Choosing a boat: what dinghy for us ?

Print Page | Close Window

what dinghy for us ?

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=6609
Printed Date: 10 Aug 25 at 3:56am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: what dinghy for us ?

Posted By: scottlawson
Subject: what dinghy for us ?
Date Posted: 09 Apr 10 at 1:34am

Hi Folks (newbie)..new to dinghies (not to yachts)..need some advice re. choice of dinghy..spec. ..crew .usually 2, (very maybe 4)...generally 2 ..dad plus son 14 ...140kg total...need decently comfy cockpit, no trapeze, road trailer, max LOA , incl. trailer, 7m- ish..poss takes o/b, Need decent turn of speed..reasonably fast..but capsizing is not our idea of fun... ..thinking 2000,Stratos, Wayfarer?!,Bahia.??...any advice gratefully received. Thank you very much.

Replies:

Posted By: Ross
Date Posted: 09 Apr 10 at 2:04am

Wayfarer

-------------
Ross
If you can't carry it, don't sail it!

Posted By: Neptune
Date Posted: 09 Apr 10 at 9:06am

RS K6...fast not likely to capsize, take 2 or 3 racing so should take 4 cruising.

EDIT: Or should that be Rondar K6 now. 7 m is a pretty long dinghy

Posted By: asterix
Date Posted: 09 Apr 10 at 10:03am

well I was pretty much in your position a few years ago and bought a 2000 - it has been a success for me (but less so at least so far for family sailing as I have got too competitive I'm told and have therefroe found other crews) and there are a few things to consider:

it is a great way in to dinghy sailing and for learning to use the 'modern' rig controls, etc

there is an active class association which provides lots of good friendly advice and organises some fun racing events

it is easy to trail behind a medium family sized car or bigger

it can carry 4 on the odd occasion, but it isn't really good at that - two up is definately the best. 140Kg would be a good weight but a bit more might help in stronger winds. It can be single handed in lighter winds, but is a bit big and heavy to do that well. Also, it can be hard to haul about and right on your own.

it is good and exciting in a strong blow and will go fast(ish)

it does turn turtle when capsized unless you have a big mast head float. Having said that, if you chhose to sail on lighter wind days you can probably sail all season without tipping it in.

I used to sail wayfarers but that was too long ago to comment sensibly. Personally I dont like the look of the bahia

Posted By: radixon
Date Posted: 09 Apr 10 at 10:21am

Wayfarer - Good Cruising Boat, can take an outboard if needed, possible to reef if too windy and comfy taking 4 people if needed.

Laser 2000 - comfy with 2 possibly 3. This boat is only rated to carry 3 persons. Can be moved easily but I am not sure about an outboard bracket.

Laser Bahia - Can take 4 people if needed, it is a heavy boat and personally doesn't sail as well as the others mentioned. It can take an outboard if needed.

Laser Stratos - Two options the Centreboard or the Keel version. If you dont want to capsize the keel might be the better option although will be heavier. Sails well can take an outboard and if comfy with 5 adults but can be sailed with 2. It can also be reefed.

Having sailed all the above I'd go for either the Wayfarer or the Laser Stratos. Not sailed a keel version but have jumped from a Laser Radial to a Stratos with no prior experience and taken novices out with no problems sailing this boat. All the boats are under 7metres.

Other options would be keel boats but would be heavier to move around.

-------------

Posted By: asterix
Date Posted: 09 Apr 10 at 10:27am

meant to say that you can't easily add an outboard to the 2000

Posted By: AlexM
Date Posted: 09 Apr 10 at 10:36am

Gp 14 could be another option

-------------