Choosing a boat: Rowable sailing dinghy for a cat

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Rowable sailing dinghy for a cat

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Choosing a boat
Forum Discription: Ask any questions about the sport!
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14005
Printed Date: 04 Aug 25 at 1:38pm
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Topic: Rowable sailing dinghy for a cat

Posted By: Komotion
Subject: Rowable sailing dinghy for a cat
Date Posted: 22 Mar 23 at 3:37pm

Hi All!

I'm new to the forum but a long time reader of Y&Y mag. Yes, the old paper one!

My family and I live aboard a sailing cat full time. We have a nice RIB as our tender which hangs on davits off the aft beam and is used as the family car, but I've been looking for something that the kids can learn to sail and row in. On my shortlist is a Fatty Knees, Gig Harbour Defiance (probably may favourite, but very hard to come by in Europe) and recently, a Fusion. I like the Bic Open for the kids but too small for adults and not a rowing boat. I'd love to hear your ideas on what could work. So far a Fusion seems to tick all the boxes.

Thanks,

Mike

Replies:

Posted By: 423zero
Date Posted: 22 Mar 23 at 5:26pm

Mirror, rows really well, lightweight.

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Robert

Posted By: Late starter
Date Posted: 23 Mar 23 at 4:18pm

Originally posted by 423zero

Mirror, rows really well, lightweight.

Indeed, if I recall correctly the various Mirror kits my Dad and I built back in the day came with rowlocks included !

Posted By: ColPrice2002
Date Posted: 23 Mar 23 at 4:43pm

Again, Id suggest a Mirror dinghy.

There is a GRP option as well as the classic wood.

There are two options for rig, bermudan of gunter lug. In the latter case the spars will fit inside the hull - rather than having a tall mast to stow.

If you do decide to get one, I'd suggest making a "dummy daggerboard" - just the capping strips around a short length of ply. Insert this into the daggerboard slot when rowing.

This solves the problem of rowing over waves and having cold water straight upwards!

Posted By: Old bloke
Date Posted: 24 Mar 23 at 8:48am

While the Mirror would do the sailing,rowing,motoring really well,I think it would have to be a Very big catamaran to act as mothership/dinghy Park. Maybe a folding or inflatable boat , such as a seahopper,would be more practical.

Posted By: Sam.Spoons
Date Posted: 24 Mar 23 at 12:29pm

My initial thoughts would be the same but the Fusion and Defiance are both 12' boats and weigh roughly the same as a Mirror so, presumably, the OP is looking at something around that size.

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Spice 346 "Flat Broke"
Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish"