dinghy for small sailboat

• New Sailboats
• Sailboats 21-30ft
• Sailboats 31-35ft
• Sailboats 36-40ft
• Sailboats Over 40ft
• Sailboats Under 21feet
• used_sailboats
• Apps and Computer Programs
• Communications
• Fishfinders
• Handheld Electronics
• Plotters MFDS Rradar
• Wind, Speed & Depth Instruments
• Anchoring Mooring
• Running Rigging
• Sails Canvas
• Standing Rigging
• Diesel Engines
• Off Grid Energy
• Cleaning Waxing
• DIY Projects
• Repair, Tools & Materials
• Spare Parts
• Tools & Gadgets
• Cabin Comfort
• Ventilation
• Footwear Apparel
• Foul Weather Gear
• Mailport & PS Advisor
• Inside Practical Sailor Blog
• Activate My Web Access
• Reset Password
• Customer Service

• Free Newsletter

Mason 33 Used Boat Review

Beneteau 311, Catalina 310 and Hunter 326 Used Boat Comparison

Maine Cat 41 Used Boat Review

Cheoy Lee Clipper 36 & 42 Used Boat Review

Tips From A First “Sail” on the ICW

Tillerpilot Tips and Safety Cautions

Best Crimpers and Strippers for Fixing Marine Electrical Connectors

Thinking Through a Solar Power Installation

Stopping Mainsheet Twist

Working with High-Tech Ropes

Getting a Clue for the Blown-Out Clew

Monel Seizing Wire is Worth the Extra Cost

Fuel Lift Pump: Easy DIY Diesel Fuel System Diagnostic and Repair

Ensuring Safe Shorepower

Sinking? Check Your Stuffing Box

The Rain Catcher’s Guide

Boat Maintenance for the Technically Illiterate: Part 1

Whats the Best Way to Restore Clear Plastic Windows?

Mastering Precision Drilling: How to Use Drill Guides

Giving Bugs the Big Goodbye

Galley Gadgets for the Cruising Sailor

Those Extras you Don’t Need But Love to Have

UV Clothing: Is It Worth the Hype?

Preparing Yourself for Solo Sailing

How to Select Crew for a Passage or Delivery

Preparing A Boat to Sail Solo

On Watch: This 60-Year-Old Hinckley Pilot 35 is Also a Working…

On Watch: America’s Cup

On Watch: All Eyes on Europe Sail Racing

Dear Readers

Chafe Protection for Dock Lines

• Sailboat Reviews

Practical Sailor Reviews Seven Performance-Sailing Dinghies

Agile, fun boats like the classic sunfish and new hobie bravo keep the smile in summer sailing..

Photos by Ralph Naranjo

Messing around in small boats is a global theme-one thats embraced by pond-bound pram sailors, river riders, lake voyagers, and all of us who call salt water home. The purpose of this sailing dinghy profile is to highlight seven very interesting little sailboats. Some are new designs, and others have stood the test of time, but all are currently being manufactured, and each drives home just how much fun sailing close to the water can be.

This isn’t a shootout among anorexic speedsters or a report on the best tender that doubles as a sailing dinghy. Its a look at perennials like the Optimist, Sunfish, and Laser-legendary competitors that have helped spawn some of the best sailors in the world. But its also a look at three of the newest entries in the dinghy-sailing circle: Bics Open, Hobies Bravo, and Laser Performances Bug. These agile, new sailing dinghies are chock full of fun and boat-handling features to inspire kids of all ages to go sailing.

Well also take a look at Chesapeake Light Crafts kit approach to getting started-one that offers meaningful lessons and tangible rewards well before the boat ever hits the water.

Scale down an Open 60, add sail technology long favored by windsurfers, and put it into play in a tough thermo-formed hull, and you have the makings for a new kind of watercraft. The result is a very interesting blend of performance and reliability that targets adolescent interest. When all is said and done, Bics boat is more akin to a sit-down windsurfer than a traditional Blue Jay. And like all good boats, its vying for attention not just based on performance, construction quality, and style, but just as importantly, on the price tag stuck to the hull.

The Open Bics light weight and wide, flat stern section means that even small chop can be surfed; and bursts of planing on a reach add a zing factor to dinghy sailing. The Open Bic is already an International Sailing Federation (ISAF)-sanctioned class, and fleets are developing around the US. Another bonus: Its an easily portable boat that can be carried like a windsurfer, adding excitement to a Sunday picnic at the beach.

The thermo-formed polyethylene hull is a modified hard-chine design with lots of beam aft. Sailed flat, the boat is agile enough to surf wavelets, and with a shape thats ergonomically friendly to hiking, the ensuing heel on the upwind leg puts just the right amount of chine into the water. In light air, careful control of heel can significantly reduce wetted surface.

The design team that developed the Open Bic saw it as a transition bridge from Optimist sailing to a more performance-oriented dinghy. An interesting innovation is that the Open Bic can be sailed with an Optimists rig and blades. This buy the hull only approach can be a significant incentive for parents with children outgrowing their Opti as fast as their boat shoes. However it wont be long before the kids want the fully turbo-charged feel delivered with the Open Bics well-shaped 4.5-square-meters rig, sail, and nicely foiled blades.

Bottom line: The Open Bic is fast, agile, and buckets of fun for kids uninspired by sailing in the slow lane.

Just when you think that Hobie Cat Co. has covered whats possible in beach-cat innovation, their design/engineering crew comes up with a new twist that reinvents the wheel. The Hobie Bravo is a good case in point.

In a recent visit to Backyard Boats ( www.backyardboats.com ) in Annapolis, Md., we got a good look at the Bravo. Nearly as narrow as a monohull but still quite stable, this quick-to-launch beach cat packs plenty of get-up-and-go. Its a simple to sail, entry-level boat that fast tracks learning the steer, sheet, and hike trilogy. The boat features a single, midline rudder and roto-molded hulls. The shape of the hulls provides enough lateral plane to allow a crew to make headway to windward.

The narrow (4 feet), 12-foot Bravo uses crew weight and hiking straps to add to the righting moment once the breeze is up. Whats done with webbing on larger cats has been converted to a shallow, rigid deck well on the Bravo. It does raise the weight of the boat to 195 pounds, but it offers comfortable seating plus room for cushions and a cooler. Kids or grown ups can have a Tom Sawyer-Huck Finn type of adventure aboard this fun little sailing machine. Or the family on a beach picnic can set it up and take turns speed reaching along a sandy shoreline.

The furling mast supports a roachy sail with slightly slanted vertical battens, helping to shape the boomless mainsail. The result is convenient sail handling, decent performance, and superior safety. Theres no boom to clobber the crew, and the roller-furled sail and mast are easily stepped in the tripod-like receiver. This interesting set of struts raises the top bearing point of the mast step and spreads rig loads out to the hulls. The furling mainsail offers the ability to reef, a big plus in a building breeze or when teaching children to sail.

Like all of the boats in the Hobie lineup, theres a wide range of specialty parts and fittings that make the boats fast to rig and easy to handle. The kick-up rudder is hung on gudgeons mounted in the center of stern, and just as rig loads have been effectively spread via the tripod step, the energy radiating from the large rudder is spread athwartships via a contoured deck element.

Bottom line: The boat is quick to rig, easy to launch, and responsive to beginners-more experienced sailors will have just as much fun power reaching when the breeze is up.

A pocket-sized club trainer, the Bug is an evolution of the kids trainer/club racer that leverages lessons learned in Optis, Dyers, and Sabots. It pulls together the logic of a stable hull shape and simple-to-sail rig, and puts it all in a cost-effective package.

Lending to its success is designer Jo Richardss ergonomic, roto-molded hull, a fabrication that is as close to zero maintenance as a boat can get. The straight out-of-the-mold polyethylene skin gets a few decals, and theres no wood to refinish or gelcoat to wax. These tough, abrasion-resistant hulls have a bumper boat tolerance thats a big plus when it comes to kids learning to sail. Best of all, owners can start with a learn-to-sail rig and upgrade to a more performance-oriented mast and sail package (41 or 56 square feet) that kicks performance into the fast lane.

Oars and an outboard motor bracket can be added to turn the little sailboat into a dual-purpose dinghy. Even the bow painters means of attachment makes sense-no projecting hardware ready to knick the topsides of unintended contacts. Instead, theres a recessed hole in the stem allowing a line to be lead through and a knot used to keep the painter in place.

Bottom line: Aimed at club programs and families look for boats that can be transported on the car top, the Bug is easy to rig and definitely kid friendly. The fact that its manufacturer, Laser Performance, is an international interest and a major player in the performance dinghy industry means that this boat and its parts will be around for a while.

Photo courtesy of Hobie Cat Co.

Eastport Pram

Chesapeake Light Craft expedites boatbuilding for do-it-yourselfers looking to take their garage-built boats for a sail. The company pre-cuts parts, packs kits with all the materials, epoxy, and paint youll need, and leads homebuilders through a thoroughly detailed stitch-and-glue approach to assembly. Kits are available in various stages of completeness, ranging from plans only to the full package, including sail, hardware, running rigging, and paint.

The Eastport Pram is just shy of 8 feet, and the marine plywood and epoxy construction delivers a boat that weighs in, sans sailing rig, at just 62 pounds. Lighter than the comparatively sized Bug, this stiff, durable dinghy, rows like a real boat and sails comfortably with one or two aboard. In keeping with other good tender attributes, the Pram behaves under tow and is equally amicable when propelled by a small outboard or tacked up an estuary under sail.

Kit boatbuilding continues to have a niche following. Theres also an added-value feature worth noting: On one hand, the builder receives a box of pieces and the result of his or her endeavor leads to an aesthetic and utilitarian dinghy. In addition, the DIY skills the builder develops will be useful in other epoxy bonding, brightwork, or mono-urethane application projects. Such talents will benefit many other boat maintenance endeavors.

Whats hard to quantify is the sense of accomplishment derived from sailing a boat that you have built yourself. When the project is tackled in tandem with a child, spouse, or friend, the memories and the boat will last.

Bottom line: With neither sidedecks or a sealed hull, this is not a boat thats easy to recover from a capsize. So once the kids favor on-the-edge sailing in a building breeze, a non swamping, easier-righting boat is probably a better option. The Pram can then be put to use by their appreciative parents or grandparents.

Never in their wildest dreams did Bruce Kirby and Ian Bruce imagine that the Weekender (the Lasers original name) was destined to become an Olympic class sailboat and one of the most popular springboards for top-tier sailors in the world today. Originally envisioned as a car-topper for weekend campers, the cat-rigged, low freeboard sailing dinghy morphed from its original roots into a boat favored by college competitors and revered by generations of agile sailors of all ages. Even frostbiting winter sailors have locked onto the Laser.

Designed in 1969, the Lasers first few years were anything but smooth sailing. Popularity grew quickly, but along with the limelight came plenty of consternation. Dubbed a surfboard not a sailboat by a growing cross-section of the yachting elite-many parents warned junior sailors to steer as clear of Lasers as they did sex, drugs and rock-n-roll. The campaign failed, and junior sailors in yacht club programs around the country fell into the grip of the new one-design dinghy-discovering the sailboats proclivity to plane.

Dyer Dhows languished in boat sheds across the country as a new theme in sailing took hold. Dubbed fast is fun by sailor/engineer Bill Lee, the young Merlin of Santa Cruz, Calif., took the theme to big-boat sailing, merging California culture with the Laser logic of light displacement and planing hull shapes.

Best of all, the Laser embraced the ideal of a tightly controlled one-design class that put people on the water in identical boats and left winning and losing races up to sailing skill and tactics rather than a boats performance edge. For decades, the boat has been the single-handed sailors choice among junior sailing programs, and with the addition of the Radial, 4.7 and M rigs, smaller competitors have also found the boat to be a great sailing platform. Today, theres some lawyer saber-rattling over the sale of the design rights, but the boat remains more popular than ever.

The sleeved sail, two-part spar, daggerboard, and kick-up rudder make the boat a quick-to-rig and fast-to-get underway dinghy. Light-air efficiency is good for a one-design sailboat, but this means that as the breeze builds, the non-reefable sail can become a handful in a hurry. In fact, the boats Dr. Jekyll-and-Mr. Hyde demeanor is what builds talent among Laser practitioners. The big boys block the mainsail and blast off for the layline, while lighter sailors heavy-weather tactics include more nuanced de-powering and feathering. In light air, the tables turn, and the winner is often the sailor who planes quickest on the reaches. The old guards surfboard slam may have held some credence after all.

Bottom line: The Laser is a timeless classic thats easily transported and is built for performance. Its well suited to adrenaline-seeking teens as well as the more fit adult crowd.

Designed in 1947 by Floridian Clark Mills, the utilitarian Optimist could be made out of two sheets of plywood-and from its inception, the Optimist was meant to link kids with the water. Slipping into obscurity in the U.S., the little pram found fertile ground to grow in northern Europe. With just a few tweaks, the Scandinavians took Millss lines and parlayed them into whats become the favored junior sailing trainer for kids from Detroit to Timbuktu. Statistics show that there are about 30 builders worldwide putting out approximately 4,000 boats each year. With about 130,000 boats class registered and an estimated 300,000 total hulls built (amateur and pro), theres plenty of reasons to get excited about an Opti.

The example weve chosen is the USA-built McLaughlin boat, both a demonstration of high-quality FRP construction and modern manufacturing techniques. Its also a boat that can be purchased in a range of performance-inducing iterations-upgrades designated as club, intermediate, advanced, and professional versions. Like all performance sailboats, stiffness and strength-to-weight ratio is important. But class rules include a minimum weight, so the most competitive hulls meet the mandatory lower limit but use good engineering and building technique to reinforce the daggerboard slot and mast step and produce overall stiffness.

The low mast height and high aspect ratio sprit sail is very versatile, affording young (and small, 65 to 130 pounds) sailors a wide window of decent performance. The flat bottom, slab-sided hull is responsive to crew weight-driven trim changes, and the better the sailor, the more agile they become. Light-air performance is all about minimizing wetted surface and maximizing sail area projection. When the breeze starts to kick up, the sailor becomes the ballast, and the art of hiking, sheet handling, and tiller wiggling come into play.

Under careful adult supervision, two 6- to 8-year-olds can double-hand the friendly little dinghy, or one more-confident child can solo sail it. In fact, introducing kids to sailing with similar proportioned small prams has been a right of passage around for decades. A set of oarlock gudgeons can turn the pram into a functional dinghy thats also adaptable to the smaller Torqeedo outboard (www.torqeedo.com).

McLaughlin also markets a Roto-molded polyethylene version of the Opti and sells DIY kits for those who want to create their own wood version.

Bottom line: The Opti is like a first bicycle without the need for training wheels. The fact that at the last Olympics, over 80 percent of the winning sailors had gotten their start in an Optimist speaks well to the value of messing around in this particular dinghy.

Designed in 1951 by ice boaters Alexander Bryan and Cortland Heyniger, the hard chine Sunfish was the prototype board boat. In 1959, it made the transition into fiberglass, and over the following half-century, more than a quarter-million hulls would hit the water. Simplicity and decent sailing attributes combined with an attractive price to make the Sunfish the most popular one-design dinghy ever raced.

Far more than a platform for racers, these boats are an excellent training tool for sailors of all ages. Also built by Laser Performance, they reflect the fun of summer and put sailors in close contact with the water on which they sail. Its no surprise that the larger fleets coincide with warm water and many see going for a swim to be part and parcel of the low-freeboard experience.

The lateen rig is in keeping with the overall design concept and simplifies rigging. A short stub of a mast is stepped and a single halyard hoists the sail along with tilting V-shaped upper and lower booms.

The total sail area is nearly the same as the Laser, but the halyard hoist versatility of the lateen rig make it a handy beach boat and a little less daunting when the wind begins to build. The clean sail shape on one tack and deformation caused by the mast on the other tack are a slight drawback. The Laser rig is more efficient, but when caught out in a squall, its nice to be able to ease the halyard and dump the sail. Its also handy to be able to leave the boat tethered to a mooring, and the doused sail and short mast make it possible.

Multiple generations of sailors are often found sailing Sunfish, and the boat represents one of the best bargains to be found in the used boat market. When considering a pre owned boat, the potential buyer needs to take a close look at the daggerboard-to-hull junction and mast step, points where previous damage can create hard-to-fix leaks.

Bottom line: The Sunfish is a great beach boat that can turn a hot afternoon into a fun-filled water experience.

There were no losers in this group, and picking winners and runners-up proved a difficult task. The outcome had to be based on assumptions about how these boats would be used. For example, parents with a competitive 9-year-old who swims like a fish, always sprints for the head of the lunch line, and likes to steal bases in Little League probably have an Opti racer in the making. Less competitive junior sailors-future cruisers in the making-will do better learning aboard a Bug. Many newly formed sailing clubs target the boat as their trainer of choice.

The Bravo holds plenty of appeal for those with a lakeside cottage or a favored campground destination. Whether its a solo sail just before sunset or a fun race on Sunday, the quick to set up and put away features are a plus, and for those who feel that two hulls are better-the Bravo will hold plenty of appeal.

Serious competitors can campaign a Laser for life, and whether youre headed for a local district regatta or getting ready for the Olympic trials, the hull, rig, and sail remains identical-sort of like the Monaco Grand Prix being raced in a street legal Mustang.

Bic Opens new little speedster tickled our fancy, and as a trainer/performance boat crossover, it drew a strong nod of approval. Watching the junior sailors smiles as they sailed their Open Bics endorsed our opinion.

And if there is any boat that defines the essence of summer, the Sunfish takes the prize.

• The Art of Building with Thermal-setting Plastics

• Youth Safety Gear Top Picks
• Chesapeake Light Craft
• Hobie Cat Co.
• Las er Performance
• McLaughlin Boat Works

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Log in to leave a comment

Latest Videos

The Perfect Family Sailboat! Hunter 27-2 – Boat Review

Pettit EZ-Poxy – How to Paint a Boat

The Boat From True Spirit – Sparkman & Stephens

Top 5 Boat Hacks – Boat Maintenance Tips and Tricks

Latest sailboat review.

• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Online Account Activation
• Privacy Manager

My Cruiser Life Magazine

Choosing the Best Dinghy for Your Boat

It is often said that a boater’s dinghy is like their car. When traveling between ports, you will often only have a land vehicle if you rent one. But your dinghy comes with you, and it’s an essential link to shore. Unless you dock your boat every night, your dinghy gives you the ability to go out to dinner, go to the store, or find a secluded beach to call your own.

Dinghy boats come in an assortment of shapes and sizes. So how do you choose between a hard dinghy that rows well or a fast dinghy with motor? Let’s look at the options and see if we can’t find the best dinghy for your and your crew.

Table of Contents

Sailing dinghy, dinghies as tenders, dingy dinghies – what is a dingy, what are some uses for a dinghy, basic types of boat dinghy, lifting ability and storage when underway, hard dinghies, inflatable dinghy boat options, what’s the best dinghy for your cruising boat, dinghy boat faqs, what is a dinghy.

A dinghy is a small boat. But there are two primary dinghy meaning uses that you should be aware of. 

• Sailing dinghies
• Dinghy boats as yacht tenders

Firstly, a dinghy is a small sailboat usually used for racing. So you might hear about “dinghy races” or “dinghy sailors.” These are the sorts of little boats that kids would learn to sail, but they’re also raced in the Summer Olympics. 

Optics are the classic sailing dinghy. Its purpose is to sail and have fun. They usually carry one or two people and nothing else.

Secondly, a dinghy serves as a tender to a larger boat. In cruising and living aboard, this is the most commonly used definition. Your dinghy is like your car. Your boat is like your house or RV, and you park it somewhere comfortable. Maybe a scenic, quiet, and protected anchorage. Then you hop in the dinghy to explore the area or go into town for supplies. 

A dinghy allows you not to have to pull up to a dock. Anchoring is usually free, and mooring fields are cheaper than taking a slip. Plus, living “on the hook” is more fun–there are fresh breezes, and your neighbors aren’t right next to you. You have more privacy and your own little slice of the ocean.

But to live like this, a good dinghy is important. It has to be safe in most conditions and be able to haul you and your gear. In addition, it should be able to handle the occasional provisioning run–meaning it needs room for lots of groceries. 

Many cruisers affectionate call their dinghy “the dink” or some other fun name. In the US, a motorized dinghy will need to be state-registered.

Fun fact–RV owners who tow small cars refer to them as “dinghies.” They are cheaper to operate and easier to maneuver once they get where they’re going, so they’re used in the same way that boaters use dinghy boats.

Dinghies as tenders come in many forms. 

• Kayaks or canoes
• Hard boats with small motors
• Inflatable boats that row
• RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boats) with motors — these can be slow or very fast

Dingy (adjective) – dirty, unclean, shabby, or squalid Dinghy (noun) – a small boat carried on or towed behind a larger boat as a tender or lifeboat… Definitions from Marriam-Webster Dictonary

So if your dinghy is a dingy boat, you should invest in some good boat soap and clean it. 

Related reading: What Is the Main Function of a Boat Trailer’s Safety Chains?

Why is a Dinghy Important?

The dinghy is your primary method for getting ashore for cruisers traveling far from home or for liveaboards who aren’t tied to a dock. Having a good dinghy means you don’t have to get a dock every night. It means you can anchor in quiet coves in between towns. If you have a dog, it means they can get to shore morning and night for “shore leave.” And if you want to explore shallow creeks or go fishing, it’ll do that too.

The importance of a dinghy depends entirely on your cruising style. Some people don’t want to anchor–they’ll be at a dock every night no matter what. Those rare evenings between destinations when they do anchor for an evening, they don’t go ashore. A dinghy isn’t very important for them and won’t get used much.

On the other hand, some people live via their dinghy. The big boat gets them between destinations, but the dinghy is their “daily driver.” 

The easiest way to explain how cruisers use their dinghy is by example. So here is a look at how boaters visiting the Bahamas usually use their dinghies. 

You find a cozy island where you want to hang out and drop the hook in a protected cove. Then, you launch your dinghy and go to town, find secluded beaches, or just go exploring. Maybe you’ll want to find some coral reefs for fishing or snorkeling or see the tiny islets and rocks that protect the anchorage. Some islands have hiking trails or miles and miles of beaches.

Marinas are few and far between the islands, and the best and quietest spots are far from them. Most towns don’t have big docks–just small dinghy docks where you can tie up for free and walk to the store. In the Abacos, several of the most popular towns have harbors full of mooring balls and several small dinghy docks that make it easy to visit the town.

In these instances, everything you need for your boat will get there by way of the dinghy. You’ll take your trash to shore in the morning and bring home groceries. You might also take your propane tanks in for a refill or get some jerry cans filled with freshwater or diesel. 

Finding the Right Dinghy For Your Boat

With so many choices, finding the dinghy for you can be a daunting task. Make it easier by learning about your choices, understanding how you will use it and what you will carry, and planning for where you will keep it on your boat.

Dinghies come in as many different designs as big boats do. You can pick between hard, inflatable, or RIB for the hull. A RIB (rigid inflatable boat) has a hard hull surrounded by inflatable tubes – so it’s kind of a hybrid.

For locomotion, you can have oars, a sail, a motor, or any combination of those. Motors used on dinghies are usually small and portable, although go-fast RIBs can have larger 15 to 25 horsepower motors installed.

It should also be noted here that dinghies are relative to the size of the “mothership.” For a 100-plus-foot motor yacht, the dinghy might be a 40-foot center console with triple 300 horsepower engines. So in dollars, their “dinghy tender” might cost quadruple what the rest of us spent on our “big boats.”

Dinghies should be suited to their purpose. For example, cruise ship dinghies ferry passengers to and from shore at destinations without cruise terminals. They’re passenger ferries and hold 30 or 50 passengers for the journey. For cruisers, a suitable dinghy usually means something that will get them to shore and back–the distance will vary. It must carry two to four people and a week’s worth of groceries.

Your choice of dinghy depends radically on the boat that will be carrying it. How will you deal with your dinghy when you’re underway? If it’s an inflatable that can roll up and store in a locker, life is easy.

But what if you want a hard dinghy or a RIB? Below are the most common options for lifting a bigger boat aboard. No matter how you get your dinghy aboard, once it’s on deck it must be lashed upside down to ensure it remains secure even in heavy seas.

Towing is often done but never recommended. Towing a dinghy limits the maneuverability of your big boat, making docking in tight spaces tricky. Plus, it opens up your dinghy to a world of possible disasters, including coming loose and being lost, or flooding and capsizing due to high winds or waves (or other boater’s wakes). Keeping your dinghy in the water also means more maintenance since you’ll have to scrape its bottom regularly. Most dinghies do not have bilge pumps, so bailing after every rainstorm will become a thing.

Underway, the load on the tow lines is high, and if you must tow, make sure to do so with a proper towing harness and bridle. Also, always remove your outboard before towing–it’s safer on the big boat.

If there is one advantage of towing, it is that your dinghy will be ready to go–it is already launched when you get where you’re going.

Also, note that a towed dinghy makes an easy target for theft in the anchorage–an important consideration in some parts of the world. It’s an easy thing for a thief to come along and cut the line while you sleep. The dinghy will drift away silently, and you won’t be any the wiser until morning. 

Many cruising boats install davits on the transom. These provide lifting points that hoist the dinghy out of the water. Davits are an excellent upgrade because they allow you to keep the dinghy out of the water while traveling and hoist it up every night. Your dinghy will be cleaner, and you can take the plug out to let rainwater drain out. It’s safer too since you can easily lock it to the boat for long-term storage.

As handy as davits are, they can also be a pain. Getting the lifting harness and equipment just right can be a hassle. Dinghies on davits are prone to swinging in wind and waves, which can quickly chafe lines or even an inflatable’s PVC or Hypalon. If the dinghy is heavy or has a large outboard, the swinging can quickly get out of control to the point that it will damage the davits. Strap your dinghy down so that it doesn’t move at all, even when you’re in quiet anchorages. You never know when a ferry boat will throw a big wake your way!

Finally, the location of davits on the stern is less than ideal. Most boats don’t balance well with too much weight that far aft. Furthermore, should you take a wave over the stern during an overly boisterous passage, you can probably kiss your dinghy–and maybe even your davits–goodbye. Most salty sailors store their boats on the foredeck when at sea, even if they do have davits.

Foredeck or Rooftop Hoists

Powerboats usually have motorized hoists that lift their dinghies onto the high deck. Traditional trawlers can use their mini mast and block and tackle to do the same job. Sailboats use their mast and rigging to hoist a dinghy onto the deck. This can be a good way to get inflatables up to deflate them for storage, or to move a hard boat into position to be strapped down.

Once aboard, the dinghy can be sat on the deck in cradles or flipped over and sat upside down. How it stores will depend entirely on your boat and how much space you have–and where you have it. 

Hard dinghies have rigid hulls, just like regular boats. Many are made of fiberglass, but there are also molded plastic ones. There are also a handful of classic or homebuilt wood dinghies out there. 

Hard dinghies come in all sorts of sizes and shapes. Some are beautifully designed by the world’s best yacht designers, like Lyle Hess’s Fatty Knees. Others are functional, floating, plastic bathtubs, like the Walkers Bay 8. 

Rowing Dinghy

Rowing dinghies are paddled with oars and a center-mounted seat. This limits the space on the boat considerably. The rower sits facing aft, which is awkward to maneuver the boat from but provides lots of power into each stroke. 

Nearly all dinghies are made to be paddled, to some extent. But if rowing is a big part of your plan, you need to research carefully. Many dinghies row poorly. Flat and wide boats are difficult to control and hard to get to track straight in any wind or chop. 

On the other hand, proper rowing dinghies are a pleasure. Look for classic designs that have a dominant keel line and soft chines. 

Some cruisers and solo sailers use plastic kayaks as rowing dinghies. So long as it holds enough supplies and gets you where you need to go, it’s a great idea. Best of all, kayaks are much easier to maneuver in strong winds than rowboats, and faster too. In the world of dinghies, a kayak is like riding a bicycle.

Some cruisers want to know about the functionality of using standup paddleboards (SUPs) as a solo sailor’s dinghy. The truth is, SUPs make terrible dinghies. They have no gear carrying capacity, and they are impossible to lock up once you get to the dinghy dock. To make matters worse, they’re difficult–if not impossible–to paddle into strong winds or choppy conditions.

Sailboat Dinghy

Adding the ability to sail your dinghy moves it from the tool category into the toy category. We all like to have water toys, and if you can practically turn your dinghy car into a water toy, too, that’s pretty cool.

But, sailing a dinghy comes with an entirely new set of problems. It will need a sail rig, a keel of some sort, and a rudder to sail well. This will not work on any dinghy–it will need to have been designed from the get-go to sail.

Nice dinghies don’t come cheap, and adding a sail kit usually makes it substantially more expensive. But for purists who love the freedom and peace of real sailing, there are not many things that are more fun than skirting around the harbor silently in your sailing dinghy.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by SAILING • AVOCET ⛵️ (@svavocet)

Hard Dinghy with Motor

You can add a motor to most dinghy designs as long as you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and do not overpower or overload it. Engines are heavy, and adding all of that weight to a tiny boat’s transom can quickly cause trouble.

Hard dinghies that are a suitable size for cruising boats seldom plane. A planing dinghy goes fast–so you can expect that most dinghies in the 8 to 12-foot range are going to be slow. The exception to this is the RIB–a hybrid hard-inflatable dinghy. For more details on RIBs, see below.

What’s left is the fiberglass or plastic dinghies that can’t get on plane–they have displacement hulls. They are usually rated for between two and five horsepower. Adding more horsepower does not necessarily make the dinghy go faster. The engines can be gas, propane, or electric. 

Once you get into slightly larger boats, in the 15 to 18-foot range, there are a few that will get on plane. But these boats are so large and heavy that you cannot lift them on most cruising boats. For example, Boston Whaler has made a series of tenders and small tenders, like their 130 Super Sport . But, with an engine and fuel, this little boat weighs over 1,000 pounds.

Pros and Cons of Rigid Hard Dinghies

• Indestructible–much more robust than inflatable options
• Can be very good looking
• Always ready to go
• Options for rowing or sailing
• Tippy–much less stable than inflatable boats
• No way to store in a small space–can’t roll up or deflate
• Low weight carrying capacity
• Generally limited to low-horsepower motors
• Cannot plane (go fast)
• Can be very heavy and bulky

Best Hard Dinghy Brands

West marine dinghy.

West Marine sells a few models of rigid dinghy. They are made of molded plastic, extremely tough, and can be oared or powered by a small outboard. Unfortunately, none of the West Marine models come with a sail kit. 

The West Marine Classic Dinghy is similar to a popular model known as the Walkers Bay 8. These can often be found on the used market and have many great options. They have a sail kit and a tube kit that converts them almost into a RIB. 

Porta-Boat makes a unique, folding, rigid boat design. The boat panels fold together into a flat case that looks a little like a surfboard. You can unfold the Porta-Boat on your foredeck and launch it. When lightly loaded and given a big enough outboard, Porta-Boats are fast enough to plane–a rare find in rigid dinghies.

Portland Pudgy

The unique looks of the plastic Portland Pudgy betray its biggest plus–it is designed to serve as a lifeboat. For a cruiser outfitting their boat for crossing oceans, liferafts are expensive and take up a lot of space. So having a dinghy that could potentially serve that purpose could save you several thousand dollars–plus the liferaft packing service cost every one to three years.

The Pudgy is a cute dinghy, virtually indestructible, and equipped however you like. It’s made of roto molded polyethylene, just like a plastic kayak. You can row it, motor it, or sail it. The survival kit adds liferaft supplies and a canopy for emergencies. Best of all, the various pieces fit inside compartments built in the hull. 

Fatty Knees, Trinka, Sam Morse Cherub, etc.

There are a handful of really classy classic dinghies out there, but you have to do a little research to find them. Usually, they result from a professional yacht designer answering a cruiser’s problem. For example, when Lin and Larry Pardey were sailing around the world on their Lyle Hess-designed Serafynn, Hess designed them a dinghy that fit perfectly on their boat. That little dinghy eventually became the well-loved Fatty Knees. 

Dinghies of this class look great, and they usually row and sail beautifully. Most will accept a tiny outboard for power. None will get on plane, and space and hauling capacity are not as much as with a RIB. Some of these dinghies are still made, while others are rare finds on the used market.

Chesapeake Light Craft CLC Kits

The selection of small rigid boats that make good tenders is surprisingly limited. If you’re a hand person, you might consider building one from a plywood kit. Several suppliers of such kits, but Chesapeake Light Craft in Annapolis is the biggest. Their boats range from tiny rowing prams to motor and sailing yachts. 

This type of boat building is known as stitch and glue. Panels of marine-grade plywood are stitched together and then glued together with epoxy. The result is a robust design that is lightweight and can last decades with proper care.

A nesting dinghy is one particularly interesting design that you can make from plywood. These are built in two or three sections, each stacking neatly in the other. So on your deck, the dinghy is small–only five or six feet long. However, when assembled, they can be 12 or more feet long.

Inflatable boats also come in a variety of types. The only universal feature is the inflatable tubes surrounding the boat, but the interiors and floors vary. Besides the cost of the boat, the deciding factor usually comes down to storage space and setup. 

Roll-up floors are made of the same rubber as the hull but with wood slats that make it sturdier. Some are entirely flat and made of plywood or aluminum panels–these are generally called solid-floor boats. Next, there are inflatable floor boats with a high-pressure floor that you can stand on, like a paddleboard. And finally, RIBs have fiberglass or aluminum hulls surrounded by the inflatable tube.

Inflatables are probably the most popular dinghy option because they are easy to come by and easy to store. Once inflated and on the water, they are very stable and difficult to capsize. In addition, they hold an insane amount of weight, so you never have to worry about overloading it with your groceries or supplies. 

Inflatables are sold with oars for rowing, but they make terrible rowboats. They blow around on the water and are difficult to control. With no keel, they don’t track and make terrible leeway in wind or chop. Some do have an inflatable keel, which gives the hull and little shape and greatly improves handling.

RIBs are easier to paddle since they have a keel and do track better.

Most inflatable or RIB owners will opt for engine power eventually, even if they like rowing. Inflatables can be quite fast, and some are designed to get on plane. In my personal experience, you need a minimum of 8 horsepower to plane a RIB, although 9.9-horsepower motors are even better. If you carry more than two people aboard or have a lot of gear, consider a 15-horsepower engine as the minimum.

Rigid Inflatable Boats

Making hybrids tends to not work out very well with many things in life. The results often take on all the disadvantages of each thing and few of the advantages. But with rigid inflatable boats, this isn’t the case. Luckily, these boats really are the best of both worlds. 

The advantages are that RIBs are lightweight yet supremely stable for their size. Large inflatable tubes all around the hull provide a dry ride and are very difficult to capsize. They can be loaded for bear and carry lots of people and supplies. 

The hard bottom of the boat gives it a solid keel and good handling characteristics on the water. If you want to get on plane, a RIB is your best bet. All you have to do is buy one that will safely handle a large enough outboard motor.

The complexity of a RIB’s design is proportional to its cost. The simplest boats are small, with a single floor. In other words, the floor you stand on is also the outer hull. It slopes down to the keel, making it harder to stand on than a flat floor. They have no built-in storage options. They’ll have seating on the outer tubes or a simple bench seat.

One step up is the double-floor RIB. These have a flat floor attached to the hull, so there is space below. These boats usually have some storage under the floor, near the bow. They’re easier to stand in, but they are also much heavier and more expensive. 

Larger RIBs may have built-in seats and possibly a wheel-style helm. This looks comfortable, but it takes up a lot of space and weight that might be handier for extra people or more groceries. 

The first rule is that if you have the space and budget for a RIB, you should get the RIB. You might be able to fit an air floor roll-up boat, but you’ll never like it as much. Some of them are very nice–but they aren’t RIBs, and they never will be. 

If you absolutely, positively can’t fit or afford a RIB, then there are still plenty of options. But the remaining types of inflatables will always feel like a rubber toy boat more than a solidly built vessel.

Material – PVC vs Hypalon Dinghies

The vinyl material that makes up the tubes of an inflatable comes in either PVC or Hypalon. PVC is cheaper and the most common. Unfortunately, PVC is broken down the quickest from the sun’s UV rays.

Hypalon is the solution for areas with intense sun exposure. Hypalon will last twice as long as PVC boats. But, of course, it does come at a cost–it’s much more expensive than PVC. It’s also important to note that you cannot use PVC patches and repair kits on Hypalon boats–so repairs and even the glue for a Hypalon craft will cost more. Hypalon is also called CSM, or chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber.

You also need to consider the size of the tubes and how many air chambers they are dived into. The larger the tube, the greater the boat’s reserve buoyancy and the better its handling and carrying capacity is. The more air chambers it has, the safer it will be should one chamber spring a leak or get punctured. A cruising sailors dinghy should have a minimum of three air chambers, but four is even better.

Rigid Hull Construction Material – Fiberglass or Aluminum

The rigid hard bottom of a RIB can be made of fiberglass or aluminum. Aluminum is an attractive option since this type of robust design was popularized by AB and now Highfield. Aluminum is strong and lightweight. It can still be dented and scratched, but the chances of it getting holed are very low. 

Fiberglass boats are less expensive and heavier. But, just like any fiberglass vessel, they can be chipped and cracked by impacts with rocks or docks. Luckily, fiberglass is extremely easy to fix, whereas aluminum would require welding. It’s also easy to modify a fiberglass dinghy. If, for example, you wanted to add a cleat to the transom for towing, you could do so easily. That sort of modification is harder to do correctly with aluminum.

Small Dinghy Seating Capacity, Storage Space, and Load Limits

No matter whether you’re looking for a RIB dinghy boat with motor, a sailing dinghy, or a kayak, your choice always comes back to what exactly it is you need to carry. Small boats like these don’t have a lot of extra buoyance to spare when you overload them. If you sometimes need to carry an extra person or two, but your dinghy is too small, that could pose a big problem. If you need to ferry new house batteries out to your boat, but all you have is a kayak with 50 pounds for cargo–that’s not going to happen. 

Whatever boat you like, take a look at its maximum loading capabilities. Thanks to the official US Coast Guard capacity plate, most dinghies will have this marked on them. This will rate the vessel for a maximum number of people, a maximum amount of weight, and maximum engine horsepower. 

Pros and Cons of Inflatable Dinghies

• Can roll up or deflate for smaller storage
• Lighter than hard boats
• Enormous weight carrying capability
• Extremely stable–won’t flip even if you stand on one side
• Can carry more horsepower and go faster than hard dinghies
• Since they store smaller, you can usually fit a larger inflatable on your boat than you can a rigid boat
• Material degrades in the sun from UV damage
• Tubes can be punctured by rocks or chaffed bylines in extreme circumstances
• Best Inflatable and RIB Brands

West Marine earns a place on the list for simple ubiquity. West Marine dinghies are rebranded versions of those built by other companies – usually Zodiacs. Most, if not all, are made in China. 

But the advantage is in their availability – most coastal areas of the US are near a West Marine store, and most stores have a few dinghy models in stock. You can go and see them in person, and you can pick them up and take them home on the same day. Pretty much every other option on the list will have to be ordered sight-unseen.

West Marine sells a selection of inflatable dinghies, from roll-ups and slat-floor models to top-of-the-line RIBs. They keep parts in stock at most stores, and the better boats are available in either PVC or Hypalon. 

Highfield Boats

Highfield is best known for its hard-wearing Hypalon aluminum-hulled RIBs. These sharp and sturdy boats are found on most charter boats since they last the longest. The company also makes PVC roll-up models. Highfields are pretty much the hottest ticket in RIBs right now–their boats look and perform marvelously.

Their boats range from the tiny 6’7″ RU 200 roll-up to the SP900–a 30-foot, 900-horsepower center console powerhouse. The most popular dinghy tender is the Classic 310. If you need something lighter, the Ultralight line is excellent as well.

Zodiac Nautic

Zodiac is a French maker of inflatable boats. They have a full line, from small roll-ups to large professional rescue RIBs. Their boats are divided among different product lines. Cruisers will want to look into the Cadet line of dinghies, which come in roll-up and RIB versions. 

If you’re looking for a boat with a helm, the Yachtline has four size options. These boats have built-in seating for up to nine people and engines up to 90 horsepower.

AB Inflatables

AB started as Antilles Boatworks–as you might imagine, their target market is the Caribbean. They make hardy Hypalon RIBs with aluminum hulls built for life in the tropics, plus jet boat yacht tenders and professional SAR and law enforcement RIBs.

Achilles makes roll-up, slat-floor, and RIB dinghies in various sizes. 

Like the mothership you call home, your dinghy is uniquely yours. No two boaters will make the same choices – everyone has different priorities. For the couple driving a classic wooden boat, nothing will do but an equally classic wooden dinghy. On the other hand, speed and comfort requirements dictate a go-fast RIB for the ultra-modern motor trawler. There’s never a one-size-fits-all answer to boating, so research carefully and think about how you’re going to use your dink. The good news is, there’s an active used market for dinghies out there–so upgrading and trading until you get it right is an option.

Is it dinghy or dingy?

A dinghy is a small boat, usually used by a bigger boat to carry supplies and people to shore and back. For example, “The yacht’s dinghy brought the crew to shore, where they went shopping.”

Dingy is an adjective meaning dirty, unclean, or squalid. For example, “After two weeks at sea, the dingy sailor desperately needed a shave and a long, hot shower.”

Why is a boat called a dinghy?

The English word “dinghy” comes from a similar Hindi word that describes small rowing boats used on the rivers in India. According to Merriam-Webster, it first appeared in English around 1810. It likely became a loanword during the times of British India.

What is a dinghy for a boat?

The most common type of dinghy is a small boat used as a tender. It runs back and forth to shore, tending the needs of the larger vessel. For example, it might take passengers ashore, pick them up, or just pick up and move supplies.

Sailing dinghies are small racing sailboats, like those used by sailing clubs to teach sailing and racing skills.

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Yacht Cruising Lifestyle

Everything fun you can do from your yacht

Choosing the Best Dinghy for Your Boat

January 7, 2021 by Travis Turgeon 5 Comments

At anchor, a dinghy boat serves as your lifeline to everything from leisurely excursions to provisioning trips. Every captain or crew will use their dinghy differently, so it’s essential to consider what features and functions are important to you.

Do you plan to explore remote areas away from anchor? Do you plan to fish, snorkel, or dive from the dinghy? How many people will you need to carry at once? Every aspect should play into your decision.

Below, we cover the following to help you choose a dinghy that’s right for your boat:

• Key Factors to Consider
• Types of Dinghies
• Outboard Motors

General Information and Tips

What should i consider before buying a dinghy for my boat.

Make the following considerations before purchasing a dinghy for your boat: 

• DInghy Storage 
• Carrying Capacity
• Use of the Vessel

Dinghy Storage

Storage should be a defining factor when purchasing a dinghy for your boat. There are several common ways to store a dinghy, but not all storage is suitable for every vessel. A rigid dinghy will need enough space to be tied on the deck or at the back of the boat, while you can stow an inflatable dinghy in lockers or lazarettes.

Regardless of where you choose to keep your dinghy on the boat, it should be in a location that does not reduce drag, restrict access to important areas, or prevent easy access for storage and use.

The most common options are:

• Dinghy Davits
• On-Deck 
• Locker 

Davits: Permanently installed at the stern of the boat, davits are used to store, deploy, and retrieve your dinghy from the water. Davit storage is standard for any dinghy that’s too heavy to manually lift in and out of the water. Although storage on dinghy davits is convenient, it poses a risk when sailing through heavy seas. Large waves and wind can cause the dinghy to flood while in transit, and the weight can damage the stern of the boat or the davits.

On-Deck: Some people choose to tie the dinghy upside-down at the bow, stern, or side of the boat. For this to be an option, you need sufficient unused space on the deck, and you need to be sure that the dinghy is not interfering with any important pathway or area on the boat. 

Swim-Step: Boats with an elevated swim-step can accommodate a dinghy at the boat’s stern as long as it’s elevated far enough out of the water. Keep the dinghy tied aerodynamically and tilted so that it doesn’t fill with water. 

Locker: Roll-up inflatable dinghies are easily deployed and retrieved from the water by hand, and they can be deflated and stored in a locker anywhere onboard. 

Towed: For nearshore journeys in calm conditions, you can easily pull the dinghy behind your boat. Be careful, though, as high speeds and choppy seas can cause a dinghy to flip in the water.

Dinghy Carrying Capacity

If you’re sailing with multiple crew or passengers, you will want a dinghy that can carry the same amount of people. Making numerous trips from ship to shore will not only cost you time, but it will also run up fuel costs. Further, you’ll want extra room for luggage, provisions, recreational gear, and anything else that may find its way onto your boat. 

The handling in your dinghy can become problematic when loaded beyond capacity, so use caution – especially in rough seas. Safety should always be a top priority, so the goal is to aim for the biggest dinghy you can get without sacrificing too much storage space.  

Dinghy Material

Rigid dinghies are most commonly made of fiberglass or aluminum, but you can opt for a more classic wooden design as well. The material will partially dictate where the dinghy can be stored and the need for equipment such as dinghy davits. While fiberglass hulls are cheaper than aluminum, they also come with the burden of a heavier weight. Alternatively, aluminum hulls will outlast their fiberglass counterparts, but for a higher price. Overall, rigid dinghies can withstand wear-and-tear better than inflatables, although routine maintenance is required.

Inflatable dinghies are kept afloat using tubes surrounding the boat’s hull, commonly made of either PVC or CSE. CSE, or “Hypalon,” is a synthetic rubber material that is highly resistant to chemicals, UV light, extreme temperatures, and abrasion. CSE is a lot like PVC, but it’s lighter and has more UV and water-resistant properties. It’s also more abrasion resistant, making it ideal for taking to shore. CSE offers a longer service life and a more extended warranty, although again at a higher cost. The most common complaint you’ll hear about CSE is the rate at which the air escapes from the tubes. On average, CSE tubes lose about 15% of their air within 24 hours, while PVC loses under 7%.

PVC is an excellent alternative to the more durable CSE, as the material still offers a reasonable service life at a lower cost. PVC is also much lighter, more convenient to fold, and easier to clean than CSE. The biggest potential problem with PVC is simple neglect and lack of maintenance. If cared for properly, modern PVC materials can last long enough to justify not paying the higher costs for CSE. 

For some excellent tips on maintaining your inflatable dinghy, check out Sail Magazine’s Tender Choices article , here.

How You’ll Use The Dinghy

The last factor to consider is how you intend to use the vessel. Will you be traveling long distances from anchor? Exploring remote locations? How many people do you need to transport? Do you need special features to accommodate scuba diving and fishing? You should do as much research as you can to ensure that you’re buying a tender that suits your needs while staying within your budget. Below, we discuss the difference between each type of dinghy – and who each is best suited for.

Types of Dinghies 

Choosing the right type of dinghy for you and your boat will require some careful thought. Your dinghy is your primary source of transportation between journeys, and you’ll want to make sure that your purchase is fitting for your immediate and future needs.

The three most common types of dinghies are:

Rigid Boats

Inflatable boats, rigid inflatable boats (rib).

Hard-body (rigid) dinghies are among the simplest styles of tender, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Rigid dinghies are sufficient for those who don’t need to travel long distances or through rough conditions. However, more and more people are moving to inflatables or semi-inflatables for their wide range of abilities when needed. 

When considering if a rigid dinghy is right for you, think hard about the material each is built with. For the hull specifically, the materials will affect the price, durability, and cosmetics of the vessel, as well as the weight and ability to transport. Most rigid dinghies are constructed with fiberglass, aluminum, or wood and have a lower carrying capacity than inflatables. They also have less stability when entering, exiting, and moving through the water. 

Advantages:

• Easily Propelled
• Puncture Resistant
• Outboard Compatible
• Low-Cost Option
• UV Resistant

Disadvantages:

• Easily Scratched and Blemished
• Adequate Storage Space Required

More popular than rigid dinghies and less popular than RIB’s, inflatables offer a good middle ground for those looking to compromise between cost and functionality. The large PVC or Polyurethane tubes in the front and sides of the boat are more stable than rigid vessels and allow for a higher carrying capacity due to their buoyancy. Compare those benefits with the low costs of materials, and it’s easy to see why inflatables are so popular. 

There are numerous variations of Inflatable dinghies, with the most common being:

• Soft Bottom Roll-Up
• Rigid Floor with Soft Bottom
• Soft Bottom with Rigid Transom

Dinghies with soft bottom have the widest variance in configuration. Some have rigid transoms where an outboard motor can be mounted. Some have rigid, removable floors, and some have an inflatable keel that increases the vessel’s stability and planing abilities. Other than the lower-end inflatables, though, almost all will have stable floors and a captain’s seat. Rowing is difficult in rough conditions, so inflatables are most commonly used with a 5-10 horsepower outboard.

Roll-up inflatables are easily stored, don’t take up much space, and are the lightest of all inflatable options. They also have the least to offer in functionality, and since most don’t have a rigid transom, they must be rowed by hand. Unless you only plan to use the vessel in calm conditions, you should consider dinghies with hard floors and transoms. 

Soft bottom dinghies with rigid floors and transoms are more ideal, as they can be used efficiently in a wider variety of situations. The ability to mount an outboard allows you to use the vessel in harsher conditions and travel greater distances. The rigid floors allow you to use the vessel for fishing, diving, provisioning, and more without sacrificing stability and comfort. 

• Lightest Option
• Easily Compacted and Stored
• Easily Damaged and Punctured 
• Consistent Maintenance Required
• Low Efficiency

The RIB design is a cross between a soft bottom and rigid hull and gives you the most bang for your buck in the water. The hard-bodied hull makes for a stable and damage-resistant body, while the inflatable tubes add optimal stability. The RIB design is so efficient that it’s even used by the US Military and Coast Guard. The tradeoff you make with a RIB is portability and storage, as the hull can not be taken apart or broken down. However, this can be overlooked by carefully choosing a RIB that’s right for your boat. If you’re looking to outfit your boat for scuba diving , a RIB should be pretty much your only consideration for a tender.

Rigid Inflatable Dinghies are the most popular type of dinghy for cruising sailors, and it’s easy to see why. RIBs used as dinghies are commonly between 10 and 15-feet long, with anything larger being reserved for massive yachts with dinghy garages or excess storage space. RIBs are typically stored on davits or lashed upside down somewhere on the deck of the boat. For shorter trips near shore and in calm conditions, you can tow the RIB behind the boat.

Typically, RIBs are available with either aluminum or fiberglass hulls. Aluminum is lighter and stronger than fiberglass, although you should expect to see a price tag that matches those benefits. 

• Optimal Speed, Handling, and Stability Rugged 
• Limited Storage Options

Outboard Dinghy Motors

After choosing the dinghy that’s right for you and your vessel, you’ll need to select an outboard to fit. You’ll want something powerful enough to make the dinghy plane at full capacity but also light enough to transfer to and from the dinghy‘s transom. Before making a decision, check with the manufacturer to determine the recommended power output for your intended use. 

Generally speaking, fully inflatable dinghies that measure around 10-feet in length support a 5-8 horsepower outboard, which is sufficient for the basics. For a more capable inflatable, look for a 10-25 horsepower outboard. Just be cautious, as too much power can flip a lightweight dinghy. 

Similarly, a 10-foot RIB will support a heavier engine, such as a 10-15 horsepower outboard that provides enough power for the boat to plane while carrying more than one passenger. For more capability, look for an outboard in the 20-50 horsepower range.

Either way, you’ll need to decide your dinghy’s primary purpose and buy an outboard to support it.

If it’s simply used for trips to shore in calm conditions, a lower-powered outboard will likely be sufficient. The more power you can apply, the more capable your dinghy will become. Further, the maximum power output of the engine should always exceed the recommendations for operating the dinghy at full capacity. If you have a powerful outboard, you won’t have to worry as much about overworking the engine when the boat is full. 

When determining which motor is right for you, keep in mind the storage and transportation options you have. If you need to lift the dinghy and outboard out of the water manually, it might be safe to say that the lighter the outboard’s weight, the better. If your back can handle the extra weight, though, the 4-stroke engines are far better suited for things like water sports and rough surface conditions.

Dinghy Excursion Checklist

• Check inflation levels and make sure there is no water inside the boat. If there is, look for leaks or damage.
• Ensure the boat is free of all loose lines, flags, or anything that could get caught in the boat propeller.
• Check to make sure the outboard is appropriately and securely mounted to the transom. 
• Quickly test both the forward and reverse gears to make sure everything is working as it should. 
• Test the lights on the dinghy, even if it’s still light out. 
• Check for paddles, lifejackets, first-aid kits, and dinghy repair kits.

Operating the Dinghy

• When operating the dinghy alone, clip the emergency motor stop to your clothing. If you fall overboard, your motor will stop. 
• Be cautious when using a powerful outboard. Too much power can cause a lightweight inflatable to flip or overturn. 
• Bring the dinghy upwind when returning to your boat for a more controlled approach. 
• Always use both front and rear-facing lights when operating the dinghy after dark.
• When towing the dinghy behind your boat, experiment with the length of the tow rope to find the smoothest pull.
• If there is any surf present, do not attempt to beach your dinghy.
• Use a dinghy anchor if there are large tide changes, waves, or swells present.
• Keep a dinghy repair kit on board at all times in case of small punctures or tears.
• Dinghy covers reduce UV light exposure and prolong the life of the dinghy by up to five years.
• Cosmetically, CSE doesn’t wear down for about 10 years. PVC begins to look rough after only a few.
• Consider where you intend to use your dinghy. Will it be in locations with high swells, rocky shores, and cold water? If so, consider a more rugged and damage-resistant material.
• Before purchasing a dinghy, visit a few boat shows, and read user reviews. You want to be comfortable making a purchase, and having first-hand resources to chat with is the best way to feel confident about your decision. 
• Keep your dinghy insured separately in case of incidents that happen away from your yacht.
• Dinghies and their outboard motors are common targets of theft, so be sure to lock up both whenever possible.

When choosing a dinghy for your cruising lifestyle, it’s important to know exactly how to buy a new or used boat  and what considerations should be prioritized. 

Join the #BoatLife community and contribute to our new forum! Get a new conversation started, or use your experience to address existing posts.

If you found this article helpful, please leave a comment below, share it on social media, and subscribe to our email list.

For direct questions and comments, shoot me an email at [email protected]

Sharing is caring!

Reader Interactions

July 3, 2021 at 10:26 am

I have one for my canoe, my dinghy, and my power boat So, the next time you see a 5 year old boat in Seabridge marina in Ventura California, that looks brand new, it’s my boat.

July 30, 2021 at 8:17 am

It is a great article and quite intresting to read too thanks for sharing such good information with us.

August 1, 2021 at 4:15 pm

Thanks for reading, Cassey. We’re always here to help – don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments!

December 14, 2021 at 2:08 pm

Travis – My name is Mark and I am a member of the Great Lakes Cruising Club. We’ve been around since 1934, we have 2,500 US & Canadian members and we are a volunteer driven organization. For the last twelve years we have operated an on-line school, the GLCCSchool.com. Annually we present 35-40 webinars and have an attendance of around 900 people. We really liked your article on dinghies and are wondering if you would consider turning that into a presentation for our school. If you have the slightest interest please check us out and send me an email so we can explore this further. Thanks.

January 23, 2022 at 2:27 pm

Thank you for all of the applicable information. I appreciate how the differences of each type of boat were well defined. This article was extremely helpful.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

MB #20512 PO BOX 480 Sevenoaks Kent TN13 9JY

Tel: +44 56 0386 9163

Keep In Touch

Thank you for reading.

Join our online crew and find more about the #boatlife

• Paddle Board

A Guide to Dinghy Boats

Are you looking for an affordable boat for your fishing trips or watersports? The dinghy offers you the best options for a low-cost, versatile watercraft. There are several dinghy designs to suit any watersports activity.

Typically, dinghies are the best choice for watersports like skiing and diving. However, some models are good for cruising or light sailing, with options for motors or sails. A dinghy can range in size, but most of them are suitable for carrying two to six people.

Dinghies are available in models suiting use in freshwater or saltwater, with inflatables, solid boats, and more options. Is a dinghy the right choice for your boat? Let’s unpack everything you need to know about these watercraft.

What Is a Dinghy Boat?

A dinghy is a small boat, usually and inflatable, and most models are around five to ten feet long. A dinghy is easy to transport, and it offers versatile utility for fishing and watersports. You also have options for motors, sales, or you can use oars to propel the boat.

Dinghies can feature fiberglass construction, or they may use inflatable pontoons, similar to a pontoon boat. The inflatable models typically feature design and construction with Hypalon or PVC. These polymers provide UV resistance, tough resistance against punctures, and easy repairs.

The sides on inflatables also act as seats, allowing fishing directly from all sides of the boat. Dinghies are not really built for speed; they usually come with low-powered trolling motors with a 3-hp to 5-hp output. However, they are ideal for moving through estuaries and lakes, allowing for silent movement so you don’t disturb the fish.

What are the best beginner sailing dinghies?

If you’re just getting into sailing, there are several dinghy options for enjoying your time out on the water. Whether you want to sail solo or with a friend, there is a boat for you.

Training Sailing Dinghies

These models are easy to master, giving beginners the chance to master the complexities of sailboats. They are simple to operate, safe, and offer you the best option for learning to master sailing techniques.

Doublehanded Sailing Dinghies

These models cater to two passengers for handling the sail and rigging. They are great for learners, allowing them to take an experienced sailor out on the water to learn the ropes.

Singlehanded Sailing Dinghies

These models have a design for one person. Typically, they are smaller boats, and you’ll already have to know how to sail. However, they are easy to master, and spending time out on the water will familiarize you with the aspects of sailboats.

These dinghies feature double or triple hulls. They are typically the best choice for racing, and they offer excellent stability in all water conditions.

Different Types of Dinghy Models

As mentioned, there are several models of dinghies for different watersports activities. Here are the most common options; we categorized them into sailing dinghies and inflatable dinghies.

Sailing Dinghies

A sailing dinghy is a small sailboat with no fixed keel and a shallow draft. These models are ideal for sailing in lagoons, estuaries, and lakes, navigating shallow waters. The sailing dinghy typically features a fiberglass design, with an open-plan seating area and a mast. These boats usually accommodate anywhere from one to five passengers.

High-Performance Dinghies

High-performance sailing dinghies are another sail-based model that’s ideal for racing. They are fast and cut through the water with ease. You get excellent maneuverability on the water with a low-profile design and an open-plan deck with a mast. The Fireball, International 505, and Thistle are a few examples of leading racing and high-performance dinghies.

Cruising Dinghies

A cruising dinghy is another sail-based model that’s a great choice for cruising out in calm ocean conditions or inland water bodies. They are a recreational vessel equipped with sails and rudders, and you have more passenger capacity than the other sailing models. As a result, they are the ideal choice for family’s that enjoy the sailing lifestyle.

Cruiser-Racer Dinghies

These models are hybrids that come with a focus on performance and stability. They have the ability to race or to cruise, providing excellent stability in the water. They are a great choice for someone that wants to start sailing competitively, and they also work for fun recreational sailing days on the lake with the family. The GP14 is an example of a cruiser-racer offering high-performance standards and stable cruising.

Classic Dinghies

These boats had an original design featuring wood finishes using materials like plywood and cedar. However, modern dinghies feature fiberglass construction. The classic dinghy sailboat focuses on versatility over sailing performance. The Minto is a great example of a classic dinghy.

Inflatable Dinghies

Inflatables are gaining in popularity thanks to the affordable price tag and versatility offered by the boat. Inflatables are easy to carry, and some might even fit on the back of a truck. Inflatables have side pontoons, and many of them are suitable for diving activities or spearfishing. These dinghies usually feature low-powered trolling motors; they don’t have a design for speed.

Features and Benefits of Dinghy Boat

Dinghies are versatile and affordable. There are plenty of benefits for choosing this boat beyond just the savings you make over other models.

The dinghy is one of the few boats left that offer a sailing configuration. If you’re into boating on lakes or thinking about sailing competitively, the dinghy is the best choice. Any of the sailing models listed above are a great choice. Pick the boat that offers you the best utility for your sailing needs.

Minimal Noise

Most dinghies are sailing options, so you don’t have to worry about gas fumes from the motor or noise. They offer a serene sailing experience on inland waters. Inflatable models may use a trolling engine for moving through calm, shallow waters when fishing. The low noise and churn produced by the motors won’t scare off the fish. You also have options for poling and oars for moving around without engines.

Trailerable

Dinghies are compact boats with sailing and inflatable models offering you easy trailering. Some of the smaller inflatables can fit in the back of a panel van or on the load bed of your single-cab truck. They offer you easy transport between lakes and estuaries, with a lightweight design that’s easy to launch and trailer.

Options for Inflatables or Fiberglass

As mentioned, the dinghy comes in sailing and inflatable options. Some fiberglass models also feature a wood finish on the deck for an added aesthetic that looks like a classic dinghy.

Ideal as an Excursion Boat for Yachts

Many superyachts use inflatable dinghies allowing the passengers to reach the shore. Yachts can’t enter shallow water, and the dinghy makes the ideal transfer boat for reaching the coast from open water. Most of these models feature low-powered motors.

No Need for Registration

Larger vessels require registration before you can take them out on the water. However, dinghies are small, and they don’t need any registration or licensing before you can take them out on the water. As long as the boat doesn’t have a fixed motor and is less than eight feet in length, you don’t have to worry about doing the paperwork. Regulations differ between California and Florida, so check with your local authorities before taking your boat to the lake or slip.

Lightweight

The dinghy is a lightweight boat. The fiberglass and inflatable models offer you a lightweight watercraft that’s easy to launch and pull from the water. They are also easy to repair, with basic fiberglass or polymer patching.

Easy to Maneuver

The dinghy is a super-maneuverable boat. The sailing models are easy to tack in the wind, allowing for sharp turning radiuses and easy maneuverability on the water.

Complete sailing systems

Most sailing dinghies come with options for sail systems. If you want to learn the art of sailing or teach your kids about sailboats, the dinghy is the ideal starter vessel.

Suitable for use in Shallow Waters

The dinghy usually has a high draft and a shallow keel, allowing for sailing in shallow water, such as lakes. These boats won’t run aground, and the low hull design allows for less friction on the water, increasing speed and performance.

Save on Fuel

Sailing dinghies don’t have motors, so you save on fuel costs for your boating trips. Those inflatable models with trolling motors have low-capacity engines, and they are economical with fuel consumption.

Disadvantages of Dinghy Boat

The dinghy is a great choice for your first boat, especially if you want to tackle the art of sailing. However, they do come with some drawbacks.

Minimal Power and Small Motors

Since most models are sailboats, they rely on the wind for performance. Sure, some models can reach high speeds when the winds are right, but they lack a speed boat’s torque and on-demand power. Even those dinghy models relying on trolling motors don’t move very fast.

Limited Standing Room

The sailing dinghy doesn’t offer you any standing room. Sure, you can stand on the deck, but you’ll have to duck and manage the sail, and that could mean the boat tosses you overboard. The small size of the dinghy also means that you’ll unbalance the vessel if you stand on the deck.

Limited Seating

Dinghies are small boats designed for one to five passengers. Sure, you get bigger models, but these dinghies are more like proper sailboats. The seating may also be somewhat uncomfortable, as most models rely on a cast fiberglass deck with molded seats and no cushions.

No Crossover Function

Most dinghies are for sailing, and they don’t offer you crossover functions for fishing and watersports. It’s impossible to tow a skier, and the sail gets in the way of angling. The inflatable models are okay for fishing in shallow waters or inland water bodies, but the seating setup isn’t comfortable. The low-power trolling motors available for inflatable models don’t reach high speeds, making them unsuitable for watersports.

Limited Storage Space

Most dinghy models, especially sailing types, don’t come with consoles or storage systems. Some inflatables might have storage bins in the bow of the dinghy, but they typically don’t offer much storage space.

Top Dinghy Boat Brands and Models

Intex excursion 5.

The Intex Excursion 5 is a great example of an inflatable dinghy. You can seat up to five people in this model, and it has a rubber design with all the fishing accessories you need to get out on the water and enjoy a few hour’s angling in the lake.

You get four rod-holders, a bench-style seat in the boat’s center, and two inflatable seats.

This model comes with an affordable price tag and oars included with your purchase. There’s also the option of attaching a trolling motor for effortless navigation.

However, the boat is not suitable for standing, so don’t expect to cast far with this model. The boat comes with a three-chambered design and a 1,300-lbs capacity.

The Laser is the best choice for a single-hander sailboat dinghy. This boat is ideal for cruising or competitive racing, and they hold their resale value.

You get options for three rig sizes, the 4.7, Standard, and the Radial model. These boats feature fiberglass design and low hulls for easy navigation through shallow waters.

The RS Vision

This family sailboat makes a fantastic trainer, club racer, or cruising model. This boat can accommodate up to eight sailors, and the new RS Quest model features both trapeze and spinnaker options.

Wrapping Up

Dinghies are the ideal boat for learning how to sail, and they also make inexpensive boats for recreational fishing in inland water or calm ocean conditions.

They are not the most durable boats, and they don’t accommodate many people. However, there are plenty of models to suit your sailing experience or watercraft needs. However, they offer lightweight design, user-friendly operation, and choices for inflatable or fiberglass models.

If you’re looking to learn how to sail, you won’t find a better boat available.

John is an experienced journalist and veteran boater. He heads up the content team at BoatingBeast and aims to share his many years experience of the marine world with our readers.

A Complete Guide to Micro Skiffs: All You Need to Know!

A complete guide to narrow boats: all you need to know, a guide to aluminum fishing boats.

Comments are closed.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Please verify you are a human

Access to this page has been denied because we believe you are using automation tools to browse the website.

This may happen as a result of the following:

• Javascript is disabled or blocked by an extension (ad blockers for example)
• Your browser does not support cookies

Please make sure that Javascript and cookies are enabled on your browser and that you are not blocking them from loading.

Reference ID: d502c8e1-62ae-11ef-9753-41108c6b32b4

Powered by PerimeterX , Inc.

• AROUND THE SAILING WORLD
• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Email Newsletters
• America’s Cup
• St. Petersburg
• Caribbean Championship
• Boating Safety
• Ultimate Boat Giveaway

2022 Boat of the Year: Best Dinghy

• By Dave Reed
• December 17, 2021

Sailing World Magazine’s annual Boat of the Year tests are conducted in Annapolis, Maryland, following the US Sailboat Show. With independent judges exhaustively inspecting the boats on land and putting them through their paces on the water, this year’s fleet of new performance-sailing boats spanned from small dinghies to high-tech bluewater catamarans. Here’s the best of the best from our 2022 Boat of the Year nominees »

Skeptics be warned: The Happy Cat Hurricane is legit. This is the unanimous assessment from our Boat of the Year judging squad after sailing the surprisingly quick and nimble 16-foot inflatable catamaran in 10 knots of breeze. While it delivers exhilarating sailing, it’s much more than a recreational rubber dinghy—it’s an adventure craft, a portable sailboat, a pontoon motorboat, a lazy-river drifter, or anything you want it to be once it’s pumped and splashed.

Grabner is an Austrian manufacturer of all types of inflatable watercraft, which the company has been building since the mid-1980s. The Happy Cat Hurricane came online in 2017, and a carbon-mast version was added in 2019. The Hurricane Carbon, which the judges tested, is the company’s flagship go-fun craft, and apparently, it can’t make them fast enough.

We racers know fiberglass better than we do rubber, but Alex Caslow, of Redbeard Sailing in Baltimore (the US importer), says Grabner’s vulcanized rubber is “tire-quality” and sourced from Continental. All of the Happy Cat’s tubes, he adds, are handmade, glued and welded in Austria, producing high-quality hulls that should last at least 20 years. There’s a seven-year warranty on the hulls, he says, but should you ever need to, $2,000 is your replacement price (per hull). The all-up price for a new boat, with everything you need to go racing or gunkholing, is currently $15,000.

The magic to keeping the Happy Cat’s tubular platform stiff is the anodized aluminum frame that holds it all together. Tension cables crisscrossed beneath the trampolines provide additional stiffness in waves. The frame also serves as attachment points for the trampolines, which are clipped on rather than laced like most catamaran tramps.

The boat, Caslow says, can be assembled in roughly 40 minutes—from taken out of the storage bags to inflated and sails hoisted. Upgrading from the standard manual pump to a 12-volt air pump accelerates the process, of course.

Bags? That’s right. The entire boat and rig fit into four bags collectively small enough to transport in the average-size car trunk. This portability is its primary selling point, especially in Europe, where hundreds of owners and devotees regularly gather to rally and raid on alpine lakes and coastal enclaves. Its second selling point is that it sails as well as most fiberglass recreational catamarans.

“It definitely caught my eye when we first walked up to it,” Chuck Allen says. “The bright-red hulls, the carbon rig, all the ropes, but especially the interesting setup with the rudder and centerboard being on centerline. I’d never sailed a catamaran with a centerboard.

“The hulls are really firm—they feel just like a RIB tube, and all the aluminum framing and wires are nice quality. I was really curious how it would sail, and believe it or not, it sailed like a champ.”

Greg Stewart says his first impression was one of skepticism as well. “It seemed like it would be one of those boats that looked cool on land but would let us down, but it didn’t at all. It sailed amazingly. It tacked well enough that I didn’t have to backwind the jib, and got up to speed again quickly.”

The ability to tack it like a dinghy, Stewart says, is because of the centerboard and because the rudder is mounted in the best place possible. “What makes it steer so well is the rudder is so far aft, which gives you a nice turning moment between it and the centerboard.”

The centerboard has up/down lines that are led to the front beam and cam cleats, but there is a breaker line in case you get into shallow waters. The centerboard casing also acts as an anchor point for the dolphin striker.

The reverse “wave-piercing” bows have a lot of buoyancy down low, Stewart adds. When he was sailing upwind through chop, they “just want to lift and rise up over the wave.” If flying a hull gets a bit too unnerving, he says, a small ease on the mainsheet or a slight bear away makes the boat settle right down with a soft and pillowy landing. Stewart forgot to conduct the obligatory capsize test, but he said afterward that the boat tended to simply slip sideways if the weather hull got too high. The optional masthead float, however, would be a good choice for peace of mind, he says.

“There’s a great sensation of speed,” Powlison reports, especially with the 91-square-foot gennaker. “The Velocitek SpeedPuck that was on the boat was reading 10 to 11 knots regularly, and it wasn’t hard at all to tack or jibe either. The spinnaker clew is pretty high, and the boomless square-top mainsail (124 square feet) makes it really easy to get across the boat.”

“This boat rips,” was Allen’s final assessment. He gave it high marks all around, but what ultimately stole his favor was a browse through Grabner’s catalog, which showcased the Happy Cat’s versatility: Leave the mast in its bag, erect the optional sun awning, and slap on the outboard motor bracket to transform it into an outboard-powered exploration craft and swimming platform. Or strap on extra fore and aft trampolines, load the boat up with camping gear in dry bags, and explore new places.

“Its biggest appeal really is its portability,” Stewart says. “If you don’t have easy access to a yacht club or storage near the water, you can easily keep this in the garage or apartment without taking up much space at all. Throw it in the car and take it wherever you want.”

Assembly, Caslow says, is simple and quick once the hulls are inflated. The tubes slide into grooves in the frame, tension cables are clipped on with carabiners, the trampoline is strapped on, and the mast can be raised by one person once it’s pinned onto the ball joint.

When it’s assembled, the Hurricane Carbon is only 175 pounds, but it is still a bit unwieldy for solo ramp launching. For this particular challenge, Grabner offers flip-up “slip wheels” that mount to the aft beam and stay on the boat while sailing. With your standard big-wheeled catamaran dolly, however, it’s easy to move around and beach-launch. And once you’re underway and zipping along, crew extended on the wire and the soft bounce of the hull on your bottom, you’ll just want to keep on sailing—happy as a cat on nip.

• More: Boat of the Year , Boat of the Year 2022 , Sailboats
• More Sailboats

Sporty and Simple is the ClubSwan 28

Nautor Swan Has A New Pocket Rocket

Pogo Launches its Latest Coastal Rocket

A Deeper Dive Into the Storm 18

Cruising Cat Racing Franco Style

The Marvelous AC75s On Deck

Alinghi Red Bull Racing Suffers Second Mast Failure

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Sailing Dinghy: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

by Emma Sullivan | Jul 13, 2023 | Sailing Adventures

Short answer: Sailing Dinghy

A sailing dinghy is a small, lightweight boat designed for recreational or competitive sailing. It typically has a single mast and sails, and can be sailed by one or two people. Dinghies offer an accessible way to learn and enjoy sailing, with various types available including the popular Laser, Optimist, and Flying Junior models.

How to Choose the Perfect Sailing Dinghy for Your Adventures

Title: Embarking on New Adventures: Expert Tips for Selecting Your Ideal Sailing Dinghy

Introduction: Setting sail on a thrilling adventure with your very own sailing dinghy is an experience that few can resist. Whether you’re an avid sailor seeking the perfect companion or a beginner ready to dive into the captivating world of sailing, choosing the right dinghy is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we will navigate through the key considerations and share expert insights to help you select the flawless sailing dinghy for your upcoming adventures.

1. Evaluate Your Skill Level: As with any sporting activity, assessing your skill level is paramount when selecting a sailing dinghy. Beginners should opt for forgiving and stable options, such as small catamarans or dinghies equipped with centerboards that offer enhanced stability and ease of control. On the other hand, experienced sailors might feel more comfortable pushing their limits with high-performance racing dinghies designed for speed and maneuverability.

2. Purpose and Intended Use: Consider how you plan to utilize your sailing dinghy. Are you looking to embark on serene leisure cruises? Or are adrenaline-pumping regattas and races more your style? The purpose of usage dictates various factors like size, design, rigging options, and even storage requirements.

– For Recreational Sailing: If relaxation is your primary objective, seek out spacious designs with comfortable seating arrangements suitable for day trips. Dinghies featuring open cockpits allow easy movement while showcasing stability in calmer waters. – Racing Enthusiasts: Aspiring sailors seeking competitive endeavors should gravitate toward lighter-weight designs built specifically for speed and agility. Consider high-performance hulls with advanced rigging systems that maximize control during tight maneuvers.

3. Size Matters: Selecting an appropriate dinghy size is crucial to ensure safety, comfort, and overall performance on the water. – Solo Sailors: Those planning solitary adventures should opt for smaller, single-handed sailing dinghies that offer ease of handling, maneuverability, and quick rigging. – Crew or Family Sailing: For group outings or family escapades, larger dinghies with multiple seating options and spacious interiors are recommended. Look for models designed to accommodate your specific crew size comfortably.

4. Material Considerations: Dinghies can be crafted from a variety of materials, each presenting unique attributes in terms of durability, maintenance, weight, and cost. – Fiberglass: Popular for its reliability and longevity while offering sleek designs and low maintenance requirements. – Wood: A classic choice appreciated for its timeless appeal and natural beauty. Wooden dinghies require greater upkeep but can be extremely rewarding for enthusiasts who enjoy the traditional aesthetic. – Inflatable Dinghies: Versatile and easily transportable options that inflate quickly when needed—ideal for those seeking convenience or frequent exploration in distant locations.

5. Estimating Budget: Understanding the financial investment required is essential before embarking on your purchase journey. Determine your budget based on factors like desired features, boat condition (new vs. pre-owned), accessories required (sails, oars), and ongoing maintenance costs. Exploring both new and used market options may help find the sweet spot between quality and affordability.

Conclusion: Selecting the ideal sailing dinghy requires careful consideration of various factors such as skill level, intended use, size requirements, materials used in construction, and available budget range. Taking these aspects into account will not only pave the way for safe and enjoyable adventures but also ensure a long-lasting relationship with your chosen vessel. So set sail with confidence on your next adventure as you navigate the vast ocean waves with grace aboard your perfect sailing dinghy!

A Step-by-Step Guide to Rigging and Launching a Sailing Dinghy

Rigging and launching a sailing dinghy can be an exciting adventure for those who love the open water. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just starting out, properly rigging and launching your dinghy is crucial for a safe and successful outing. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get your sailing dinghy ready for action.

Step 1: Gather Your Gear Before you begin the rigging process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary equipment and gear. This includes sails, mast, boom, rudder, tiller, lines (ropes), lifejackets, and any other required safety equipment. Having everything organized ahead of time will make the rigging process smoother.

Step 2: Prep the Mast Start by inserting the mast into its base on the boat securely. Make sure it is straight and secure before proceeding further. Attach any necessary hardware such as shrouds or stay wires that support the mast’s stability.

Step 3: Connect Boom and Sails Next, attach the boom to the mast using appropriate fittings or hardware. Ensure that it is securely fastened so that it won’t come loose when under sail. Now attach your main sail to both the mast and boom using halyards (lines) or clips provided for this purpose.

Step 4: Install Rudder and Tiller Once your sails are secured in place, proceed to install the rudder onto its pintles (metal fittings) at the back of your dinghy. Make sure it moves freely but with enough resistance while being attached tightly enough to avoid falling off during sailing activities. Attach one end of a tiller extension to the top of your tiller handle before inserting it into its fitting on top of the rudder assembly.

Step 5: Check Lines and Controls Take a moment to ensure all control lines are in proper working order before leaving the dock. These lines include sheets (controls for adjusting sails), halyards (controls for raising and lowering sails), and any other lines specific to your dinghy’s rigging setup.

Step 6: Safety Check Before launching, conduct a thorough safety check. Inspect all the installed equipment to ensure there are no loose fittings or potential hazards. Ensure you have life jackets on board for everyone, alongside essential safety items such as a whistle, flares, and a first aid kit.

Step 7: Launching Your Dinghy Now it’s time to launch your dinghy into the water! Find an appropriate boat ramp or area that provides easy access to the water. Make sure your dinghy is securely attached to a trailer or hoist system before slowly lowering it into the water.

Step 8: Adjust Sails and Prepare for Sailing Once your dinghy is in the water, climb aboard while being mindful of your balance within the vessel. Adjust the sails accordingly by releasing or tightening control lines until they are adequately set for sailing conditions.

Step 9: Give Way to Freedom! Finally, push off from shore or engage your engine if necessary—head out onto open waters with confidence in your newly rigged sailing dinghy!

Rigging and launching a sailing dinghy may seem like a daunting task at first, but with this step-by-step guide, you’ll find yourself confidently setting sail in no time. Remember that practice makes perfect – take every opportunity to hone your skills and learn more about safely navigating on open waters. So grab your gear, embrace the wind in your sails, and enjoy every moment aboard as you embark on exciting nautical adventures!

Exploring the Basics: Understanding the Components of a Sailing Dinghy

Are you eager to embark on your sailing adventures but feeling a bit overwhelmed by the complex world of sailing dinghies? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll break down the essential components of a sailing dinghy, helping you understand their functions and how they contribute to your incredible sailing experience. So grab your life jacket and let’s dive in!

1. Mast and Rigging:

Let’s start at the top with the mast and rigging – the backbone of any sailing dinghy. The mast is a vertical spar that supports the sails, allowing you to harness the power of wind. Rigging comprises various cables, wires, and lines that support and control the shape of the sail. Together, they ensure stability and allow for smooth maneuvering through different conditions.

Ah, yes! The majestic sails that capture the wind’s energy to propel you forward! Sailing dinghies typically have two types of sails – a mainsail and a jib/genoa. The mainsail is attached to the mast while the jib/genoa is mounted on the forestay at the bow. These sails work together to catch wind from different directions, making use of every gust for maximum speed.

Imagine yourself as Captain Jack Sparrow steering your ship – well, meet your trusty companion; The rudder! Located at the stern (back) of your sailing dinghy, it allows you to control direction by adjusting its angle relative to water flow. Be mindful of maintaining proper balance between speed and maneuverability – too much rudder can cause drag!

4. Centerboard or Daggerboard:

Diving beneath your boat’s surface brings us face-to-face with an often overlooked hero –the centerboard or daggerboard! Attached to keel/centerline underneath your boat or inside its hull respectively (depending on design), these retractable fins provide stability, preventing excessive drifting sideways. Lower it when sailing and retract it during beach landings or shallow waters to avoid damage.

The hull, the lower part of your dinghy that sits in the water, plays a vital role in buoyancy, stability, and speed. Most dinghy hulls are made from fiberglass, wood, or composite materials like carbon fiber. Each material has distinct characteristics offering different trade-offs between weight, strength, and cost – be sure to choose wisely!

6. Control Lines:

Ever wondered how those skilled sailors effortlessly perform stunning maneuvers? Well, behind their impressive skills lies an intricate web of control lines! From cunninghams to outhauls, downhauls to vang lines – these ropes help you adjust sail shape, control tension on various parts of your boat’s rigging and achieve optimal performance under different wind conditions.

7. Sailing Instruments:

If you’re aiming for precision and advanced data about your boat’s performance on the water – investing in sailing instruments is a game-changer! From depth sounders and GPS devices to wind indicators and compasses – these handy gadgets provide valuable information helping you navigate with finesse while avoiding unexpected obstacles underwater.

Understanding these essential components will boost your confidence as you embark on your sailing journey. Always remember – safety comes first! Ensure you have appropriate personal protection gear like life jackets and familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations before setting sail.

So there you have it – a comprehensive rundown of the key components that make up a sailing dinghy. Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge, hoist those sails high and embrace the joys of sailing with confidence! Fair winds and smooth seas await brave sailor!

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Maintaining and Repairing Your Sailing Dinghy

Welcome sailors! We are here to address all your queries and concerns about maintaining and repairing your beloved sailing dinghy. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or just dipping your toes into the pastime, we have compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions that will provide you with all the necessary information to keep your dinghy in top-notch condition.

1. Why is regular maintenance important for my sailing dinghy?

Regular maintenance is vital for any watercraft, especially for sailing dinghies. Being exposed to the elements, they require special attention to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Routine checks and upkeep will prevent minor issues from turning into major problems while ensuring safety on the open water.

2. What should be included in my regular maintenance routine?

Your routine maintenance should encompass several crucial aspects: – Hull Inspection: Regularly examine your hull for any signs of damage or wear, including cracks or loose fittings. – Cleaning: Remove dirt, grime, and saltwater residues after each use to prevent corrosion and deterioration. – Rigging Inspection: Inspect ropes, lines, and fittings for fraying or weakened areas that may compromise their integrity. – Sail Care: Check for tears, mold growth, or loose stitching on your sails. Prompt repairs or replacements are essential. – Safety Equipment Check: Ensure all safety gear such as life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers are functional and up-to-date.

3. How can I protect my sailing dinghy from degrading due to sun exposure?

The sun’s rays can take a toll on boat finishes over time if not properly protected. To shield your sailing dinghy from this degradation: – Apply UV-resistant wax to the hull regularly. – Invest in a fitted cover designed specifically for such boats when it is not in use. – Store your dinghy in shaded areas whenever possible.

4. What steps should I take if I notice any damage or wear on my dinghy?

It is crucial to address any damages promptly to ensure optimal performance and safety: – For minor cracks or chips, use an appropriate marine-grade epoxy to fill them in. – Consult a professional if you encounter major structural damage or are unsure about repairs needed. – Regularly check the condition of your rigging and replace any frayed or weakened lines promptly.

5. Are there any specialized tools or equipment I should have for maintaining my sailing dinghy?

While basic maintenance can be done with common tools, certain tasks may require specific equipment: – A sail repair kit consisting of adhesive patches, thread, and needles for quick fixes on sails. – An epoxy kit for repairing cracks or chips on the hull. – A tension gauge to ensure proper rigging tension for optimal performance.

Remember to familiarize yourself with these tools’ proper usage before attempting repairs!

Now that you’re armed with knowledge about sailing dinghy maintenance and repair, you can confidently hit the water without worries. Stay safe, take care of your vessel, and enjoy the exhilarating experience of sailing!

Essential Safety Tips for Beginners in Sailing Dinghies

Sailing dinghies offer a thrilling and adventurous experience on the open water. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced sailor, it’s crucial to prioritize safety while embarking on your sailing journey. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with some essential safety tips catered specifically towards beginners in sailing dinghies. So grab your life jacket and let’s dive in!

1. Always wear a life jacket: Safety should always be your number one priority when sailing. Regardless of your swimming abilities, wearing a properly fitted and Coast Guard-approved life jacket is non-negotiable. It provides buoyancy and ensures your safety in case of an unexpected capsize or any other unforeseen circumstance.

2. Get acquainted with the weather forecast: Checking the weather conditions before setting sail is imperative for any sailor, especially beginners. Unfavorable weather can make your sailing experience dangerous and unpredictable. Keep an eye out for strong winds, storms, or changing tides that may affect your journey. Remember, it’s better to stay ashore if the weather seems risky.

3. Learn basic navigation skills: Understanding basic navigation techniques will help you maintain control over your dinghy even if you lose sight of land or landmarks. Familiarize yourself with reading nautical charts to identify potential hazards like shallow waters or submerged rocks within your sailing area. Additionally, learning how to use a compass can assist you in maintaining course direction when visibility is limited.

4. Never sail alone initially: As an inexperienced sailor venturing into the world of dinghy sailing, it’s advisable not to embark on solo trips until you’ve gained confidence and sufficient knowledge about handling various situations on the water. Sailing with a more experienced buddy or joining a beginner-friendly sailing club allows for shared responsibilities and immediate assistance during emergencies.

5. Inform others about your plans: Before heading out on the water, inform someone trustworthy about your planned itinerary – including departure time, expected return, and the sailing area you’ll be exploring. In case of any delays or unforeseen circumstances, this information will enable others to start searching for you if necessary.

6. Know your limits: It’s crucial to acknowledge your own abilities and limitations as a beginner sailor. Be honest with yourself about your swimming skills, knowledge of sailing techniques, and comfort level on the water. Avoid pushing boundaries by attempting challenging maneuvers or heading into unfamiliar territory until you’ve gained sufficient experience and competence.

7. Stay aware of your surroundings: Constant vigilance is essential while sailing in order to avoid potential collisions with other vessels or fixed obstacles such as moored boats, buoys, or rocks. Regularly scan the area around you and maintain situational awareness at all times. Remember, prevention is always better than dealing with an accident afterward!

8. Practice capsizing drills: Capsize recovery skills are vital for any dinghy sailor – even more so for beginners. Learning how to properly right a capsized dinghy and reboard it can save both equipment and lives in emergency situations. Familiarize yourself with these techniques by practicing them under controlled conditions before venturing out into unfamiliar waters.

9. Carry essential safety equipment: Apart from a life jacket, ensure that your dinghy is equipped with necessary safety gear such as a whistle or horn to signal distress, a waterproof flashlight for emergencies during low visibility hours, flares (if required), and a throwable flotation device like a lifebuoy.

10. Take sailing lessons from professionals: Last but not least, investing in formal sailing lessons conducted by certified instructors can be invaluable for acquiring the essential skills needed to become a confident sailor. These experts will guide you through proper boat handling techniques, safety protocols specific to dinghies, and provide insights based on their extensive experience.

By adhering to these essential safety tips tailored towards beginners in sailing dinghies, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy a safe and enjoyable sailing experience. Remember, it’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to venturing out into the open water – your safety should always be your top concern. So set sail with confidence, aware of the risks but ready for adventure in your trusty dinghy!

Unleashing the Thrill: Mastering Advanced Techniques in Sailing Dinghy Racing

Do you find yourself yearning for the exhilarating rush of adrenaline, the wind whipping through your hair, and the sense of ultimate freedom that comes from gliding effortlessly across the water? If so, then you’re no stranger to the enchanting world of sailing dinghy racing. But what if we told you there’s a whole new level of excitement waiting to be discovered – one that can only be achieved by mastering advanced techniques?

In this blog post, we are determined to unlock the secrets that will take your sailing skills to unprecedented heights. Prepare to experience an electrifying journey as we delve into the realm of advanced techniques in sailing dinghy racing.

First and foremost, let’s talk about boat handling. While basic maneuvering may have gotten you across the finish line before, it’s time to elevate your game. The art of skillful boat handling lies in precisely trimming sails, adjusting weight distribution, and anticipating changes in wind direction like a seasoned sailor. We’ll guide you through these intricacies with detailed explanations and expert advice so that you can glide effortlessly through choppy waters and leave your competitors trailing behind.

Next up on our quest for mastery is strategy. Sailing dinghy racing isn’t just about who can sail fastest; it’s about making strategic moves that will give you an edge over your rivals. By understanding wind patterns, current flows, and racecourse dynamics like never before, you’ll be able to make split-second decisions that can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Our clever insights will equip you with game-changing strategies that even experienced sailors may not have uncovered.

But let us not neglect the importance of physicality when it comes to dominating on the waves. Sailing dinghies demand strength, agility, and sheer determination from their captains. Our professional guidance will help condition your body for optimal performance while sharing inventive workouts to hone your reflexes and build the endurance required for these high-octane races. After all, being physically fit is not only vital for your own safety but also ensures an unstoppable presence on the water.

As we unlock the mastery of advanced techniques, we invite you to embrace innovation. Unleash your creativity and dare to challenge conventional sailing norms with groundbreaking techniques that will leave everyone in awe. We’ll explore cutting-edge technologies and equipment choices, giving you insider knowledge on how to gain a competitive edge using tools that others haven’t even thought of yet.

Last but not least, we must emphasize the importance of fostering camaraderie within this tight-knit sailing community. Forming alliances and learning from experienced sailors can significantly accelerate your growth as a racer. Our witty anecdotes and stories from seasoned professionals will entertain you while imparting valuable wisdom garnered through years of experience.

So buckle up (or should we say “harness yourself”) for an exhilarating journey into the world of mastering advanced techniques in sailing dinghy racing. With our detailed professional guidance, witty insights, clever strategies, and innovative approaches – there’s no limit to what you can achieve on those waves. Get ready to unleash the thrill like never before!

Recent Posts

• Sailboat Gear and Equipment
• Sailboat Lifestyle
• Sailboat Maintenance
• Sailboat Racing
• Sailboat Tips and Tricks
• Sailboat Types
• Sailing Adventures
• Sailing Destinations
• Sailing Safety
• Sailing Techniques

• The Ultimate Guide to Small Sailboats: From Dinghies to Ocean Cruisers

Ahoy there, maritime enthusiasts! Are you tired of being a landlubber and ready to take on the open waters? Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming about sailing into the sunset but thought that owning a sailboat was only for the wealthy or the experienced? The good news is that small sailboats are here to prove you wrong. Easy to maneuver, affordable, and incredibly fun, these little vessels offer a world of possibilities for novices and veterans alike. So, why not set sail on this journey and explore what small sailboats have to offer?

Types of Small Sailboats

Dinghies are like the hatchbacks of the sailing world—compact, practical, and surprisingly versatile. Usually measuring under 15 feet, they are the go-to boats for sailing newbies to cut their teeth on. Why? Because they're affordable and easy to manage. Think of a dinghy as your first bicycle—sure, you'll fall a few times, but the lessons learned are invaluable.

If a dinghy is a hatchback, then a daysailer would be your sporty coupe—ideal for a fun day out but not really for a week-long journey. These boats are a bit larger, typically ranging from 15 to 25 feet, and can comfortably accommodate 4 to 6 people. They're perfect for sailing close to shore, having a picnic on the water, or enjoying a beautiful sunset.

Looking for something a bit unique? The catboat could be your feline friend on the water. These boats are known for their single mast and mainsail, making them easier to handle. They’re the sort of boat that likes to lounge lazily in shallow waters but can also pick up the pace when needed.

Features to Consider When Buying

Hull material.

The hull is like the foundation of a house—if it's not strong, everything else fails. Generally, you'll find hulls made of fiberglass, wood, or even aluminum. Each material has its pros and cons. For instance, fiberglass is durable and low-maintenance but can be expensive. Wood offers a classic look but requires more upkeep.

Would you prefer manual or automatic transmission in a car? Similarly, the rig type of your sailboat affects your sailing experience. You might opt for a simple sloop with one mast and two sails or maybe a cutter with an additional headsail for better balance. The choice is yours.

Length and Beam

Here's where size really matters. The length and beam (width) of your boat will significantly impact its stability, storage capacity, and how it handles in different water conditions. It's not always that smaller is easier to handle; sometimes, a slightly larger boat offers better stability and amenities.

Advantages of Small Sailboats

Affordability.

Let's face it—owning a boat isn't cheap. But small sailboats make the dream more accessible. Not only are the upfront costs generally lower, but ongoing maintenance expenses like docking fees, cleaning, and repairs are also more manageable. It's the difference between owning a high-end sports car and a reliable sedan—both can be fun, but one is undoubtedly easier on the wallet.

Maneuverability

Remember the first time you parallel parked a car? Now, imagine doing that with a 40-foot boat! Small sailboats shine when it comes to maneuverability. They're easier to steer, quicker to respond, and a breeze to dock, making them perfect for navigating through narrow channels or crowded marinas.

Low Maintenance

Less is more when it comes to boat maintenance. Smaller surface area means fewer places for dirt and grime to hide, making cleaning easier. Not to mention, smaller engines (if your boat has one) mean less complicated mechanical problems to solve. It's like owning a plant that only needs water once a week—low commitment, high reward.

Popular Small Sailboats

Remember the Volkswagen Beetle of yesteryears? Compact, easy to manage, and immensely popular—that's what Sunfish is to the world of small sailboats. Whether you want to race or just sail leisurely, this boat is a versatile choice that won't disappoint.

For those who crave a bit more adrenaline, the J/22 is like the sports bike of small sailboats. Known for its speed, agility, and performance, this boat is a favorite in racing circles. It's agile enough to make quick turns yet sturdy enough to handle a variety of sea conditions.

Catalina 22

If you're looking for the minivan of small sailboats—functional, family-friendly, and reliable—the Catalina 22 is for you. Ideal for weekend trips with the family, this boat offers a cabin for shelter, a cooking space, and even a small toilet. It's a floating home away from home.

Small Sailing Yachts for Sale

Where to buy.

Buying a boat can be like buying a car; there are various avenues available. You can go through dealerships, check out classified ads, or even explore online platforms like Boat Trader or YachtWorld. Just like you wouldn't buy a car without a test drive, make sure to do a sea trial before making a purchase.

Price Range

The cost of your new aquatic venture can vary widely depending on the size, brand, and features. You might find a used dinghy for as low as $1,000 or a top-of-the-line daysailer that costs over $20,000. Therefore, it's crucial to budget not just for the initial purchase but also for the ongoing costs like maintenance, insurance, and docking fees.

(To be continued...)

Read our top notch articles on topics such as sailing, sailing tips and destinations in our Magazine .

Check out our latest sailing content:

Small Bluewater Sailboats

Definition and features.

When it comes to small sailboats, not all are built for the big leagues, aka open-ocean sailing. However, some compact beauties are fully capable of taking on the mighty seas, and these are commonly referred to as "bluewater sailboats." These boats generally have reinforced hulls, deep keels for added stability, and more robust rigging systems. They also often come with advanced navigation and safety features like radar and autopilot systems.

If you're serious about open-ocean sailing but don't want a massive boat, brands like Nor'Sea and Pacific Seacraft have some excellent offerings. These boats might be small in size (often under 30 feet), but they are big on features and sturdiness, designed to withstand challenging sea conditions.

Boats for Cruising

Characteristics.

A cruiser is like a comfortable sedan equipped for a cross-country road trip. Similarly, cruising boats are designed for longer journeys and typically feature amenities like sleeping cabins, cooking facilities, and even bathrooms. However, small cruising sailboats make these comforts available in a compact form, ensuring you don't have to compromise on luxury while also enjoying the benefits of a small boat.

The market offers various models to suit different cruising styles. If you prefer a classic, vintage look, the Bristol series offers some wonderful choices. Those who want a more modern flair might gravitate towards Hunter or Beneteau models. No matter your preference, there's likely a small cruising sailboat that fits the bill.

Very Small Sailing Boats

What makes them unique.

We're talking about boats usually under 10 feet, often even as small as 6 or 7 feet. These are the "motorbikes" of the sailing world—quick, nimble, and perfect for a joyride, albeit on water. What they lack in amenities, they make up for in sheer fun and the ability to go places bigger boats can't.

Very small sailing boats are perfect for specific types of water activities. You can use them for fishing, exploring secluded inlets, or just enjoying a peaceful day on the water. They are also excellent for teaching kids the basics of sailing due to their simplicity and ease of handling.

Small Ocean Sailboats

Ocean-capable small boats.

Yes, you read that right—there are small sailboats designed for ocean sailing. Unlike their cousins confined to more tranquil waters, these boats have features that make them seaworthy. However, don't assume that any small boat can be taken on an ocean voyage. Specific design features are essential for this kind of challenging adventure.

Essential Features

So what makes a small sailboat ocean-worthy? For starters, a strong hull designed to take on challenging sea conditions. You'd also want a deep keel for stability, a robust rigging system to withstand high winds, and multiple fail-safes like backup navigation systems.

Small Ocean Cruisers

Adaptability.

Ocean cruisers in a small size offer the best of both worlds—they are versatile enough for both coastal cruising and open-ocean voyages. These boats are like your all-terrain vehicles, capable yet compact.

Pros and Cons

While adaptable, small ocean cruisers may lack some of the luxury or speed that larger yachts can offer. However, their versatility and ease of handling often make them a popular choice for those who like a variety of sailing experiences.

Small Cruising Sailboats

Ideal for beginners.

If you're a rookie in the world of sailing, a small cruising sailboat could be your best bet. These boats are typically easy to handle, straightforward to maintain, and offer enough amenities for short trips—making them an ideal starting point.

Popular Models

If you're new to cruising, a couple of models might catch your attention. The Compac 16, known for its easy handling and classic look, is often recommended for beginners. Another excellent option is the Catalina 18, which offers a bit more room without compromising ease of use.

Setting sail on a small sailboat opens up a world of opportunities—whether you're a seasoned sailor looking for a weekend thrill or a beginner aiming for a long-term commitment to the sea. Understanding the types, features, advantages, and options in the small sailboat market will help you make an educated choice. The sea is vast and welcoming, offering adventures and tranquility alike, and a small sailboat can be your perfect vessel for exploration.

So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our range of charter boats and head to some of our favourite  sailing destinations.

FAQs: more about Small Sailboats

What's the best small sailboat for beginners, can small sailboats be used for ocean sailing, how much does a small sailboat cost, what features should i consider when buying a small sailboat, do small sailboats have sleeping accommodations, i am ready to help you with booking a boat for your dream vacation. contact me..

Denisa Nguyenová

Dinghy Boats: Your Guide to Compact and Versatile Watercraft

Dinghy boats are small watercraft that are versatile and easy to transport. They can be used for fishing, watersports, or as a tender for larger boats. Dinghies come in various types, including inflatable, rigid, and foldable, and can be powered by motors, sails, or oars.

One of the advantages of dinghy boats is their portability. They can be easily stored and transported on a trailer or on the roof of a car. This makes them ideal for exploring remote waterways or for taking on vacations. Dinghies are also relatively affordable compared to larger boats, which makes them accessible to a wide range of boaters.

When choosing a dinghy boat, it’s important to consider factors such as size, weight, and intended use. Inflatable dinghies are lightweight and easy to store, but may not be as durable as rigid or foldable models. Similarly, a dinghy with a motor may be more convenient for longer trips, but may not be necessary for shorter excursions.

What is a Dinghy Boat?

A dinghy boat is a small watercraft that can be used for a variety of purposes. Dinghies can be rowed, sailed, or powered by a motor, depending on the design and intended use. These boats are often carried aboard larger vessels and used for transportation to and from shore, or for exploring shallow waters that larger boats cannot access.

Dinghies come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from inflatable rafts to rigid-hulled boats. Some are designed specifically for fishing, while others are meant for leisurely cruising or even racing. Dinghies can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, fiberglass, and aluminum, and can be customized with various features and accessories to suit the user’s needs.

One of the main advantages of a dinghy boat is its versatility. These small boats can be used for a wide range of activities, from fishing and exploring to water sports and transportation. They are also relatively easy to maneuver and can be operated by a single person, making them a popular choice for solo adventurers.

Overall, dinghy boats are a great option for anyone looking for a versatile, easy-to-use watercraft that can be used for a variety of purposes. Whether you’re looking to explore new waters, fish in shallow areas, or simply enjoy a leisurely cruise, a dinghy boat may be the perfect choice for you.

Types of Dinghy Boats

Rigid inflatable boats (ribs).

Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) are known for their durability and versatility, making them a popular choice among boaters. These boats are made with a solid hull and inflatable tubes around the perimeter, which provide buoyancy and stability. RIBs are often used for fishing, diving, and recreational activities, as well as for rescue and military operations. They come in a range of sizes, from small tenders to large offshore vessels.

Sailing Dinghies

Sailing dinghies are small boats that are designed to be sailed by one or two people. They are often used for racing or cruising, and can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, fiberglass, and aluminum. Dinghies come in a range of sizes and shapes, from simple prams to high-performance racing boats. Some popular types of sailing dinghies include Laser, Optimist, and 420.

Fishing Dinghies

Fishing dinghies are designed specifically for fishing. They are typically small, lightweight, and easy to maneuver, making them ideal for fishing in shallow waters or tight spaces. Many fishing dinghies come equipped with features like rod holders , live wells, and built-in coolers. Some popular types of fishing dinghies include Jon boats , skiffs, and bass boats .

Rowing Dinghies

Rowing dinghies are small boats that are propelled by oars. They are often used for recreational activities like exploring lakes and rivers, as well as for racing. Rowing dinghies come in a variety of styles, from traditional wooden boats to modern carbon fiber racing shells. Some popular types of rowing dinghies include Whitehall, wherry, and scull.

Features of a Dinghy Boat

Dinghy boats are small, lightweight watercraft that are typically under 15 feet in length. They come in a variety of designs and can be rowed with oars, sailed with a removable mast and boom, or powered by a low-horsepower outboard motor. The following are some of the key features of a dinghy boat:

• Lightweight: Dinghy boats are designed to be lightweight, making them easy to launch and pull from the water. Fiberglass and inflatable models are particularly lightweight, making them a popular choice among boaters.
• Easy to maneuver: Due to their small size, dinghy boats are super-maneuverable. They can easily navigate tight spaces and shallow waters, making them ideal for exploring coves and other hard-to-reach areas.
• Easy to repair: Dinghy boats are also easy to repair, with basic fiberglass or polymer patching. This makes them a practical choice for boaters who want a watercraft that is low-maintenance and easy to care for.
• Stable: Inflatable or rigid-bottom inflatables (RIBs) are often more stable than hard dinghies, which can be prone to tipping in choppy waters. This stability makes them a popular choice for families with young children or inexperienced boaters.
• Versatile: Dinghy boats are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide range of activities, from fishing and exploring to water sports and transportation. They are also easy to store and transport, making them a popular choice among boaters who want a watercraft that is easy to take on the go.

In conclusion, dinghy boats are a great choice for boaters who want a small, lightweight watercraft that is easy to maneuver, repair, and transport. With their versatility and stability, they are a practical choice for a wide range of activities, from fishing and exploring to water sports and transportation.

Uses of a Dinghy Boat

Recreational use.

A dinghy boat is a popular choice for recreational activities such as exploring, swimming, and snorkeling. With its small size and maneuverability, it can easily access secluded coves and beaches that larger vessels cannot reach. Dinghy boats can also be used for leisurely cruises and picnics on the water.

Fishing Use

Dinghy boats are also commonly used for fishing. Their small size allows them to access shallow waters where fish are more abundant. They can also be used to reach offshore fishing spots that are too far to reach by the shore. Some dinghy boats come equipped with fishing rod holders and storage compartments for fishing gear.

Dinghy Sailing

Dinghy sailing is a popular sport that involves racing and cruising in small, single-handed or double-handed sailboats. Dinghy boats are lightweight and easy to handle, making them ideal for beginners and experienced sailors alike. They can be used in both calm and rough waters, providing an exciting and challenging experience for sailors.

Rescue Operations

Dinghy boats can be used for rescue operations in emergency situations. Their small size and maneuverability make them ideal for navigating through tight spaces and shallow waters. Dinghy boats can be used to rescue people who have fallen overboard or to transport injured individuals to shore.

Transportation

A dinghy boat can serve as a transportation vessel for people and supplies. It can be used to transport passengers and cargo to and from shore, as well as to shuttle people between larger vessels and shore. Dinghy boats are also commonly used as tenders for larger boats and yachts.

Maintenance Tips for Dinghy Boats

Dinghies are small boats that are easy to maintain, but they still require regular upkeep to ensure they stay in good condition. Here are some tips to help you keep your dinghy boat in top shape:

• Clean it regularly: Rinse your dinghy with fresh water after every use to remove any salt, sand or dirt that may have accumulated. Use a mild soap and water to clean the boat thoroughly once a month. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the boat’s surface.
• Protect it from the sun: Dinghy boats are susceptible to damage from UV rays. Cover your boat with a tarp or a boat cover when it’s not in use to protect it from the sun’s harmful rays. If you don’t have a cover, try to store your boat in a shaded area.
• Inspect it regularly: Check your dinghy for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Look for cracks, leaks, or holes in the hull, seams, or valves. Make sure the oarlocks, cleats, and other hardware are secure and functioning properly.
• Store it properly: When not in use, deflate your dinghy and store it in a dry, cool place. Keep it away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and sharp objects that could puncture the boat. If you need to store your dinghy for an extended period, consider using a boat storage bag to protect it from dust and moisture.
• Perform regular maintenance: Check your dinghy’s motor, if it has one, for any signs of wear and tear. Change the oil and spark plugs regularly, and follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Lubricate the moving parts and tighten any loose bolts or screws.

By following these maintenance tips, you can extend the life of your dinghy boat and ensure that it’s always ready for your next adventure on the water.

Dinghy boats are versatile and affordable watercraft that can be used for a variety of purposes, including transportation, fishing, and racing . They come in different shapes and sizes, from inflatable to sailboats, and can be propelled by paddling, rowing, or sailing.

When considering purchasing a dinghy boat, it is important to keep in mind your specific needs and preferences. Affordability, ease of handling, and versatility are the main factors to consider. You should also think about the type of watersports or fishing you plan to do, and the conditions in which you will be using the dinghy.

While dinghy boats offer many benefits, there are also some disadvantages to consider. Storage and weather can be issues, and safety should always be a top priority. It is important to follow safety guidelines and wear appropriate gear when using a dinghy boat.

In conclusion, dinghy boats are a great option for those who want to enjoy the water without breaking the bank. With proper care and maintenance, a dinghy boat can provide years of fun and adventure on the water.

• Recent Posts

• The Role of Cargo Ships in Global Trade – August 22, 2024
• Report: Yang Ming’s YM Mobility Explosion at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port – August 9, 2024
• Understanding Drillships: Types, Key Features and Advancements – August 1, 2024

About the author

I worked as an officer in the deck department on various types of vessels, including oil and chemical tankers, LPG carriers, and even reefer and TSHD in the early years. Currently employed as Marine Surveyor carrying cargo, draft, bunker, and warranty survey.

Latest posts

The Role of Cargo Ships in Global Trade

Contents show Volume of Goods Transported by Sea Key Global Trade Routes Economic Impact of Maritime Shipping Types of Cargo Commonly Transported Environmental Considerations Conclusion Cargo ships are the lifeline […]

What Are AGVs? Automation Becoming Increasingly Common in Seaports

What are AGVs? Automated guided vehicles can minimize the troubles of manual operations and enhance seaport operations.

Report: Yang Ming’s YM Mobility Explosion at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port

A massive explosion occurred on the container ship YM Mobility while it was berthed at the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in China

Best Small Sailboats for Beginners

There are a number of classic trainers used by yacht club youth programs as well as techie new designs. Without mentioning specific models and brands, it’s difficult to outline which small boats are best but here are things to look for in good teaching boats.

Some of the best small sailboats for beginners include:

• Boats with tillers steering
• Boats with no winches
• Sailing dinghies
• Small sloops
• Small catamarans
• Rotomolded boats
• Trailerable sailboats

Explore All Sailboat Types

Boats with Tiller Steering

Steering by tiller (rather than a wheel) can make a difference when learning. Tillers are directly connected to the rudder that manages the boat’s direction. Tillers provide quick feedback about the strength and direction of the wind as well as the boat’s turning agility at various speeds.

Boats with No Winches

Boats that require no winches to manage the sheets and halyards are best for youngsters and new sailors. These boats usually don’t experience the same forces on the sails and rigging as larger boats, which can be a handful when the wind starts to blow. Winches are usually replaced with cam or jam cleats, which are easy to use.

Sailing Dinghies

Sailing dinghies are usually rigged with one mast and one sail and offer kids and new sailors simplicity so it’s easy to learn the ropes. Less overwhelming than boats with two sails, dinghies are light and responsive. They also have a shallow draft due to side or centerboards so they can be sailed just about anywhere. In some cases (whether from a wind gust or sudden crew weight shift) sailing dinghies can capsize so students should wear lifejackets and know how to swim. Sailing dinghies are usually sailed by one or two people.

Small Sloops

Small sloops with a mast that carries head and mainsails are the next step so students learn how sails work together. Headsails can be hanked on or attached to a small roller furler. These boats may have some or no winches, which also makes them easier to maintain. These boats can usually be sailed with one to four people.

Some sloops can scale up, providing a more challenging experience for sailors as they develop skills. Certain models can carry spinnakers and larger headsails to teach sail combinations and new sail trim techniques. Others offer the ability to hike out (shift crew weight well outboard to balance the boat against the wind pressure in the sails). This kind of sailing is more advanced.

Small Catamarans

Small catamarans provide extra stability for those who may be nervous about capsizing or aren’t fond of heeling (tipping while sailing). With two hulls providing a wide and stable base, catamarans area ideal for beginners, which may be why they’re often used by resorts as their beach sailing tourist boats. Rigged with one or two sails, small cats are tiller steered and usually have a trampoline that the students sit on and sail.

Rotomolded Boats

Small rotomolded boats are very forgiving due to their durable construction. Unlike fiberglass or wooden boats, rotomolded (a type of plastic construction technique) trainers can bounce off docks or other boats and cause or sustain little damage. Dinghies and catamarans can both be made via rotomolding.

Trailerable Sailboats

Finally, small sailboats that can be trailered to different locations add variety and that makes learning fun. Students can learn to sail in different wind and water conditions and enjoy their boats differently on vacation or with new friends.

Learning to sail involves all the senses and requires a level head and lots of practice and although it can be learned in many ways, the best way is to start with a boat that’s small, simple, safe and durable.

Read Next: Small Boats: What Are My Options?

You Might Also Like:

• Sailing Basics: 10 Nautical & Sailing Terms to Know
• Learning the Basics of Sailing
• Why Sailing?
• Find the Right Boat for Your Lifestyle
• Explore Sailboat Brands

Join Our Newsletter!

Get community news, buying bargains, and how-to guides at your fingertips.

• Forums New posts Unanswered threads Register Top Posts Email
• What's new New posts New Posts (legacy) Latest activity New media
• Media New media New comments
• Boat Info Downloads Weekly Quiz Topic FAQ 10000boatnames.com
• Classifieds Sell Your Boat Used Gear for Sale
• Parts General Marine Parts Hunter Beneteau Catalina MacGregor Oday
• Help Terms of Use Monday Mail Subscribe Monday Mail Unsubscribe

Best Dinghy for Small Sailboat

• Thread starter SailorElliot
• Start date Jul 19, 2021
• Tags dinghy flicka 20 inflatable dinghy
• Forums for All Owners
• Ask All Sailors

SailorElliot

Hello! I am wondering what the best dinghy is for rowing/motoring to shore on my Flicka 20. I would prefer not to tow. Is a motor necessary, or is it possible to row to the dinghy dock/the shore from a mooring? Thank you!  

The one that can fit on your sailboat, light enough for you and/or your crew to handle, large enough for crew and supplies, do you want to get up on plane with a motor AND fits your budget...........do not think there is a best dinghy. I like a low cost, lightweight (52-53 lbs) rollup dinghy like a West Marine PRU-3 for $1000 WEST MARINE PRU-3 Performance Roll-Up Inflatable Boat | West Marine or RU-250 for $700: WEST MARINE RU-250 Roll-Up Inflatable Dinghy | West Marine The need for a motor depends on how far AND how fast you need to go..............If you want a motor there are a lot of factors like weight, do you ant to carry gasoline, etc. I like a lightweight electric motor like a Torqeedo 503 or 1003 Travel 503/1003l - Torqeedo .  

Leeward Rail

SailorElliot said: am wondering what the best dinghy is for rowing/motoring to shore on my Flicka 20 Click to expand

SailorElliot said: Is a motor necessary, or is it possible to row to the dinghy dock/the shore from a mooring? Click to expand

Project_Mayhem

Don't over look the value of a beat up old dinghy - They're far less likely to be stolen! The inflatables are more stable which is good when guests are on board and when doing boat repairs from the dinghy. I have a small fiberglass dingy that weighs close to 100lbs. By the end of each season I'm a bit tired of lugging it to the dock multiple times a week. However, it's a load of fun to zip around the marina with a trolling motor  

Thank you everyone for responding! I ended up getting an inflatable Intex kayak which works great and is easily stored.  

I bought an Intex 5 person inflatable row boat. It works ok getting us from the dock to the mooring. It rows, but because it has a flat bottom, it doesn't track real well. I don't really think I would tow it for any distance because it's so light and could flip, but when we put the boat in this spring my 18 year old son was standing in it as I towed it behind me out to find the mooring. I guess that says something for the stability.  

• This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more…

10 Best Small Sailboats (Under 20 Feet)

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

Compact, easy to trailer, simple to rig, easy to maintain and manage, and affordable, the best small boats all have one thing in common: they offer loads of fun while out there on the water.

So whether you're on a budget or just looking for something that can offer ultimate daytime rides without compromising on safety, aesthetic sensibilities, alternate propulsion, and speed, the best small sailboats under 20 feet should be the only way to go.

Let's be brutally honest here; not everyone needs a 30-foot sailboat to go sailing. They come with lots of features such as electronics, entertainment, refrigeration, bunks, a galley, and even a head. But do you really need all these features to go sailing? We don't think so.

All you need to go sailing is a hull, a mast, rudder, and, of course, a sail. And whether you refer to them as daysailers, trailerable sailboats , a weekender sailboat, or pocket cruisers, there's no better way to enjoy the thrills of coastal sailing than on small sailboats.

There are a wide range of small boats measuring less than 20 feet available in the market. These are hot products in the market given that they offer immense thrills out on the sea without the commitment required to cruise on a 30-footer. A small sailboat will not only give you the feel of every breeze but will also give you the chance to instantly sense every change in trim.

In this article, we'll highlight 10 best small sailboats under 20 feet . Most models in this list are time-tested, easy to rig, simple to sail, extremely fun, and perfect either for solo sailing or for sailing with friends and family. So if you've been looking for a list of some of the best small sailboats , you've come to the right place.

So without further ado, let's roll on.

Table of contents

{{boat-info="/boats/hunter-15"}}

The Marlow-Hunter 15 is not only easy to own since it's one of the most affordable small sailboats but also lots of fun to sail. This is a safe and versatile sailboat for everyone. Whether you're sailing with your family or as a greenhorn, you'll love the Hunter 15 thanks to its raised boom, high freeboard, and sturdy FRP construction.

With high sides, a comfortable wide beam, a contoured self-bailing cockpit, and fiberglass construction, the Hunter 15 is certainly designed with the novice sailor in mind. This is why you can do a lot with this boat without falling out, breaking it, or capsizing. Its contoured self-baiting cockpit will enable you to find a fast exit while its wide beam will keep it steady and stable no matter what jibes or weight shifts happen along the way.

This is a small sailboat that can hold up to four people. It's designed to give you a confident feeling and peace of mind even when sailing with kids. It's easy to trailer, easy to rig, and easy to launch. With a price tag of about $10k, the Hunter 15 is a fun, affordable, and versatile boat that is perfect for both seasoned sailors and novices. It's a low-maintenance sailboat that can be great for teaching kids a thing or two about sailing.

Catalina 16.5

{{boat-info="/boats/catalina-16-5"}}

Catalina Yachts are synonymous with bigger boats but they have some great and smaller boats too such as Catalina 16.5. This is one of the best small sailboats that are ideal for family outings given that it has a big and roomy cockpit, as well as a large storage locker. Designed with a hand-laminated fiberglass sloop, the Catalina 16.5 is versatile and is available in two designs: the centerboard model and the keel model.

The centerboard model is designed with a powerful sailplane that remains balanced as a result of the fiberglass centerboard, the stable hull form, and the rudder. It also comes with a tiller extension, adjustable hiking straps, and adjustable overhaul. It's important to note that these are standard equipment in the two models.

As far as the keel model is concerned, this is designed with a high aspect keel as the cast lead and is attached with stainless steel keel bolts, which makes this model perfect for mooring or docking whenever it's not in use. In essence, the centerboard model is perfect if you'll store it in a trailer while the keel model can remain at the dock.

All in all, the Catalina 16.5 is one of the best small sailboats that you can get your hands on for as low as $10,000. This is certainly a great example of exactly what a daysailer should be.

{{boat-info="/boats/hobie-16"}}

There's no list of small, trailerable, and fun sailboats that can be complete without the inclusion of the classic Hobie 16. This is a durable design that has been around and diligently graced various waters across the globe since its debut way back in 1969 in Southern California. In addition to being durable, the Hobie 16 is trailerable, great for speed, weighs only 320 pounds, great for four people, and more importantly, offers absolute fun.

With a remarkable figure of over 100,000 launched since its debut, it's easy to see that the Hobie 16 is highly popular. Part of this popularity comes from its asymmetric fiberglass-and-foam sandwiched hulls that include kick-up rudders. This is a great feature that allows it to sail up to the beach.

For about $12,000, the Hobie 16 will provide you with endless fun throughout the summer. It's equipped with a spinnaker, trailer, and douse kit. This is a high-speed sailboat that has a large trampoline to offer lots of space not just for your feet but also to hand off the double trapezes.

Montgomery 17

{{boat-info="/boats/montgomery-17"}}

Popularly known as the M-17, The Montgomery 17 was designed by Lyle C. Hess in conjunction with Jerry Montgomery in Ontario, California for Montgomery Boats. Designed either with keel or centerboard models, the M-17 is more stable than most boats of her size. This boat is small enough to be trailered but also capable of doing moderate offshore passages.

This small sailboat is designed with a masthead and toe rail that can fit most foresails. It also has enough space for two thanks to its cuddly cabin, which offers a sitting headroom, a portable toilet, a pair of bunks, a DC power, and optional shore, and a proper amount of storage. That's not all; you can easily raise the deck-stepped mast using a four-part tackle.

In terms of performance, the M-17 is one of the giant-killers out there. This is a small sailboat that will excel in the extremes and make its way past larger boats such as the Catalina 22. It glides along beautifully and is a dog in light air, though it won't sail against a 25-knot wind, which can be frustrating. Other than that, the Montgomery 17 is a great small sailboat that can be yours for about $14,000.

Norseboat 17.5

{{boat-info="/boats/norseboat-17-5"}}

As a versatile daysailer, Norseboat 17.5 follows a simple concept of seaworthiness and high-performance. This small sailboat perfectly combines both contemporary construction and traditional aesthetics. Imagine a sailboat that calls itself the "Swiss Army Knife of Boats!" Well, this is a boat that can sail and row equally well.

Whether you're stepping down from a larger cruiser or stepping up from a sea kayak, the unique Norseboat 17.5 is balanced, attractive, and salty. It has curvaceous wishbone gaff, it is saucy, and has a stubby bow-sprit that makes it attractive to the eyes. In addition to her beauty, the Norseboat 17.5 offers an energy-pinching challenge, is self-sufficient, and offers more than what you're used to.

This is a small, lightweight, low-maintenance sailboat that offers a ticket to both sailing and rowing adventures all at the same time. At about 400 pounds, it's very portable and highly convenient. Its mainsails may look small but you'll be surprised at how the boat is responsive to it. With a $12,500 price tag, this is a good small sailboat that offers you the versatility to either row or sail.

{{boat-info="/boats/sage-marine-sage-17"}}

If you've been looking for a pocket cruiser that inspires confidence, especially in shoal water, look no further than the Sage 17. Designed by Jerry Montgomery in 2009, the Sage 17 is stable and should heel to 10 degrees while stiffening up. And because you want to feel secure while sailing, stability is an integral feature of the Sage 17.

This is a sailboat that will remain solid and stable no matter which part of the boat you stand on. Its cabin roof and the balsa-cored carbon-fiber deck are so strong that the mast doesn't require any form of compression post. The self-draining cockpit is long enough and capable of sleeping at 6 feet 6 inches.

The Sage 17 may be expensive at $25k but is a true sea warrior that's worth look at. This is a boat that will not only serve you right but will also turn heads at the marina.    

{{boat-info="/boats/laserperformance-laser-sb3"}}

Having been chosen as the overall boat of the year for 2008 by the Sailing World Magazine, the Laser SB3 is one of the coolest boats you'll ever encounter. When sailing upwind, this boat will lock into the groove while its absolute simplicity is legendary. In terms of downwind sailing, having this boat will be a dream come true while it remains incredibly stable even at extraordinary speed.

Since its debut in 2004, the Laser SB3 has surged in terms of popularity thanks to the fact that it's designed to put all the controls at your fingertips. In addition to a lightweight mast, its T- bulb keel can be hauled and launched painlessly. For about $18,000, the Laser SB3 ushers you into the world of sports sailing and what it feels to own and use a sports boat.

{{boat-info="/boats/fareast-18"}}

As a manufacturer, Fareast is a Chinese boat manufacturer that has been around for less than two decades. But even with that, the Fareast 18 remains a very capable cruiser-racer that will take your sailing to the next level. In addition to its good looks, this boat comes with a retractable keel with ballast bulb, a powerful rig, and an enclosed cabin.

Its narrow design with a closed stern may be rare in sailboats of this size, but that's not a problem for the Fareast 18. This design not only emphasizes speed but also makes it a lot easier to maintain this boat. Perfect for about 6 people, this boat punches above its weight. It's, however, designed to be rigged and launched by one person.

This is a relatively affordable boat. It's agile, safe, well-thought-out, well built, and very sporty.

{{boat-info="/boats/chuck-paine-paine-14"}}

If you're in the market looking for a small sailboat that offers contemporary performance with classic beauty, the Paine 14 should be your ideal option. Named after its famous designer, Chuck Paine, this boat is intentionally designed after the classic Herreshoff 12.5 both in terms of dimensions and features.

This is a lightweight design that brings forth modern fin keel and spade rudder, which makes it agile, stable, and faster. The Paine 14 is built using cold-molded wood or west epoxy. It has varnished gunnels and transoms to give it an old-time charm. To make it somehow modern, this boat is designed with a carbon mast and a modern way to attach sails so that it's ready to sail in minutes.

You can rest easy knowing that the Paine 14 will not only serve you well but will turn heads while out there.

{{boat-info="/boats/wd-schock-lido-14"}}

Many sailors will attest that their first sailing outing was in a Lido 14. This is a classic sailboat that has been around for over four decades and still proves to be a perfect match to modern small boats, especially for those still learning the ropes of sailing.

With seating for six people, the Lido 14 can be perfect for solo sailing , single-handed sailing, or if you're planning for shorthanded sailing. While new Lido 14 boats are no longer available, go for a functional used Lido 14 and you'll never regret this decision. It will serve you well and your kids will probably fall in love with sailing if Lido 14 becomes their main vessel during weekends or long summer holidays.

Bottom Line

There you have it; these are some of the best small sailboats you can go for. While there are endless small sailboats in the market, the above-described sailboat will serve you right and make you enjoy the wind.

Choose the perfect sailboat, invest in it, and go out there and have some good fun!

Related Articles

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

by this author

Best Sailboats

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

October 3, 2023

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Similar Posts

Affordable Sailboats You Can Build at Home

September 13, 2023

Best Small Sailboats With Standing Headroom

Best Bluewater Sailboats Under $50K

Popular posts.

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

June 15, 2022

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

Top Rated Posts

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. (866) 342-SAIL

© 2024 Life of Sailing Email: [email protected] Address: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244 Disclaimer Privacy Policy

10% Off Hobie Parts / 15% Off Rigging / 10-15% Off Select Kayaks - SHOP NOW

• Call Us +1-503-285-5536
• Sign in & Register
• Recently Viewed

North America's Small Sailboat Experts

We are dedicated to the joy and passion of dinghy sailing. For sailors the world over, the company has become the go-to source for new and used small sailboats, parts, apparel, accessories, and advice. West Coast Sailing is one of the most comprehensive small sailboat stores in the world, representing top manufacturers including Hobie Cat, RS Sailing, and Zim Sailing. With over 15 years of industry experience, our team of passionate dinghy sailors is committed to helping you find the right boat to maximize the fun of your time on the water.

RS Sailing and Ovington Various offers by model including Cash Discounts, Free Dolly/Cover, and/or Trailer Discounts. Enjoy Free Delivery & Duties on shipments to British Columbia (with consolidated shipping).

Hobie Catamarans and Kayaks Ask us about demo boat deals!

• Qty in Cart

Ovington ILCA - Race

RS Venture Connect

Hobie Mirage Lynx Kayak

• Total: items /
• Add all to cart

Adding your products to cart

Subscribe to our newsletter.

Sign up for our newsletter to receive exclusive discounts, new product announcements, and upcoming sales.

• 857-208-7772 (weekdays | 8am-4pm EST)
• International
• België/Belgique
• Deutschland
• United Kingdom

Small sailboat

Your sailboat fits in your car.

The Tiwal 3 small inflatable sailboat stows in the trunk of your car. It will take you on an ocean of nautical adventures. The weekend promises to be sunny and you’re dreaming of a trip on the water? Are you vacationing by the sea and looking forward to tacking in that windy bay? Your dinghy is in the trunk of your car, so it’s okay, we’ll get you out on the water!

Easily transportable, your boat fits in 2 bags, with an all-up weight of 110 lbs.

Max. load onboard: 2 adults, or 1 adult + 2 kids

20 minutes…

To assemble your Tiwal 3.

440 lbs onboard

Max. load onboard: 2 adults, or 1 adult + 2 kids.

To assemble your Tiwal 3!

Helm a real small sailboat

The Tiwal 3 is easy to handle and is designed for enjoyment by children and adults sailors alike. Versatile, it is in its element in salt or fresh water and can be sailed in all windspeeds, by a solo sailor or double handed.

Comfortable and secure for beginners to practice on, it is a lively and fast monohull for more seasoned sailors seeking sensations and adventure.

A compact daysailer easily transported

In the trunk of a car or camper van, on the plane, the deck of a yacht or towed behind a bike. Stored in its 2 bags, you can take the ten and a half foot dinghy anywhere, without a trailer, for an evening trip after work or during your holidays!

When not in use, it is discreet, can be tidied away in a closet or (small) corner of the garage.

• Structure Mast Sail & blocks Braided lines Daggerboard Rudder Manual pump Electric pump

Intuitive and fast to assemble

Tiwal 3 in action.

Double handed sailing

Speed, Sail and Surf

Tiwal 3 Surfing in Hawaii

Watch the video

Tiwal 3 surfing in Hawaii

A boat that’s 100% fun

The Tiwal 3 brings new ergonomics to sailing dinghies with its inflatable hull (but rigid when under way), its clear deck, simplified controls and finally a boomless sail. The result? Maximum fun for playing with the wind and water. It even has optional foam protectors on the wings for even more comfort when hiking out. It makes both single and double-handed sailing easy and enjoyable.

Innovative concept and premium manufacturing

Cutting edge materials, a rig reduced to the absolute minimum and a good touch of daring!

The Tiwal 3 small sailboat is a revolution in the world of dinghy sailing and is the result of serious engineering and realization.

The frequently rewarded combination of an inflatable hull with an aluminum structure enables the Tiwal 3 to have exceptional rigidity.

With over 2,000 boats sold, the Tiwal 3 dinghy is a tried and tested boat, made in France according to industry standards.

Learn more about how it is made!

Technical specs

Mast : carbon C50 16′ 1” – 5 parts

Framework : anodized aluminum

Hull length: 10' 6"

Sail: North Sails Dacron (Dacron, and Monofilm depending on the model)

Blocks : Harken

Boat weight (empty) : 110 lbs

Max load on wings: 1 adult / 242 lbs

Draft : 2' 5"

2 carrying bags : 4′9″ × 16″ × 14″ / 62 lbs each

Tiwal 3 sails

Sail in all weathers

The 75 ft² sail is a powerful mainsail, suitable for one or two adults out in a light to moderate breeze.

The 56 ft² sail is very versatile. It works well for adults sailing in a good breeze, and for the kids in lighter wind conditions.

Lastly, the reefable 75/56 ft² sail is an all-weather mainsail, whose area can be adapted to suit the wind strength. If the weather changes, you just need to make a quick stop on the beach to make your optimal sail area.

Units sailing

Press review

Bear Grylls 2014 – Boat International

“We were impressed by the ingenuity of the concept and the quality of the materials used, not to mention the adjustable sail, which adapts to the wind.” Read more…

Ritta Orrell 2018 - Forbes

Craig Ligibel 2018 - SpinSheet

Sarah Ell 2017 - Boating New Zealand

Press reviews

Customer reviews

We pay particular attention to the construction standards of our boats. Each manufacturing stage is carefully checked here in our workshops and at our suppliers. We take great pride in the quality of our boats. That’s why all our parts are guaranteed for 3 years in private use.  More details

Discover our other models

• Articles and Guides

11 Best Small Sailboat Brands: How to Choose Your Next Daysailer or Pocket Cruiser

12th oct 2023 by samantha wilson.

Sailing is a relaxing, invigorating pastime that allows you to harness wind and waves in a unique and historic way without requiring a 50-foot yacht to enjoy what’s special about the experience. In fact, small sailboats allow a delightful back-to-basics experience that often gets lost on larger, systems-heavy sailboats.

On a small sailboat you can connect with the sea, feeling the boat move beneath you. The boat is typically easy to rig, simple to sail, and can even be sailed solo. Small sailboats give you the freedom to trailer your or car-top your boat and go anywhere, and they’re perfect for learning the nuances of sailing. There are many excellent brands and models of small sailboat, each with their own appeal, and here we narrow down some of our favorite in the daysailer and pocket cruiser categories under 30 feet. 

Difference Between a Daysailer and a Pocket Cruiser

While there are many different types of sailboat on the market and there is no single definition of either a daysailer or a pocket cruiser, they are used in a particular way, as the names imply. The term daysailer covers a huge array of sailboats, smaller and sometimes larger, and is generally defined as any day boat used for local sailing, with a simple rig, and easy to get underway. A pocket cruiser typically offers a cabin and head, and adequate accommodations for an overnight stay and sometimes longer cruises. Having said that, there is a large overlap between the two in many instances, so the lines may become blurred. 

What Size is a Small Sailboat?

Small is a relative term of course, but in general—and for the purposes of this article—a small sailboat is one that could be sailed by a small crew, often with one or two people aboard. It will have a simple rig and be trailerable, and it might be either a daysailer or pocket-cruiser style vessel as above. Within those categories, there are many models and styles, but when it comes to length we consider a sailboat as small when it’s under 30 feet in overall length. 

The Best Sailboats Under 30 Feet

Pocket cruiser: Beneteau First 27.  The Beneteau First 27 is a modern example of a pocket cruiser, earning Cruising World ’s Boat of the Year award in the Pocket Cruiser category in 2022. With space for up to six people accommodated in a separated bow-cabin and open saloon, it offers families the chance to go farther, explore more, and cruise in comfort. There is a galley with freshwater and a head, adding to the interior home comforts. The sailboat itself is modern, fast, and stable, designed by Sam Manuard, and has been designed to be incredibly safe and almost unsinkable thanks to its three watertight chambers. The handling is also refreshingly intuitive, with a well-designed cockpit, simple deck controls, and double winches allowing it to be sailed solo, by two people, or a small crew. 

Photo credit: Beneteau

Daysailer: Alerion 28.  You’ll certainly turn heads cruising along in an Alerion 28, a daysailer whose forerunner by the same name was designed by Nathanael Herreshoff in 1912 and then updated with a modern underbody for fiberglass production by Carl Schumacher in the late 1980s. This pretty daysailer manages to combine a traditional silhouette and classic feel, with very modern engineering creating an excellent package. Over 470 of these sailboats were built and sold in the past 30 years, making it one of the most popular modern daysailers on the water. With a small cabin and saloon, complete with miniature galley area, it offers respite from the sun or wind and the option for a night aboard. The cockpit offers a beautiful sailing experience, with plenty of space for the whole family. 

Photo credit: Alerion Yachts

The Best Sailboats Under 25 Feet

Pocket cruiser: Cornish Crabber 24.  British manufacturer Cornish Crabber has been producing beautiful, traditional style small sailboats for decades, ensuring they honor their heritage both in the construction style and appearance of their boats. The Cornish Crabber 24 is the most iconic of their range and dates back to the 1980s. It offers a simple yet surprisingly spacious interior layout with cabin, galley, and head, and a good sized cockpit, as well as seating for up to six people. It’s the perfect family sailboat, with clever use of storage as well as just under 5000 pounds of displacement providing stability and easy tacking. Aesthetically the 24 is simply beautiful, with a traditional silhouette (combined with modern engineering), finished in hardwood trims. 

Photo credit: Cornish Crabber

Daysailer: Catalina 22 Capri.  Catalina sailboats need little introduction, and are one of the world’s best-known, most-respected brands building small sailboats. The Catalina 22 Capri (also available in a sport model) is a great example of what Catalina does so well. While we’ve classified it as a daysailer, it could easily cross into the pocket cruiser category, as it offers excellent sailing performance in almost all conditions as well as having a small cabin, galley, and head. Loved for its safety, stability, ease of handling and simple maintenance, it makes for a good first family boat for getting out onto the bay or lake. 

Photo credit: Catalina

The Best Sailboats Under 20 Feet

Pocket cruiser: CapeCutter 19.  This is another model that combines the beauty of the traditional silhouettes with modern-day advancements. The design originates from the classic gaff cutter work boats, but today offers excellent performance—in fact it’s one of the fastest small gaffers in the world. The interior is cleverly spacious, with four berths, two of which convert into a saloon, as well as a simple galley area. With quick rigging, it can be sailed solo, but is also able to accommodate small groups, making it a capable and hugely versatile pocket cruiser. 

Photo credit: Cape Cutter 19

Daysailer: Swallow Yachts’ BayRaider 20.  Classic looks with modern performance are combined in Swallow Yachts’ beautiful BayRaider 20. This is one of the most capable and safest daysailers we’ve seen, but also incredibly versatile thanks to the choices of ballast. Keep the ballast tank empty and it’s light and fast. Fill the tank up and you’ve got a stable and safe boat perfect for beginners and families. While it’s got an eye-catching traditional style, the engineering is modern, with a strong carbon mast and construction. While this is a true daysailer, you can use the optional spray hood and camping accessories to create an overnight adventure. 

Photo credit: Swallow Yachts

The Best Sailboats Under 15 Feet

Pocket Cruiser: NorseBoat 12.5.  Can we truly call the NorseBoat 12.5 a pocket cruiser? Yes we can! The sheer versatility of this excellent little sailboat has convinced us. These beautiful hand-crafted sailboats offer exceptional performance and are described by the manufacturer as ‘the Swiss Army Knives of sailboats’. The traditionally styled 12.5 can be sailed, rowed, and motored. It can be trailered, easily beached, and even used as a camp cruiser, allowing for overnight adventures. There is no end to the fun that can be had with this easy-to-sail and easy-to-handle boat, which makes it a dream to learn in. With positive flotation, lots of clever storage, and a full-size double berth for camp cruising, it really is the perfect mini pocket cruiser. 

Photo credit: NorseBoats

Daysailer: Original Beetle Cat Boat 12: All across the bays of the US east coast cat boats have long been part of the ocean landscape. Able to access shallow rocky coves yet also withstand the strong coastal winds, these traditional New England fishing boats have an iconic shape and gaff-rigged mainsails. Beetle Cat have been producing elegant wooden cat boats for over 100 years – in fact they’ve made and sold over 4,000 boats to date. Their 12 foot Cat Boat 12 is one of their finest models, offering lovely daysailing opportunities. It has a wide beam and centerboard that lifts up, allowing it to access shallow waters, as well as a forward mast and single sail gaff rig in keeping with the traditional cat boats. To sail one of these is to be part of the heritage of New England and Cape Cod, and to honor the ancient art of hand-made boat building. 

Beetle Cat official website

Photo credit: Beetle Cat

The Best Small Sailboats for Beginners

When it comes to learning to sail, it’s important to have a boat that is easy to handle. There’s no quicker way to put yourself or your family off sailing than to start off with a boat that is either too big or too complicated. When choosing your first boat we recommend the following characteristics:

• Small: The benefits of starting off with a small boat are many, as we’ve seen above. They’re easier to control as well as to moor, and they react more quickly to steering and sails. They can be trailered and launched easily, and the loads generated are much lower than on bigger, heavier boats.
• Easy to sail: You want a boat that is stable and forgiving of mistakes, doesn’t capsize easily, and isn’t too overpowered in a stronger breeze. Keep things simple and learn as you go.
• Simple sail configuration: Choosing a boat that can be rigged by one person in a few minutes, and easily sailed solo, makes it easier to take along inexperienced crews. With regards to the rig, all you need are a halyard to hoist the mainsail and a sheet to control the mainsail.
• Tiller steering: We recommend boats with tiller steering over wheel steering when starting out. The tiller allows you to get a real feel for the boat and how the rudder works as it moves through the water. 

For more information on choosing the best beginner sailboat check out our full guide. There are many popular brands of beginner boats including Sunfish, Laser, and Hunter Marlow. Some of our favorites include;

Hobie 16: The classic Hobie catamaran has been a well-loved beginner sailboat for years, and the Hobie 16 started life back in 1969. Since then they’ve made and sold over a staggering 100,000 of the 16s. It has twin fiberglass and foam hulls, a large trampoline, and a pull-up rudder so it can be sailed straight onto the beach. The basic package comes with an easy to handle main and jib with plenty of extras available too such as a spinnaker and trailer. The Hobie 16 promises a great learning experience and lots of fun in a very nifty and inexpensive package. 

Photo credit: Hobie

Paine 14: You’ll immediately fall in love with sailing when you step into a beautiful Paine 14. Made from seamless epoxy cold-molded wood, the P-14 is simply beautiful and offers the classic sailing experience with the design and innovation of a more modern hull and rig. Two people will be able to enjoy getting out on the water together and learning the ropes. The Paine 14 has a lead ballast keel that accounts for nearly half her weight, giving her the feel of a much larger boat, but is still trailerable and easy to manage offering the best of both worlds.

Photo credit: Chuck Paine

High-Performance Small Sailboats

Small sailboats generally become high performers if they are light, have a lot of sail area, or they have more than one hull. More recently, some of have been designed with foiling surfaces, as well. For the purposes of this article, we’d like to close by pointing out one model that is super fast and has versatile pocket-cruising capabilities.

Corsair 880 trimaran : The Corsair 880 trimaran is the grandchild of the company’s F27, a model that launched the popularity of trailerable leisure trimarans about 40 years ago. The 880 has taken the model to new heights and exemplifies the incredible space benefits you can achieve in a 29-foot sailboat. We’re talking an aft cabin, room to sleep 5 people, an enclosed head, and standing headroom in the galley and main saloon. It brings many of the opportunities that a much larger yacht plus the ability to cruise in extremely shallow water. Whether you want to cruise to the Bahamas or enjoy a high-adrenaline race, the Corsair 880 offers incredible performance and unlimited adventures in a truly pocket size. 

Photo credit: Corsair

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: Samantha Wilson

Related Articles and Guides

16th Aug 2024

Best Luxury Pontoon Boat Brands Have it All: Glamor, Speed, Fishing, Waterslides...

10th Aug 2024

Deck Boat vs. Bowrider: Which Runabout is Best?

19th Jul 2024

The World’s Best Yacht Brands

12th Jul 2024

Top Performance-Boat Brands, Where There’s Something For Everyone

• Explore Rightboat
• Boats for Sale
• Boating Articles
• Buyers Guide
• About RightBoat
• Sell Your Boat
• Boat Selling Advice
• All manufacturers
• All categories

Enter your email to keep up to date with the latest news

Join for free

Sign up now for free and discover how easy it is to keep up to date with THE latest boats for sale. Find your right boat, and tailor your voyage to finding your next boat.

Benefits of becoming a member:

• Set up tailored alerts
• Personalise your experience
• Download full specifications and broker details
• Keep tabs on your favourite boats

Are you a broker? Join as a Broker

Rightboat - join for free.

Do you have an account already? Login

Save this search

Save your search and receive new boats in your email..

You can unsubscribe from your alerts whenever you like. By pressing the button you accept the Legal Terms and conditions

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Fitness & Wellbeing
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance Deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Climate 100
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Wine Offers
• Betting Sites

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

Small boat arrivals fell by a third in Rishi Sunak’s last year of power piling pressure on Labour

In the year to 30 june there were 31,493 arrivals in the uk via small boats, a 29 per cent fall on the year before and a slight decrease from the same period two years ago, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox

Get our free view from westminster email, thanks for signing up to the view from westminster email.

Migrants crossing the Channel in small boats fell by almost a third in Rishi Sunak ’s last year as prime minister , figures show, piling pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to continue the downward trend .

In the year to 30 June, days before the general election , there were 31,493 arrivals in the UK via small boats. It marked a 29 per cent fall on the year before and a slight decrease from the same period two years ago.

Coming just days after Yvette Cooper fleshed out Labour ’s alternative to the Rwanda deportation policy , which would have sent some asylum seekers to the east African nation, the figures will add to the pressure on the government to bring the numbers down further.

Tory leadership contender and shadow home secretary James Cleverly said: “The actions I took as home secretary are working... that’s the inheritance I left Labour.

“But they’re undoing all of this progress. They have ditched our deterrent, have no clear plan to smash the gangs, have nowhere to send failed asylum seekers who they can’t return, have failed to hire anyone to run their phantom border command, and are already planning to roll over for the EU and open our borders.”

But Home Office minister Seema Malhotra said the figures showed Tories had left the immigration and asylum system in “chaos”.

“Since 2019, net migration trebled to a record high. Despite the hundreds of millions pumped into the Rwanda partnership, small boat crossings for the first half of this year went up by almost 20 per cent. The asylum backlog has soared, costing the taxpayer billions. And the removal of foreign national offenders has dropped 20 per cent since 2010,” she said.

The Home Office also said the average number of people per boat increased over the year, highlighting the growing risk being taken by the smuggling gangs responsible for the trade. There were 51 people per boat, compared with 44 per boat a year earlier and 10 per boat in 2019.

Despite the fall over the past 12 months, Home Office data for the first six months of 2024 shows that the number of small boat crossings was a fifth higher than the same period in 2023.

On Wednesday, Ms Cooper announced a series of measures including a pledge to raise the number of returns to 2018 levels over the next six months – meaning more than 14,000 deportations by the end of the year. But that figure is far lower than the 45,000 returned in 2010 under the previous Labour government and fewer than the 19,000 migrants who have arrived in Britain by crossing the Channel in small boats so far this year.

The government also revealed plans to increase detention capacity with 290 beds at two removal centres, Campsfield in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, and Haslar in Gosport, Hampshire. But these plans are being criticised as a backwards step as both sites were plagued with problems before they shut in 2019 and 2015 respectively, including hunger strikes and suicides.

Between 2018 and June 2024, there were 3,788 returns of small boat arrivals – just 3 per cent. The vast majority of these were Albanians after Britain and Albania signed a joint returns agreement.

Labour has also promised to speed up the processing of migrants, which the Conservatives have warned will lead to tens of thousands being granted asylum.

Almost all (99 per cent) of those who arrived by small boats in the year to June claimed asylum, and the grant rate for those who claimed asylum was 71 per cent between 2018 and June 2024. Of all small boat asylum claims made in the past year, 96 per cent remain undecided, the figures showed.

The Home Office said there are 76,268 people who have waited more than six months for a decision on their asylum claim, with charities including Refugee Action calling for those people to be allowed to work.

As well as the lengthy waits for asylum decisions to be processed, the Home Office figures laid bare the spiralling costs of the system, which have jumped from £568m in 2011 to £4bn in 2023, while staff productivity has fallen drastically.

A Home Office spokesman said there was “a long way to go to reduce historically high levels of legal migration ... immigration brings many benefits to the UK, but it must be controlled and managed so the system is fair.

“Work is already underway across government to tackle the root causes behind high international recruitment, which is still driving up numbers of overseas workers on the skilled worker visa. By linking immigration, labour market and skills systems we will ensure we train up our domestic workforce and address this shortage of skills.” 

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

Here's what we know about why a luxury sailing boat sank off the coast of Sicily

Emergency workers in southern Italy are still hunting for six people missing after a tornado sank a luxury yacht early Monday - prompting an air and naval operation off the coast of Sicily.

Fifteen people were rescued from the wreckage, according to Italy's Coast Guard. One body was recovered on Monday and four more on Wednesday, after divers struggled to reach deep inside the yacht around 50 meters underwater (approximately 150 feet).

Two Americans and four Britons were among the six initially reported missing - including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International, and Chris Morvillo, a prominent lawyer.

Here's what we know.

What happened?

A small waterspout - a type of tornado - spun over the Mediterranean island early Monday, likely capsizing the sailing boat amid lashings of rain and strong thunderstorms.

The British-flagged yacht, called the "Bayesian," was anchored about a half a mile from the port of Porticello, on Sicily's northern coast. The vessel sank after its mast broke in half in the storm, Salvatore Cocina, head of Sicily's Civil Protection, told CNN on Tuesday.

Eyewitnesses described furious gales and hurricane-like winds that left an avalanche of debris near the pier.

More than a dozen survivors were spotted in the area hanging onto life rafts, according to the captain of a nearby boat, who steadied his ship to avoid colliding with the Bayesian.

"We got this strong hurricane gust and we had to start the engine to keep the ship in an angled position," Karsten Bower told reporters in Palermo on Monday. "After the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone."

Bower and his crew rescued four injured people, he said, before calling Italy's Coast Guard - who later rescued the remaining survivors.

One of those rescued - a child - was airlifted to the children's hospital in Palermo. Eight people were hospitalized in total, according to the mayor's office.

The girl's mother, Charlotte, described how she battled to hold onto Sofia, her 1-year-old daughter, as reported by Italian news agency ANSA.

"In two seconds I lost the baby in the sea, then I immediately hugged her again amidst the fury of the waves. I held her tightly, close to me, while the sea was stormy," she told journalists. "Many were screaming."

The mother and daughter were later reunited with the father, James, according to a doctor at the local children's hospital in Palermo.

"The survivors are very tired and are constantly asking about the missing people," the doctor, Domenico Cipolla, said Monday. "They are talking and crying all the time because they have realized that there is little hope of finding their friends alive."

Italy's fire brigade dispatched helicopters to aid in the search, officials said Monday. After an unsuccessful attempt on Monday, the brigade sent divers to try and enter the sunken ship Tuesday, recommencing the operation on Wednesday.

The depth of the wreck means divers can only work there for limited periods of time, according to Marco Tilotta, an inspector for the diving unit of Palermo's local fire brigade. The Italian fire brigade said Monday its divers had reached the yacht's hull 49 meters (160 feet) below sea level.

The United Kingdom's Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) said it has deployed a team of four inspectors to Palermo which is conducting a preliminary assessment of the scene.

Who was on board?

Twenty-two people were on board the Bayesian, which was flying under a British flag and had mostly British passengers and crew, in addition to two Anglo-French, one Irish and one Sri Lankan person, a spokesperson for Italy's Coast Guard told CNN.

A troupe of high-profile guests are among those missing, including Lynch, the 59-year-old British tech investor who fought a fraud case earlier this year in the United States - which spiraled from the disastrous $11 billion sale of his company to tech firm Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 2011.

His 18-year-old daughter was also named missing. Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, survived the accident. Bacares told Italian daily newspaper La Repubblica that she woke up at 4 a.m. local time, as the boat tilted. She and her husband were not initially concerned, she said, but became worried when the windows of the yacht shattered and chaos erupted.

RELATED: Divers find 4 bodies during search of superyacht wreckage after it sank off Sicily, 2 still missing

Bacares spoke to the newspaper while sitting in a wheelchair, at a hospital in the Sicilian town of Termini Imerese. She had abrasions on her feet and bandages on other parts of her body, it reported.

Bloomer, the finance tycoon, and Morvillo, a prominent lawyer - and both their wives - are also among the missing, according to Salvatore Cocina, head of Sicily's Civil Protection.

Morvillo, an American partner at Clifford Chance, was involved in successfully defeating the US fraud case against Lynch in June. Another employee of the firm, Ayla Ronald, and her partner, survived the incident, according to a spokesperson for Clifford Chance.

The body that was recovered from the vessel on Monday was identified as the onboard chef Ricardo Thomas, an Antiguan citizen, Reuters reported.

What do we know about the boat?

Built in 2008, the 56-meter (184-foot) yacht was manufactured by Italian company Perini Navi, Reuters reported. According to the Associated Press, the boat has been available for charter for $215,000 (195,000) per week.

Lynch's wife is linked to the yacht. The Bayesian is held by the company Revtom Limited, according to records from the maritime information service Equasis. The company's latest annual return from April lists Bacares as the proprietor.

"Bayesian," the name given to the vessel, is linked to the statistical theory on which Lynch built his fortune, according to Reuters.

The yacht's mast stood 72.27 meters (237 feet) high above the designated water line, just short of the world's tallest mast which is 75.2 meters, according to Guinness World Records. It was the tallest aluminium mast in the world, the Perini Navi website said.

Perini Navi is known for making "good quality boats," according to Caroline White, deputy editor of BOAT International, a media group serving the superyacht industry.

White told CNN that if the Bayesian dismasted, "it should theoretically become more stable." "But it might be a different story if you are in the middle of a violent storm with incredibly strong winds pinning you to the water," she added.

Dangerous weather conditions

Strong storms across Sicily brought torrential rainfall late Sunday. Initial reports suggest a small waterspout, which developed over the area Monday morning, could have been behind the yacht's sinking.

Waterspouts - one of several types of tornadoes - are spinning columns of air that form over water, or move from land out to water. They are often accompanied by high winds, high seas, hail and dangerous lightning. While they are most common over tropical oceans, they can form almost anywhere.

Matthew Schanck, chair of the Maritime Search and Rescue Council, told CNN that while waterspouts in Sicily are rare, "there is a risk" they can happen - just not every day.

Waterspouts rely on warm waters to gain energy and the Mediterranean Sea has been very hot, reaching a record daily median of 28.9 degrees Celsius (84 Fahrenheit) last week, according to preliminary data from researchers at the Institute of Marine Sciences in Spain.

Local temperatures have been even higher, with waters around Sicily reaching almost 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), almost 3 degrees more than normal, Italian climatologist Luca Mercalli told CNN.

"Warmer oceans have more energy and more humidity to transfer to the atmosphere, the most important fuels for storms," he said.

(The-CNN-Wire & 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.)

Related Topics

• BOAT ACCIDENT
• U.S. & WORLD

Top Stories

Ukrainian refugees in Triangle celebrate Independence Day amid war

Creedmoor police searching for bank robbery suspect

Over $5,500 worth in goods stolen from multiple stores in Goldsboro

Church partners with Durham Habitat for Humanity to build homes

Israel launches preemptive strike on Hezbollah: IDF

• 3 hours ago

Ukraine marks 33 years of independence as war with Russia rages on

Voter registration forms found scattered on ground in Raleigh

Dr. Anthony Fauci recovering after hospitalization for West Nile virus