First time family dinghy.

[Fozzy]

Hi,

I'm looking to build a faimly dinghy that we can learn to sail in, will only be used on inland lakes in our local area. I image it will only ever be used by 2 people at a time.

I have looked at these 2 designs
http://www.dinghy.pl/38m_dinghy.htm
http://www.dinghy.pl/45m_dinghy.htm

I prefer the 4.5m design simply because it looks a more interesting build.

Would these designs be suitable to learn to sail in? and/or are there any other designs to consider, bearing in mind these are free :D

Thanks,
Simon

[BillyBudd]

There will be many options coming, I'm sure. To get in the door first: I am currently buildng the Sabot, a pram that is about 8' long. These dinghies were designed during the late 1930s and have the test of time on their side. They are raced, with a simple sail rig. Plans are available from various groups -- perhaps the southern California design, with a single leeboard is the most versatile for rowing and sailing. My dinghy will be without sails, but my son's will be with a sail (per the 1939 Rudder magazine article available from Mystic Seaport Museum). His spars will fit inside the dinghy -- a plus for storage.

I'd thought of the Bolger dinghy but opted out eventhough I'm a big Bolger fan because of the cross floor ribs (trippers) and the fore-aft seat.

Our sailing club has a fleet of home built Sabots...that's what got me going -- very stable and, from personal experience, easily built with epoxy and ply.

[DGentry]

Hi,

Would these designs be suitable to learn to sail in? and/or are there any other designs to consider, bearing in mind these are free :D



Those look like solid designs to learn to sail in, yes, and not something you'd likely outgrow for daysailing. The larger one would probably be a better boat in the long run, which would make up for the more difficult building process. Personally, I'd choose it, too. The only caveat I'd add is that the aluminum mast and boom, and the standing rigging, are not something you'd likely to construct yourself - and they are relatively expensive to buy new. Have no fear, though, there are countless dinghies, with similar rigs, rotting away at countless yacht clubs and back yards. No doubt you could get a used rig on the cheap - often complete with sails.

Hmmm, if you are looking to learn and go sailing this summer (assuming you're in the northern hemisphere) you'd likely be out of luck building this boat (or most others). For a first time, part-time, builder, expect it to take several months to complete. Some folks could do it in less, though many people might take much longer. The reality of boatbuilding is that you should expect it to take longer and cost more than you think, and expect to make mistakes, too. Don't let that deter you, though - boatbuilding is extremely rewarding and fun!

Anyway, if you want to learn to sail this summer, think about getting a used Sunfish, or one of its clones. They are dead simple, great to learn on and can provide plenty of excitement. When you're not out sailing, you can be building your boat . . . .

You can easily get dozens of recommendations about boats here, and there are literally hundreds of options to choose from. Everyone has their pet favorite, and if you do a quick search of this site, you will find this subject repeated over and over. However, to me, it looks like you've already found a great looking design that perfectly fits your requirements. Have at it!

Dave Gentry

[JimD]

Very nice lines to the 4.5m. There are so many sailing dinghy plans available it would be next to impossible to compare them all and come up with a 'best' one. The 4.5 will likely be as good as any.

[Thorne]

What area? As Dave points out, sailing with other boats that are the same class or similar is a LOT more fun than sailing something completely different.

So if there is a class of racing or racing/cruising dinghies in your area, it might be best to either buy and restore or build new one of those boats. Sails and rigging will be cheap as you can pick up castoff racing sails for learning.

[JimD]

...sailing with other boats that are the same class or similar is a LOT more fun than sailing something completely different...

Otoh not everybody wants to be just like everyone else out on the water, although it might be good for the kids to have a class to belong to.

[davidrparker]

Consider the humble, but lovable, Puddle Duck Racer. Cheap, quick to build, easy to sail and well supported by both a very active forum group and a fine designer in Michael Storer. His plans are the best $20 I've spent in some time but free plans for the boat are also available. Check out PDRacer.com.

[Fozzy]

Thanks guys,

I hadn't thought about the boat not been ready for this summer, although i've been looking into taking lessons at the local lake and they will be supplying the boat, so i've got a bit of time to finish my boat.


The only caveat I'd add is that the aluminum mast and boom, and the standing rigging, are not something you'd likely to construct yourself - and they are relatively expensive to buy new. Have no fear, though, there are countless dinghies, with similar rigs, rotting away at countless yacht clubs and back yards. No doubt you could get a used rig on the cheap - often complete with sails.


Not thought about that either, i'll start looking!

It appears I now have a bit more research todo, like the Sabot but worry it will be too small. I've got a few weeks before I can start as I have a few other projects to finish first.

Anymore advice is always welcome, I'll be after a lot more when i start building!

Thanks,
Simon

[Lone Star]

For the size you're talking about I'd take a look at Oughtred's Gannet...

http://fivenineclimber.com/images/boats/gannet/gannet_sailing.jpg

[Wiley Baggins]

Fozzy,

I find myself almost wholly in agreement with Dave Gentry - I'd look for a locally popular, beater one design like a 420. Both it and the Sunfish are fiberglass, which brings up another point. Do you want to build or do you want to sail? Do you want to do both?

Having the benefit of your later comments, I would recommend taking the lessons and making sure you really enjoy sailing. You can take the the time to further refine what you want in a boat. That will certainly help in selecting a design to build - if that's what you want to do.

Good luck.

[esingleman]

I built the 13" Pooduck skiff shown in the avitar, and I love it. But.... I built it to learn to sail on, and chose it because I like the shellback but wanted something bigger that my wife and I could both fit into. I like that the rig fits in the boat, and I like that it rows very well and sails very well for a lugger (jib helps a lot tacking). All that being said the one thing I don't like about it is you basically sit on the floor, not the seats when sailing. Not too comfortable at times. If I had to choose all over again, I would go with something bigger or someting that has a comfortable seat for sailing, and for me, to be able to take another couple would be nice as well. Something like the Penobscott 17 maybe may haave been a better first choice. It's little bigger, but unless I wanted a car topper it wouldn't be any more hassle to tow/launch than what I already have. But I wouldn't trade my boat for a Penobscott 17, as I do love her madly.

[JimD]

... like the Sabot but worry it will be too small...
Simon

Simon, if you like prams there are larger ones. Paul Fisher has 12 and forteen foot prams in his Skylark designs:

An 8 footer about the size of the Sabot

http://www.selway-fisher.com/Sky8p1.jpg
























A 12er. No pic available for the 14 but imagine this a couple feet longer:

http://www.selway-fisher.com/Sky12p1.jpg










http://www.selway-fisher.com/Skylarkup13.htm