Dinghy development: Parker 404

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Parker 404

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=13821
Printed Date: 27 Jun 25 at 12:17pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Parker 404

Posted By: Ovenpaa
Subject: Parker 404
Date Posted: 16 Aug 21 at 7:32pm

First post and it is a question.

I know there is a previous thread on the Parker 404, however that was 12 years ago! So here is a new one.

I have just found myself a Parker 404 and wondered if anyone can tell me anything about them, like numbers built, rigging tips, general information or anything else please?

Any information would be good as I had not even heard of these things until a couple of weeks ago!

Many thanks

David

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/d

Du lytter aldrig til de ord jeg siger. Du ser mig kun for det tøj jeg har paa ...

Replies:

Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 16 Aug 21 at 8:39pm

The 404 was based on the Lark hull as their entry to trials for a youth asymmetric trainer dinghy. The Hobie 405 won the contest.

There used to be one on the beach at Noss Mayo, Devon, but never saw it sailing.

Potentially a fun boat to sail.

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Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

Posted By: Ovenpaa
Date Posted: 17 Aug 21 at 8:06pm

Thank you, I have read similar. Are there any reviews available for them these days?

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/d

Du lytter aldrig til de ord jeg siger. Du ser mig kun for det tøj jeg har paa ...

Posted By: Riv
Date Posted: 18 Aug 21 at 6:43am

Nearest thing I could find. The key word here is "420" so go to that dinghy for inspiration. (From Sailing Anarchy)

"The Lark hull mold was used for the 404 by Parker. I think they cut the gunwall height down a bit too. It did have an assy and trap but it was intended for the 420 replacement so the rig size was set up for teenagers. Parker, who had no real interest in building dinghys anyway, did nothing with it after the Hobie 405 got the nod from the RYA. In large part it didn't get selected due to not having a centre plate rather than a proper dagger board. Read what you like into that but apart from that, as a boat, most of the reporting seemed to suggest it was a well sorted package

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Mistral Div II prototype board, Original Windsurfer, Hornet built'74.

Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 18 Aug 21 at 8:55am

Originally posted by Riv

"Parker, who had no real interest in building dinghys anyway

I do believe they were still the pre-eminent 505 builder at the time.

Posted By: Ovenpaa
Date Posted: 18 Aug 21 at 7:34pm

Thank you Riv, I assume the original author had a typo as it does have a centre plate. Considering there are a few of these things dotted about I am really surprised at the lack of information on them. I am sure it will be fun to find out along the way.

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/d

Du lytter aldrig til de ord jeg siger. Du ser mig kun for det tøj jeg har paa ...