Boats for all

Hi,

I'd agree with the Wayfarer for the big boat. For the small boat I'd go for either Mirror, Heron or Gull

If you don't mind the weight, then there are plenty of big dinghies out there to choose from. As usual, the only way to find out is to try them. Start with a Wayfarer, then compare it to a Stratos, an RS Venture, if feeling flush, and maybe some of the bigger rotomoulded boats - I'm not sure which are which on them. The X1/X0 would certainly be an interesting choice for a faster but maybe less stable option.

Smaller boats - a huge choice, starting with a Mirror dinghy (they do come in GRP) to test as an older design, with the Feva as a more modern alternative.We went the Mirror route. Otherwise, there are loads of other small boats out there - Comet Zero is rather nice, and a little faster than the Gull, which is also a nice parent and child boat. GRP Gulls are easy to find, usually.

Colin is right, have a look around and try some boats - don't rush into a purchase you might regret later.  There will be plenty of open days coming up as part of the RYA's plan to promote sailing this summer, so you should be able to pick and choose. 

I would also think carefully about joining a club where advice is not that forthcoming - you need to go somewhere that you'll make lots of friends, pick up lots of tips, and possibly more importnatly, find lots of friends for the kids, otherwise they simply won't want to sail.  Tell us where you are roughly and there's bound to be somone here that can make alternative suggestions.  There are often clubs that you might not know about, so again, don't rush into a choice.

Nessa

Originally posted by winging it Colin is right, have a look around and try some boats - don't rush into a purchase you might regret later.  There will be plenty of open days coming up as part of the RYA's plan to promote sailing this summer, so you should be able to pick and choose.  I would also think carefully about joining a club where advice is not that forthcoming - you need to go somewhere that you'll make lots of friends, pick up lots of tips, and possibly more importnatly, find lots of friends for the kids, otherwise they simply won't want to sail.  Tell us where you are roughly and there's bound to be somone here that can make alternative suggestions.  There are often clubs that you might not know about, so again, don't rush into a choice. Nessa

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