Spindrift 12 comparison to Mirror Dinghy

[Desert Mariner]

Hi, all.

 

I'm wondering if anyone can offer me a comparison between the Mirror Dinghy and the Spindrift 12. To my untrained eye, the boats seem very similar in terms of weight, beam and length. Obviously, the bow is different.

 

My goal is to use the boat as a standalone sailboat (not a tender) for day sailing with my wife and for solo dinghy cruising under sail and oar. I want to be able to car top the boat as well as transporting it on a simple trailer. I really like the larger B&B boats, but my garage is small and I already have two small sailboats on trailers.

 

I'm especially interested in opinions and ideas from those who have sailed both Mirrors and Spindrifts.

 

Thanks,

 

Dave

[Don Silsbe]

A friend of mine stands her S12 upright, on her transom, in the garage.

[Desert Mariner]

Thanks, Don. That's good to know. 

[Don Silsbe]

Let me start by saying that I’ve only seen photos of the Mirror, but two things come to mind when comparing these boats.  
 

First, I know that the Spindrifts are super fast boats.  Not sure about the Mirror.  There was a time when Graham’s S11 could not be beaten in local races.  In fact, he won 86 consecutive races!

 

Second, since the Mirror has a small jib, the mast will be further aft.  Anything forward of the mast is not usable for crew space, due to the jib.  Here’s a photo of my friend Jan Coté taking a ride in Randy’s (Graham’s neighbor, whose last name I’ve forgotten) S12.  Plenty of room for two adults.

 

That said, I’m a fan of the Amanda 12.  But I’d like it better with the Spindrift rig.

[Desert Mariner]

Thanks, Don. I didn't see your post until now.

 

I'm pretty sure that a Spindrift would be an excellent boat and likely faster under sail than a Mirror. Alan has corresponded with me with observations comparing the rig and hulls of the boats. I've found an inexpensive Mirror dinghy available in the US. I'll likely try that boat out before I commit to building a small boat.

 

What has emerged in my searches has been a confirmed commitment to a smaller, lighter boat in the 12-14 foot range. I've spent too many nights anchored when I've lost sleep, and many, many days in remote areas when I was glad I was able to pull boats ashore due to wind and sea conditions. I've come to believe that vessels that can be pulled ashore easily are the sweet spot for traveling in small boats . . . and I'll likely use them more often than my current 19-20 foot trailer sailors.

 

Dave

 

[Steve W]

Dave, 

 

Just a though bubble from my canoeing days. The difference between 12 and 14 is mostly where the boat is biggest. A 14 foot canoe gets two more feet in the middle when you make it 16 feet. The difference is significant. Be sure to choose wisely. Also, keep in mind the old adage, "The space you have is the space you will fill". 

 

Take Care,

Steve