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Gull vs Comet Zero

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=13166
Printed Date: 29 Mar 24 at 10:02am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Gull vs Comet Zero
Posted By: tink
Subject: Gull vs Comet Zero
Date Posted: 06 Sep 18 at 8:02am
Interested in a small lightweight cruising dinghy for solo sailing with the odd overnight camping.  I have recently sailed a Gull and it was until recently my number one choice. I then came across the Comet Zero and it appears to be aimed at the same market as the Gull. I like the layout out the Comet, it is a bit lighter, and I particular like the assymetric. The later Gulls have better storage and the reputation for idea for my intended purpose. 

So does anyone have any experience sailing either of these boats as a solo cruiser and like to comment on stability, seakeeping etc etc

There will be people who think that both boats are too small and say I need a Wanderer which I feel is a tad heavy. To these people I would pose the same same question but Wanderer vs Comet Versa

Thanks 


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Tink
https://tinkboats.com

http://proasail.blogspot.com



Replies:
Posted By: SoggyBadger
Date Posted: 08 Sep 18 at 7:45pm
Whilst the Comet Zero is a nice little boat, for me it lacks a few features which I feel a cruising dinghy should have:-

Firstly, and most importantly, a back-up form of propulsion is essential in a cruising dinghy and it looks like it would be extremely difficult to fit rowlocks to the Zero and I'm not sure how easy it would be to fit an outboard motor.

Secondly the Zero comes without any form of reefing for the main. You'd need to fit that and have reef points put into the sail. Many of the Gulls you see for sale already have a reefing system for the main installed.

Thirdly, and this is purely personal bias, I'm not keen on the lack of a foredeck. In a sea you're going to get a lot more water in the boat than you would with the Gull and you don't really want that in a cruising dinghy.

Overall I'd say go for the Gull. And ignore those that say you need a bigger boat. The bigger boat is only an advantage if you plan to sleep in it.

I highly recommend you get Margaret Dye's book on dinghy cruising if you haven't already got it. It's a gold mine of information on the subject.



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Best wishes from deep in the woods

SB



Posted By: tink
Date Posted: 08 Sep 18 at 7:58pm
Thanks, all valid points, the draw of the Comet is the asymmetric but as you say it there are down sides. I have Margaret Dyes book and Roger Barnes book and keep flipping between the two.

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Tink
https://tinkboats.com

http://proasail.blogspot.com


Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 09 Sep 18 at 7:14pm
The Zero is a much more unstable boat than the Gull, with less volume and a much more rounded hull shape. It carries less weight and has led freeboard. I enjoy sailing them, but wouldn't want to take one cruising. One the plus side, you can get sails with reef points, but maybe they aren't common.
If looking for a lighter boat than the Gull for camp cruising, take a look at the Mirror.

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Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686


Posted By: 423zero
Date Posted: 09 Sep 18 at 7:32pm
Plus 1 for the Mirror, search YouTube for Mirror mod's, see how owner has turned his boat into a cruiser.



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