7 posts
Hi, I'd just like some advice about which sailing dinghy I should buy. I don't have a lot of experience sailing, just a several weeks of training in Melbourne on a Pacer.
I am looking at a single-hander, something nice and easy (and inexpensive) to set up and move around both on and off the water. I'll be using it on Lake Mac, primarily.
While my partner may learn to sail in whatever I get, I will be using it most of the time. I am 5'5" and 55kg, so I was thinking along the lines of a Spiral 3.8 or even a Topper 11'. The topper looks good because I might be able to manhandle it on and off the car myself, and it looks super easy to set up, but I don't know it will be too small for me? Also, the Sabre's look great too but I may be too light for that.
Thanks for any ideas you care to share.
NSW
1282 posts
Hi JoeJoe
A bit of a sneaky plug here...
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/newport/sail-boats/spiral-dinghy-entry-level-sailing-dinghy/1036210630
The spiral is a good boat for what you want but the truth is that you will find it pretty difficult, if not impossible, to get it on roof racks by yourself. You could maybe rig up something to put the bow on first then lift the back on but to bench press the hull above your head is too much.
Geoff
98 posts
Sabre would be very suitable for you as its nice and light (41kg min) and not overpowered. At the recent Nationals kids as young as 15 and men as old as 77 raced. They are becoming more active in NSW now too.
Spiral might be a good choose for you on lake mac if you want to race too....
If you wanted to sail with your partner a 125 may be for you...similar to a Pacer and you can upgrade to trapeze and spinnaker as you get more competent. They too are sailed on Lake Mac.
NSW
7757 posts
55 kilos is a bit light for a Laser or any of the other Lasers and too light for a Spiral if your planning on being competitive.
Here is a project that might appeal http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/251424416779?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
Does not have a sail or boom and that trailer needs new wheels!
I have a Solo I sail but its a boat that needs 80 or so kilos. Leaders set up cat rigged is another alternative. Plenty of OK's sailing at Lake Macquarie but once again 90 kilos is the ideal weight. Sabres are not a bad choice but will require a trailer. Prices vary greatly too.
7 posts
I'm really not looking at competing, just tinkering around the lake, so maybe the Sabre or Spiral would be OK for me weight-wise - Perhaps I could chuck in a bit of weight as ballast. What do you think? I really like the look of the National Solo too.
How does being underweight for the class of boat affect the way it sails? Because I won't be racing, I'm not too worried if there are minor difficulties and adjustments, or is weight a critical factor?
The tiger looks interesting, but I'm looking at getting my hands on a boat I can sail without needing to do work on it. Also, although my partner might want to sail with me, there's actually no guarantee that he will, and I don't want to be strapped down to someone else's schedule.
Does anyone have any thoughts on the Topper?
7 posts
Forgot to say that I don't need to be able to car-top it (or lift it), I'm comfortable using a trailer.
Cheers.
QLD
269 posts
What about a Mirror they are good for two and you can even sail single handed not very expensive, they may suit you look on eBay their some cheap ones there.
NSW
20 posts
Hi joe joe
I live at lake Macquarie and have a topper,
I am about 87 kg and I can move about it ok.
You would have no trouble at 55kg
I can put it on top of the car by myself
I don't use it often
If you want to check a topper out let me know
I had not thought of selling it ,but you never know
pilgrim
7 posts
The Sabre does look pretty good, and flexible in terms of crew size and experience. The Solo looks a little too heavy for me.
Pilgrim, just out of curiosity, what kind of price would you expect to get for a second hand Topper?
NSW
20 posts
I would sell it for about $500 ,
it is in good condition and has a trolley to move it to the water.
Pilgrim
NSW
818 posts
Joe lake mac is magic for sailing and really you could keep a sailing dingy on the foreshore and with the little tides here it would be easy to push in. I use a length of PVC pipe to slide on and you could have a small winch to pullout.
7 posts
Thanks for all your replies, I really appreciate the input. I think I'll keep an eye out for a Sabre, it seems to fit my needs very well, and if I can't find a cheapish 2nd hand one, then it looks like a reasonable building project. And yes, isn't the lake just a lovely spot to hang about on the water!
Thanks again.
QLD
122 posts
JoeJoe,
I have done a few seasons in Spirals and Sabres and would stick with the Sabre. Lighter, better rig setup and more stable in stronger breezes downwind.
A mid range Sabre with a dolly should go for around the $1200 mark. Lots of people set up a el cheapo box trailer to slide the boat+dolly on and off.
You will have fun with the chop in Lake Mac when the wind gets up.
Enjoy.
7 posts
Good to hear regarding stability, although I don't mind going in the drink occasionally, and expect to do so a bit initially anyway. That price average is great too - there is a Sabre in Vic for $1000, and another in Tas for a little bit more....Vic and Tas seem to have the bigger fleets.
NSW
1282 posts
They sail Sabre's out of LMASC at Sunshine/Morrisett on the lake as well (I think).
7 posts
Great thanks, I'll look them up and go have a chat.
NSW
10 posts
Mannering Park ASC has Spirals and Bics for sail training, if you come down around 11am any saturday you could have a look at, and test sail. Give me a call on 43 591729 Darcy.
