which dinghy

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rich7

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hi im not sure if this is the right forumn but here goes
im looking for a dinghy that i can sail single handed for pleasure and two up now and again and for competition, i also need to be able to take my kids out 7 + 9 when its not too blowy ive been looking at a 420 but not sure if i can sail it single handed. or if i can launch and pack it away it myself, (im 40 and quite fit)
hope someone can help thanks
 
Miracle would probably fit the bill, or Comet Duo. There might also be a dinghy in either the Topper, Laser or RS ranges that would also do what you want, but there are so many variants that I could not comment with authority.
 
The Wanderer or Wayfarer at SIBS were the dog's doobries... now remodelled and made by http://www.hartleylaminates.com/. Really nice guys on the SIBS stand, couldn't have been more helpful/instructive and were passionate about their product... always a good start! I'm now torn between a Wanderer or West Wight Potter 15 as a way of getting out on the water without the cost of marinas...
 
Dingy Racing

First things first ..

Best plan is to sort out where you are going to sail .. Alot of the Sailing Clubs have recognised fleets and it is in someways better to stay with what they race and you have a yardstick to work from .. I have sailed a number of different single handed dingies and always sailded in the managerie fleet .. This is the fleet that is a complete mish mash of boats .. Its not bad but its very difficult to get going .. You maybe alongside a boat with a better handicap in which case you dont need to be sitting around talking .. All small boats race .. Its part of the sailing .. Put two boats out on the water and one will chase the other ..

So ..

Find a club .. Check out what they sail .. See if you can get a go .. Watch out for the fleet boat thats to good to miss .. If its any good he won't be selling it .. Don't buy anything to cheap or a lame duck with clapped out sails as you will be at the back of the fleet and it will cost an arm and a leg to get near the front ..

Lots to choose from ..

A 420 is a barrel of laughs .. Very tippy .. Three sails if you want to race .. Not the sort of boat to sail single handed for a first boat .. Most single handers only have one sail .. You can tie the sheets together for the jib but you will get knowhere if you want to race .. You need two in the boat .. Thats what the rules say .. Laser or a Finn if your a big guy .. Phantoms etc .. you are trying to do two things with one boat .. Bit like buying a saloon car when you really want a small sports model ..

Sort out what you want to do .. If you think you will sail on your own 90% of the time buy a single hander and buy a cheap boat to play in when more of you want to go out .. If you finish up on a pond or sheltered water you could use a mirror for the kids .. THey will run rings round you when they have learnt how to sail it ..

Happy hunting ..
 
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Would suggest a GP14 would do what you want.
These are plenty available in wood or grp and are relatively cheap.My grp one cost £300 including trailer and launching trolley and I spent less than £100 on new rigging and a seagull outboard plus paint.My previous wooden one was less.They can be sailed,motored or rowed.
They are easily sailed singlehanded.There is a small jib which is good for solo sailing and a genoa for a bit more oomph.
With regards to racing there many active fleets round the country.However to be competitive you would have to spend a lot more as the boat has been developed over the years.
 
The Gp14 is not too heavy provided that the boat is well balanced on the launching trolley.I can manage to launch and recover mine singlehanded without too much exertion.I am a not very fit 57 year old!!!!
 
A lot depends on your budget.
There are fun boats for a few hundred pounds, ok for very casual club racing.
New dinghies are expensive, £10k is easily spent.
If you want to race, best to find a club where you think you might fit in with the people and buy the same sort of dinghy they race.
A GP14, wayfarer or other trad dinghy will be fine in some locations, but the weight may be a limitation if the slipway is steep or rough.
Do you want a 'boat' dinghy that will keep you mostly dry, or something sportier like a laser where you will want a good wetsuit.
An old laser to learn on will be fun, and easy to sell on later. Most clubs have friendly laser racing as well as dead serious youngsters.
Have a look around your local clubs, it's a good time to get sorted for 2010.
The noble marine insurance website has a good index of clubs by postcode and lots of info on different classes.
 
underdog said:
The Gp14 is not too heavy provided that the boat is well balanced on the launching trolley.I can manage to launch and recover mine singlehanded without too much exertion.I am a not very fit 57 year old!!!!
Click to expand...

I think that depends a lot on the slip as well, a good well balanced trolley does not make the GP any lighter. I must admit I would suggest one of the more modern and lighter plastic bath tubs.

I would also check out the club that is going to be used first as well as opting for a class that is popular there may give you opportunities to both crew for others and get crews, both of which will help you improve your skills, and add to your enjoyment.
 
I'm going to give a shout for the Kestrel. It might be a little big for your needs, but I can singlehand one around a loch easily enough and get it back on the trailer, although I do get my feet wet. They were built for being a dual purpose racing/ family cruising boat, so have a turn of speed to them if you fancy racing. Hartley Laminates also make them.
 
thanks for your advice guys,, i will be sailing from a steep beach with stones not sand so it will need a bit of effort, does anyone think a a topaz may suffice
 
> does anyone think a a topaz may suffice

Depends a lot on your size and weight. If you're over about 5'8" it's a bit cramped for an adult - and difficult for adult +2 kids. If you are smallish, then adult + child crew can race (it comes with a race pack

Alternative: Laser Pico - used by many training schools in the Med for beach launching

Like most things - its a compromise - if its easy for one person to sail and get in and out of the water on stones, it's likely to be small for 3.

I'd suggest trying to get to sail them - if you're thinking about new, then contact he manufacturer - they normally offer trial sails. Alternatively the class associations are normally very welcoming.

Jay
 
Lots of good advice, but the most important - if you want to compete - is to find what the local club are using, and then see if that will also meet your other needs, as that will provide the competition, and also a ready source of advice on that particular boat.
 
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