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First sailboat dinghy!

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14077
Printed Date: 05 Aug 25 at 12:29pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: First sailboat dinghy!
Posted By: dbernardes
Subject: First sailboat dinghy!
Date Posted: 27 Jun 25 at 1:21pm
Hi there, newbie here!

There's a used boats dealer near me that has the mentioned boats for sail.

Buying my first sailboat to learn as I go... did some sailing lessons in a club nearby to learn the real basics but can only learn by myself, I live near a bay and futher south theres a lake I know pretty well and I think I'll be safe practicing there...

I'm buying the boat with a road trailer, and will be launching and retrieving by myself, and most of the sailing will be alone although I'd like to take my son and friends with me sometime...

So the Vortex would make sense on the budget side of things but seems quite speed oriented, not sure it's good as a starter boat...

The Magno Topper seems to be the compromise between budget and size since it can carry a few people, it's easier to launch than the Stratus, but I've read some nasty reviews on it's performance, durability...

The Stratos seems like a bigger boat, more confortable ride especially with guests. On the downside I was told fiberglass is worse for dinghies as plastic is maintenance free, is it? 

I'd like to go for the stratos but I'm afraid it's simply to big to handle by myself launching and retrieving and to sail single-handed... Still seems to be a solutions for some sailing years since a possible upgrade from the stratos would be a keelboat daysailer...

Anyway, I just need some feedback on the way I'm thinking and on the boats.

Thanks a lot!


Replies:
Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 28 Jun 25 at 8:00am
TBH in your place I would't choose any of those. Your list of negatives for each one are reasonable. They all seem to have too many drawbacks for your stated use.

Posted By: Wiclif
Date Posted: 28 Jun 25 at 5:01pm
I would second Jim’s comment.
The Vortex is just totally unsuitable
The Stratos is a lovely boat but would be a challenge for most people handling on their own, you need quite a bit of experience launching and recovering due to its weight.

I would strongly suggest you take a sailing course, either at a local club or on a holiday and try to sail as many different types of boats as possible.  
You will also get more use out of your boat if it is kept at a club

Posted By: Sam.Spoons
Date Posted: 30 Jun 25 at 10:49pm
Same advice from me too, none of those boats is suitable so I'd say go back to the club, or find a different club, and persever with the lessons at least until you are qualified to hire the club boats. It is possible to teach yourself to sail dinghies, I did so with just a little guidance 60 years ago but it needs to be in a controlled environment or the risk to life is real so a sailing club is the best option.

If you must buy your own boat I'd probably say buy a cheap Laser and start with that, if you pick your weather you'll probably be fine.

One other thing, again UK based, all inland waters in the UK belong to somebody and most don't like you just rocking up and launching a boat.


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


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