Another 'what dinghy ?' - New sailing mum

   Thanks for all your advice. Boat purchase has been put on hold for a 

while as my brother's boss has lent me his old Otter which seems to 

be just the job. Nice and simple, pretty stable and we have all had a 

go in it and are loving having a boat. So perhaps I can carry on saving 

for a Feva! 

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notbrave Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 29 Jul 10 Online Status: Offline Posts: 7	Post Options Post Reply Quote notbrave Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Another 'what dinghy ?' - New sailing mum Posted: 12 Aug 10 at 2:35pm
	Thanks for all your advice. Boat purchase has been put on hold for a while as my brother's boss has lent me his old Otter which seems to be just the job. Nice and simple, pretty stable and we have all had a go in it and are loving having a boat. So perhaps I can carry on saving for a Feva!

Medway Maniac Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 13 May 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 2788	Post Options Post Reply Quote Medway Maniac Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 06 Aug 10 at 12:44am
	As nobody else has mentioned Miracle, I'll do it. Appreciably roomier and quicker than a Mirror and even a Feva. Great one or two-up.
	Wilsonian SC 3000 Class

Sailing4Life Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 26 Jun 10 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 38	Post Options Post Reply Quote Sailing4Life Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 06 Aug 10 at 12:33am
	I am surprised that nobody has asked/mentioned this yet, but depending on what size/weight you and your husband are squeezing into a mirror or topper could be hard, I'm 6'2 and find it a squeeze in both and don't really get moving until its windy, the feva is a better choice as it is a bit bigger but I still find it has "honey I shrunk the boat" syndrome for somebody my size.
	Rs600 + many others

MerlinMags Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Admin Group Joined: 19 Mar 04 Location: UK, Guildford Online Status: Offline Posts: 589	Post Options Post Reply Quote MerlinMags Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 05 Aug 10 at 2:21pm
	The Mirror doesn't have to be complex to rig. If you buy one that someone has been racing it may have more ropes than you need, but don't feel daunted - you don't have to use them. Some can be tied off, and some removed. Anyone at your club could advise.

Guests Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Guest Group	Post Options Post Reply Quote Guests Quote Reply Posted: 05 Aug 10 at 2:17pm
	If it is going to be mostly you on your own I would defo suggest a Topper. If it is mostly you with a very occasional crew a Q'ba might be an idea (the RS equivalent of the Pico), but a Feva seems your best bet. Best of luck finding a boat!

notbrave Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 29 Jul 10 Online Status: Offline Posts: 7	Post Options Post Reply Quote notbrave Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 05 Aug 10 at 2:11pm
	Just come back from holiday and really chuffed to find all these helpful replies. As there is no votes for the topper it looks like I should keep my eyes open for a Mirror or Feva. Although the Feva is more expensive it looks like they keep their value so guess I wouldn't lose much if I wanted to sell it again. Just a bit worried that the mirror is complex to rig - is that the case? Off to the sailing club at the weekend so will have to chat to some owners

winging it Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 22 Mar 07 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3958	Post Options Post Reply Quote winging it Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 30 Jul 10 at 11:32am
	I'm trying to source a mirror or feva for our club, but at the moment the price of a second hand feva is still prohibitive. The mirror is the obvious second choice, but decent grp ones are like hen's teeth. Go for a sound woodie, get decent covers, then enjoy the boat. Nessa
	the same, but different...

haroosh Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 14 Jan 09 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 521	Post Options Post Reply Quote haroosh Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 30 Jul 10 at 10:26am
	You could get an old perfectly servicable mirror for £250-£350 and see how it goes. If you really take to it you can consider spending more on something like a Feva. If you decide your not into it you haven't lost much. Thats what I'd do. Keith.
	Keith RS100 GBR 116 (XLR8)

MerlinMags Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Admin Group Joined: 19 Mar 04 Location: UK, Guildford Online Status: Offline Posts: 589	Post Options Post Reply Quote MerlinMags Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 30 Jul 10 at 10:12am
	Well, you have 3 choices: 1. Buy a newish Mirror that looks nice 2. Enjoy sanding and revarnishing (plenty do) 3. Don't care if boat looks shabby! Same choice in most classes really, although #2 doesn't count for plastic boats.

MerlinMags Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Admin Group Joined: 19 Mar 04 Location: UK, Guildford Online Status: Offline Posts: 589	Post Options Post Reply Quote MerlinMags Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 Jul 10 at 4:21pm
	The Mirror is pretty flexible in terms of sailing single or double handed, with any combination of kids or adults. They are used for cruising too, so I assume there is a guide to reefing somewhere.