Is this the dinghy for you?

Test drive a dinghy - before you buy

If you are considering buying a dinghy (new or second hand) you’ll need to choose a class of dinghy. This decision will be dependent on the type of dinghy that you are looking for.

There are many types of dinghy such as:

1. Car portable - such as Toppers
2. One person dinghies - such as One man Lasers
3. 2 person dinghies - such as Fireballs or Laser II or 505s
4. Family dinghies - such as Wayfarers
5. Fixed keel dinghies
6. Asymmetrical/ performance dinghies - such as Catamarans or the new ISO and Laser 5000

Things to decide before you purchase a dinghy:

1. Does it need to be car portable or will it be based at one location (ie. a local sailing club)
2. Will you sail alone or can you regularly get a crew?
3. Do you want a safe boat for children
4. Do you want a fast performance boat?

Bear in mind that your requirements will change as you develop in the sport. To begin with you will want a relatively simple boat. Perhaps, just a Laser. Then, as you skill develops you will want to move up to the 2 man boats with spinnakers and trapeze (for the crew).

If you are at all unsure about which boat is right for you, then contact the manufacturer of the boat and ask for a test sail. Most manufacturers have test sailings - especially during the spring.