At the 2006 London Boat Show I spotted a folding dinghy. Several aspects of the design intrigued me and I decided to visit the builders to find out more.
Over 7500 of these little boats have been manufactured since 1974. They have been exported as far away as New Zealand and South Africa. What strikes you with this boat is the fact that she can be much more than just a dinghy. She can be used as a tender or with the optional rig she become a fun boat to sail, and with a 1.5hp outboard or a pair of oars she is perfect for exploring shallow creeks.
The builder, Steve Rea, an engineer, designed and patented the boat. He sold 50 at the Bristol Boat Show on her first appearance 31 years ago. Current production hits three a week. There is usually a waiting list.
The boat is extremely easy to put together and the plywood parts snap together to create a rigid little boat in a very short time. There are hinges which link the panels together, made of a tough reinforced material providing her watertight integrity. One of the great simple features is the little wheel fitted to the skeg so that the boat can be moved easily either assembled or folded.
She has a folding rudder and tiller, or you can opt for an alternative outboard block to be fitted on the transom. A centreboard case is provided. The board inserts through the thwart and can be held in place with a shock cord.
There are two mast positions allowing you to sail with or without a jib. I can't wait to test her out with one of the grandsons as crew, so watch this space.
Folding her up is just as quick as assembling. The side panels fold down and inwards, making her perfect for storing in a garage or shed at home.
The painter is used to tie her together.
Fully folded, her light weight 75lbs (34 kg) means she can be carried quite easily. I was able to get her inside my Volvo estate.
This is a very early version now over 29 years old. Still robust, and the reinforced nylon hinges are still working. Steve points out that they are not subject to stress and take a gentle curve where panels meet. This little boat has obviously had a great deal of thought applied to the design. To be still in production after 31 years must prove her worth.
Specification
LOA: 7'10”
Beam: 4' 2”
Draft: 4 3/4” (12 cm)
Weight: 75lb (34 kg)
Contact: Seahopper
Tel: 01823 665151
