Gull vs Comet Zero vs Mirror

I want to get a small dinghy to teach my eldest son to sail (he is 8).

We live right on the coast but would only use in calm bays/lakes.

Been out of dinghies for a little while so my immediate thought was for a mirror but having done a bit of research quite like the look of the Comet Zero or Gull Spirit.

Any views/experience of these dinghies gratefully received.

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simon_cymru Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 19 Apr 12 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3	Post Options Post Reply Quote simon_cymru Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Gull vs Comet Zero vs Mirror Posted: 19 Apr 12 at 10:17pm
	I want to get a small dinghy to teach my eldest son to sail (he is 8). We live right on the coast but would only use in calm bays/lakes. Been out of dinghies for a little while so my immediate thought was for a mirror but having done a bit of research quite like the look of the Comet Zero or Gull Spirit. Any views/experience of these dinghies gratefully received.

JimC Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 17 May 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Online Posts: 6662	Post Options Post Reply Quote JimC Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 19 Apr 12 at 10:22pm
	The Gull's much like the Mirror, but a bit heavier and arguably rather better in big waves. Comet : no experience.

Rupert Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 11 Aug 04 Location: Whitefriars sc Online Status: Offline Posts: 8956	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rupert Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 20 Apr 12 at 9:26am
	Comet Zero is a little bit quicker, but at the cost of stability. Personally, I went for the Mirror - an old one with the option of putting the mast forwards and just using one sail, with Gaff rig still so it all packs away easily under a trailing cover.
	Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

getafix Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 28 Mar 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 2143	Post Options Post Reply Quote getafix Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 21 Apr 12 at 7:40am
	Mirrors are great, plentiful and available in all colours, trims and tweaks to suit whatever budget. Lots of suppliers and kit around to mess about with it if you want to. Daggerboard can make coming in/going out from beaches and launching slips 'interesting' ... Comet Zero are less plentiful, very stable, sail nicely, have a centreboard (easier beach/ramp launching) and sail really well, also backed up by very good supplier who'll be helpful to you, even if you've bought 2nd hand. Comet Zero jib furls - nice touch for launching and while sailing, particularly if you're dealing with a beginner as there's nothing like a flogging jib to unerve the inexperienced. There's even a small locker up by the bow you can put a little anchor in, should you choose to use it as a swim/fishing/spectating/sun-bathing platform or just stop for a bite. Gull - sailed a couple of times, but unfortunately absolute mingers at sailing schools so no idea if better examples would be more fun than those.

simon_cymru Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 19 Apr 12 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3	Post Options Post Reply Quote simon_cymru Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 21 Apr 12 at 8:09am
	Have to say I'm coming round to the idea of a Comet Zero if I can find one at a reasonable price. Any Comet Zero sailors out there who can further persuade me or are even looking to sell their boat (closer to North Wales the better) ? Edited by simon_cymru - 21 Apr 12 at 8:10am

SoggyBadger Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 26 Oct 10 Location: The Wild Wood Online Status: Offline Posts: 552	Post Options Post Reply Quote SoggyBadger Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 21 Apr 12 at 8:12am
	No experience of the Comet Zero so can't help you with that one. Between the Mirror and the Gull, I'd go for the Gull. It's got a centreboard rather than a dagger-board and it's a lot roomier, which won't be an issue for your son but it may be for you.
	Best wishes from deep in the woods SB

sawman Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 04 May 11 Online Status: Offline Posts: 205	Post Options Post Reply Quote sawman Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 26 May 12 at 9:36pm
	Have you considered a Miracle? I picked one up last summer and it has been great for teaching the kids, it goes pretty well, so they dont get too bored, but no so fast as to be scary