Best dinghy or small boat

JacobL29 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007

First post, just went sailing and am hooked.

I am looking for opinions on what experienced sailiors think the best dinghy is.

I am young so I don't mind getting wet and bouncing around and I am also learning to sail so I want something responsive. I will be using it on some small local lakes in Kansas. I also would like it to comfortably support 2 adults and some gear and include a mainsail and a jib. I also do not have much money to spend. Would like to get the boat and trailer for under $600.

Any opinions are welcome, also if anyone sails in east KS let me know, thx.

ceol · #2 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007

the price is going to be tough, but then again i got my Nacra 5.2 with trailer for $500. i had to do some line/block replacement because the guy could not find them.

what did you go sailing on? what did you like about sailing? this will help us in getting a good idea on boats you might be interested in. i love catamaran sailing, but that is an athletic boat. Laser II's are also a fun boat.

for finding boats in your price range you might just have to walk the marinas and make offers on boats that look complete that have not been used in a very long time. it is a good bet that the owner may be willing to let it go for a price you can afford.

G~

CapnHand · #3 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007

A friend of mine picked up a 16' bombardier for around $400. Watch the classifieds in your local paper. A better question might be, "What small boats should be avoided?"

ehmanta · #4 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007

I recently bought a 1982 Islands 15 with trailer, sails and outboard for $700. She's responsive and a fun little daysailor. This way I can get my sailing fix in during the week after work!!!

JacobL29 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007

I went sailing on a Catalina 25 Tall Rig. Real nice boat but way out of my price range and a little to much upkeep for what I am looking for out of a first boat.

Not really sure about cats, I would like to get in one and try it out though. The cat being an athletic boat would not be a problem. I am going to hit the docks today and check out a local lake.

If anyone has a small boat that should be avoided then by all means share it with us.

Sailormann · #6 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007

Look for a Laser

kwaltersmi · #7 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007

I was going to suggest a Laser also, but it doesn't meet his criteria of "comfortably support 2 adults and some gear and include a mainsail and a jib". More specifically, the Laser does not have much room at all for gear and does not have a jib. However, they're great fun boats.

tenuki · #8 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007

look for any of 'vangaurd' boat's line used.

http://www.teamvanguard.com/2007/index.htm

JacobL29 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007

I like the vanguard nomad. Seems to have everything I am looking for. Way too expensive new though. Thx.

bobmcgov · #10 (**permalink**) 10-05-2007

Here's a partial list, roughly from smaller to bigger:

International 420 (lively learner) or 470 (Olympic racer): now Vanguard's?
505 (holy cow! fast and fun)
Chrysler Mutineer
Wayfarer
Mobjack
Much of the AMF line -- Puffer/Apollo/Sunbird
Albacore
Lightning
Chrysler Buccaneer (my boat -- common in midwest, extremely zippy)
Thistle
Windmill
Flying Scot
Flying Dutchman

All of these boats will keep you very amused, I swear. Some are a bit more traditional (Mobjack, Windmill), while others can be had with mylar sails and trapeezes (505). Used 420s and 470s are especially common and a good value -- tho not much stowage. I bought a Bucc cuz it has tons of stowage but still goes fast.

You want a spinnaker option?