which boat for me?

Hi, I've been reading the threads on choosing a boat & would love to hear your views on the best dinghy for cruising, single handed but with space for more.  I am a newcomer to dinghy sailing, having only crewed yachts before.  They seem easier to handle to me!  However, at the moment, I'm not able to get to a decent marina easily & am looking to get more practice in with a dinghy.  I've filled in the questions that were suggested already (answers in blue below),  so thanks for any advice you can offer.  My thoughts so far ar mirror or GP14,

cheers,

kotinka.


1) How much do the two who'll be sailing it weigh? How old are you? How strong?
15 stone each, would like to sail single handed too, moderately strong - not a total wuss

2) What sort of sailing do you plan on doing?
cruising, single mainly , some 2 handed

3) Where will you be sailing the boat? Which club, what are the sea conditions like
Southport marine lake at first, with a view to lake district eventually

4) Where will you be keeping the boat? Steep ramp/shallow ramp/shingle/nice hard concrete paths?
shallow gravel ramp

5) Mark your taste in pushing the limits between
a) its a bad day if I haven't been tipped in the water at least three times
b) We'll learn quickly so something quick please
c) We don't mind the occasional capsize, but we want to sail, not swim
d) Something steady and predictable without too many alarums and excursions
e) We don't fancy any great drama, lets just go sailing for now.
these 2 in red definitely match my point of view

6) Maintenance. Cheap older boats, especially wood, can be a very good deal if you like doing the TLC, painting, varnishing etc. If you don't then don't get an old wood boat etc... So what do you reckon on that sort of thing?
can paint, sand etc but cr&p at joinery

Yes, GP14 would be good, I know someone who cruises single-handed and has a great time. Also good competition out there if you feel like it! Only thing is they're rather heavy to pull up a ramp by yourself...
Seconded a bit much for a Mirror.

Any views on the Enterprise or OK?

GP will be the boat for you, i am a little under 15stone and i can pull it up a ramp by myself.  It is possible to sail them single handed at that weight you should be fine.  I dont think the Ok is the boat for you, there is NO space for  passengers, you would be at the top end of the weight range, but its still usable (i loved mine) Enterprise is another good shout, but i would probably recomend the GP if you are looking to do a bit of cruising. (i would say this though as i own one)

 

Good Luck

Having spent the morning sailing a GP14 singlehanded (with no rudder!) at a little over half your weight I would say go for it, lovely boats, very responsive and so roomy with no crew to get in the way...