Lark Dinghy

Your issue is not the stability of the boat. Post knee replacement, knee bend is the issue. Most will get to about 100 degrees but more is unlikely. She may only get to 90. This leaves getting under booms an issue. Even roomy boats such as ents can be a problem. Though one guy I know did his own manipulation and got to 120 after his first tack in an ent. He had been at 90 before.
Personally I always though larks were pretty stable and very easy to gybe. They also have side tanks on the older deck shape which may help.
If you are on the east coast there should be plenty to try. But get your fair lady to try before you buy. Make sure she can cope with her knee. And if she can, postpone the total knee.

Andy. (Orthopaedic Surgeon)

Edited by andymck - 29 Jul 19 at 12:27pm

Larks were roughly based on National 12s of the era they were designed. Not the easiest boat to gybe reliably in breeze and sea, but few boats of that era were. They're a step up in performance and design from Enterprises, GP14s, Kestrels and the like. Lots of mixed and even all female crews last time I shared an event with them.

Build quality on the early ones was questionable, again as so much of that era was, but I haven't heard about anything problematic in boats built in the last 20 years or so. Last time I was paying attention they had a competent and enthusiastic CA, who would be well worth looking out for, and can tell you far more than we can about builders.

For whatever my opinion is worth its a perfectly reasonable choice. The CA can doubtless put you in touch with someone to go for a trip round the bay: that would seem like a sensible next step.

Originally posted by Sussex Lad Tippy not a problem. Miracle mmmm a sweet boat but a bit slow for me.....also a little bit too "old school"  (ducking in anticipation). We have enjoyed the Ent  but not keen to get another even if it has a kite. Just been sailing for a week alongside an old Kestrel in Chichester harbour. It went like a like a rocket, a real dark horse given the handicap. Thoroughly impressed with it on the water, not so much on the beach though @120kgs hull.

Originally posted by sawman dont know too much about larks, but someone told me they were a bit tippy. Miracle is reasonably comfortable for the crew - with its specific crew seats. Also have a look at the Kestrel, its bigger but pretty crew friendly, it's acceptable for the crew to perch on the thwart, whereas lots of smaller boats need to crew to be well forward. Both blessed with proper symmetric kites. edit to add: wanderer and leader might be worth a look to - very much like the Ent but designed with kite

Tippy not a problem.

Miracle mmmm a sweet boat but a bit slow for me.....also a little bit too "old school"  (ducking in anticipation).

We have enjoyed the Ent  but not keen to get another even if it has a kite.

Just been sailing for a week alongside an old Kestrel in Chichester harbour. It went like a like a rocket, a real dark horse given the handicap. Thoroughly impressed with it on the water, not so much on the beach though @120kgs hull.

Edited by Sussex Lad - 28 Jul 19 at 8:10pm

Sussex lad,