What Dinghy??

Where are you going to sail most often? If its the sea then the GP14's extra freeboard is important for a dry sail, if its'a lake then maybe not so important.

The Heron is almost a Mirror with a proper bow so not that big. I have had 2 adults, 2 kids & a dog on board, in Loch Lomond once, but the dog kept getting in the way & I threw her overboard to swim behind us.:D

I have been looking for a cheapish Enterprise or GP14 for ages to take the G-kids out in & picked one up nearish home with a good combi trailer for under 400. It turns out to be a 1958 boat but in excellent condition for the age.

Plenty of scruffy GRP ones (of both classes) around too & you can get them with the small jib for cruising or heavy weather solo sailing. My brother had a GP14 for several years & I always enjoyed the relaxation of sailing it even tho I could often go faster on my Laser.
 
Bit more space than a Heron and, of course, bermudan rig.

I don't understand Seajet's hatred of GPs. They aren't the fastest boat but they have a big fleet on Windermere and race amongst the other classes without too much embarrassment.

Seem to go well enough in this vid

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Thanks guys. More good info.

Firstly, My Dad used to have a Mirror and knows them well but is looking for something bigger than a Mirror but smaller than a wayfarer.

Location is likely to be the River Blackwater in Essex and surrounding areas so a fairly wide river which gets pretty choppy at times, so something which is a little 'weather forgiving' would be advisable.
 
An Ent feels quite a bit more tender than a GP... Though the Jeep is a handful one up. Herons are lovely little things but if you are on the larger side expect to spend very little time sitting on the rail (much less comfortable crouched on the floor)

How about a Leader? Kind of a mini Wayfarer.
 
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I would endorse Seajet's views of the GP14.....heavy to handle on shore, and surprisingly easy to capsize.

I think the Graduate is a lovely dinghy.....very light, very pleasing performance and very forgiving to sail.

If Fire 99 would like to sail one on the Crouch, do give me a shout.
 
NealB said:
I would endorse Seajet's views of the GP14.....heavy to handle on shore, and surprisingly easy to capsize.

I think the Graduate is a lovely dinghy.....very light, very pleasing performance and very forgiving to sail.

If Fire 99 would like to sail one on the Crouch, do give me a shout.
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Shame the Graduate Assoc doesn't have any decent pictures of them :rolleyes:

http://www.graduatedinghy.com/index.php/home
 
Thanks - looks just the job for a splash! I sail my sisters Pico out most years in Falmouth Harbour for a bit of fun, havn't had the guts to take out her Hobie Cat thing out though!
 
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Zagato said:
Thanks - looks just the job for a splash! I sail my sisters Pico most years in Falmouth Harbour for a bit of fun, havn't had the guts to take out her Hobie Cat thing out though!
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Looks a fair little saily chap. :) My nephew had a Pico. Fun little things. Ahh now our Sailing Club has the odd 'Hobie Cat'. Have seen them 'waving a bow' as they storm up the river. :)
 
NealB said:
I would endorse Seajet's views of the GP14.....heavy to handle on shore, and surprisingly easy to capsize.

I think the Graduate is a lovely dinghy.....very light, very pleasing performance and very forgiving to sail.

If Fire 99 would like to sail one on the Crouch, do give me a shout.
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No issues with a Grad, but I don't understand this "the GP is easy to capsize" nonsense. Do you cleat the mainsheet when single handing or something daft like that? They are not a keel boat, but the design is VERY predictable & has loads of freeboard so you have to sail them pretty badly to capsize. Even if racing, she will be going slower with the gunwhale under so you know you need to depower, change to the smaller jib or get a heavier crew!

Even if using the spinnaker, it is a tiny sail & probably not advisable in strong winds when cruising, but plenty safe enough with a good crew & reasonable winds. Capsizes can only be the result of taking silly risks - and that is NOT a sensible family cruising situation.

Please don't try to excuse bad sailing as poor design. The GP was specifically designed for family cruising, rowing & small O/B. The racing bit just came about because they are capable of far more & were initially bought as fleets by schools & clubs for training.
 
Searush said:
The racing bit just came about because they are capable of far more & were initially bought as fleets by schools & clubs for training.
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Well apparently our Sailing Club used to have a big fleet of GP14's. Quite a successful series in our parts. My Dad know's what he's doing so I'll certainly keep a GP on the list.
 
you say it's easy to mount an outboard to a enterprise . I have an enterprise ( bought last year ) and would like to broaden it's use . I have 2 young children and my dingly sailing ability means I am not comformtable about taking them sailing in it . If I had an outboard , I could do without the mast and go for little jaunts down the river etc so they are more involved .

What size outboard do I need ( consider electric or petrol ) and how do you mount it on the transom . It is an old wooden enterprise with bouancy bags . The transom has the solid wood across the top with the the rest being plywood I supose and the two open sections . Any advice woudl eb greatly appreciated
 
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