spent the past three days exploring the creeks of Cornwall at low tide. Brilliant for sneaking up on birds, seals and even the fish



Cleats on the outside of the dinghy screwed through too the thwarts - what a brilliant idea
 
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and here is her saiiling. I have just spent the past three days exploring the creeks of Cornwall at low tide. Brilliant for sneaking up on birds, seals and even the fish

Indeed! The joys of a sailing tender are too often overlooked. I love mine too - not just for pottering about the creeks, but also for specific tender duties. Beats the outboard any time. Sail when I can, row or scull when I can't. The outboard rarely leaves its bracket and and doesn't come at all if we are towing.
 
Indeed! The joys of a sailing tender are too often overlooked. I love mine too - not just for pottering about the creeks, but also for specific tender duties. Beats the outboard any time. Sail when I can, row or scull when I can't. The outboard rarely leaves its bracket and and doesn't come at all if we are towing.

I am always amazed that the tender if fragrant and lovely as long as the outboard stays off it

but if I put the engine on then the petrol can comes too and before long the dinghy some-how gets a little mankie

The outboard comes with me on the stern clamp though

it is our plan 2

 
Would love a wee grp tender like yours Dylan. I sold my 12 foot clinker dinghy, but kept the balanced lug rig and centerplate from it for fitting to the next hull I find. Some day!
 
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