Marine Forum

help me chose a boat

Anonymous user

02 May 2008 15:07:57

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hi Folks,

I am about to move to a new house, 50 yards or so from a lake, big enough in itself to sail on, but which also connects to the sea of the Stockholm Archipelago. I can't think of a better excuse to reacquaint myself with dinghy sailing, something I did quite a lot as a child about 15 years ago, but not so much since.

So I plan to get a dinghy. I'd like to get something which can be sailed single handed but could also take the whole family (four) as passengers. I have been drooling a bit at the new Laser Bahia, which has the advantages that it can also be rowed and take an outboard (handy if you ever end up becalmed in the path of a Finland ferry).

But there are some particular practical issues which I think might make such a Laser a little unrealistic. I'd be grateful for any advice anyone has to help me choose the optimum dinghy for my needs.

My first problem is that to connect to the sea (which I certainly want to be able to do) involves going under some bridges. That means I am going to have to take the mast down. I suspect how tricky that is depends very much on the boat. It would be nice to be able to do it without having to take off the sail and rigging, and it would be nice to be able to do it afloat. The sea around Stockholm is extremely sheltered so I guess that might be just about possible but I'm not sure.

The second problem is going to be getting the boat in and out of the water. I would like to be able to do it by myself from a trailer. I guess again a Laser Bahia might be a bit too big to do that comfortably.

I read that Herons have a specially designed trailer which lets you do exactly that, but I'm not sure it will be easy to get hold of one in Sweden. The Heron did look like a nice boat for my purpose in other ways as well.

So anyone got any tips? I hope so!

Cheers,

Ben

Re: help me chose a boat

CoverMyBoat

20 June 2008 13:37:08

Joined: 20 June 2008 11:31:54 | Posts: 3

Hi, there is some information that can help you on http://www.covermyboat.co.uk/buying-a-dinghy.php

If you want to get the boat in and our of water yourself, then you should consider boat weight . Check out boat reviews on http://www.covermyboat.co.uk/boat-reviews.php

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www. covermyboat.co.uk

Re: help me chose a boat

NeilFr

25 June 2008 14:14:49

Joined: 25 June 2008 14:08:08 | Posts: 1

I'm looking for a dinghy for fishing. One boat that I have considered was the Texas 3.80. It's a bit small for me, but it might suit you: http://sailingdinghies.apolloduck.co.uk/new/detail.phtml?id=1247

If anyone has a suggestion for a similar boat but around 5 mtre in length, preferably with good freeboard, perhaps a cuddy, let me know