Dinghy reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 180 Reddit reviews across 8 subreddits and 44 posts to rank the best Dinghy brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/sailing, r/dinghysailing, r/SailboatCruising, r/LandyachtzBoards, r/boating. Top-rated brands include RS (4.4/5), Laser (4.5/5), Dinghy (3.8/5).
Stats
Reviews180
Subreddits8
Posts44
Brands93
Products21
180 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
RS
4.4
(17)
"I have an Aero and while boats from RS are pricer right now since they are newer, they are remarkably durable and incredibly lightweight."
"Rs300 nothing comes close to how fun they are just sadly the fleet has low numbers."
"Yep. I ditched my Laser for an Aero. Never looked back."
"RS Aero is the future of the sport."
"Aero is the modern and correct choice for simplicity and values."
"RS Aero is my favorite. Fast, modern, and light enough to transport on a roof rack."
"Yes for a beginner dinghy, Feva or Zest is good."
"Yes for a beginner dinghy, Feva or Zest is good. I prefer Feva."
"I'd go for something like the RS Zest or a Topaz Vibe."
"They are nice little boats for beginners."
#2
Laser
4.5
(11)
"Laser ofc"
"Bottom line though, If you want to sail on the same boat, What are the 3 up boats racing around you?"
"By far the best is always the Laser. There's a reason it's such a classic."
"Laser. Zillions of them built, can be bought for cheap, can go to the Olympics for like $10k tops"
"Local club racing to Olympic racing - Laser"
"Laser"
"Laser, (full/radial/4.7 rig depending on your weight) just crank sail controls."
"I'm thinking of learning towards the laser over the sunfish."
"Sunfish is a good choice. Laser might be as well."
"I'm a pretty big guy (250lbs) and I sail a Laser."
#3
Dinghy
3.8
(10)
"Get you a rigid bottom with the hypalon tubes and a solid outboard. It's worth the money."
"I love the Dinghy. It’s tall enough without the bigger wheels."
"I use a plastic rowing dinghy. It's easy to row, extremely light."
"They use a small, traditional rowboat dinghy -- just big enough for 2 people."
"I’d recommend the Dinghy."
"I think you should consider the dinghy that is most popular at your local sailing club."
"IMO, which ever dingy you find that you want to sail."
"The cheapest tender you can buy new is one of mirovia pros from Costco."
"The only thing the Dinghy really has over the Pilsner is the set of wheels."
"If you dont wanna race, buy whats cheap, if you wanna race, buy the boat that is raced."
#4
Flying Scot
4.5
(8)
"Flying Scot for sure."
"Flying Scot."
"This not exactly a new model but it is popular in One Design racing and I love sailing it - a Flying Scot."
"Flying Scot."
"Even the flying Scot is sometimes too “tippy” for them and the FS is pretty stable."
"More of a double handed dinghy, but maybe a Flying Scot if you want something less technical."
"There's already 2 suggestions for the Flying Scot."
"I've been using Flying Scots both competitively and recreationally for years. They are a similar size compared to the Thistle, but a heck of a lot more comfortable."
#5
Hobie
4.4
(7)
"Yep my vote for Hobie too. Great fun for one or two."
"Get a Hobie or a Nacra. Bonus points if it has an asym."
"Hobie / Prindle will keep kids interested in sailing."
"Personally, Hobie. Can be fun to send, but you can also easily chill if you want."
"Hobie 14, but ideally hobie 16, anything bigger gets to be heavy."
"Hobie are built to be sailed directly onto the beach."
"Overall I like the Hobie best for your criteria."
#6
420
4.3
(6)
"Big fan of 420's. Just a fun one to add in the mix, if you can find one, check it out:)"
"When I think of the perfect dinghy, I think 420. Main sail only when you're just learning, jib when you're more experienced, and spinnaker to go all out."
"One that hasn’t been mentioned is the 420, which with the Trapeze can add to the fun for the older children."
"Get a 420, clubs sell old fleet all the time for reasonable prices."
"For 13 feet you can get a 420."
"Then you have lots of options. Get a 420!"
#7
Sunfish
4.2
(6)
"A Sunfish is really the only dinghy you are going to find meeting those criteria."
"A Sunfish is a good option, and they've made a million of them."
"I'm all in on the sunfish. It's a strange boat but very affordable class for all levels."
"The most accessible one would be the sunfish, more durable than a laser and significantly more boats out there racing."
"A sunfish or laser radial would be good for your size and are pretty common in many places and relatively low cost."
"Popular singlehanders include the Sunfish and the Laser (the Laser is a bit more performance oriented and a bit trickier to sail your first couple of times out."
#8
Landyachtz
4.3
(4)
"Dinghy Turbo is real fast. I have this."
"I have a regular dinghy which is pretty solid and was pretty good for learning on."
"I think a Dinghy would be fine."
"Assuming you are new (like me), you would likely benefit from the Dinghy Blunt."
#9
Inflatable Dinghy
3.8
(4)
"Dinghies are super important and essential to doing any cruising."
"If you need to bring it each time you'll want something inflatable."
"I would store a regular inflatable dinghy deflated and rolled up forward of the mast."
"You're talking $900-$1,800 for a decent inflatable dinghy."
#10
PortaBote
4.7
(3)
"Simplest thing is probably a porta-boat or something like it."
"I think it would make an ideal dinghy for a smaller boat."
"Portabote might suit you. Very easy to store on a smaller boat."
#11
Zodiac
4.7
(3)
"I had a Zodiac for a few years. I loved it. Very stable."
"I had a Zodiac for a few years. I loved it. Very stable so standing up when fighting fish is possible."
"The good quality Zodiac built boats are now available at heavy discounts."
#12
Catalina
4.7
(3)
"Catalina 16.5 was fun with my dad as a kid! Good memories."
"Catalina 14.2"
"It sails very well."
#13
Wayfarer
4.3
(3)
"Wayfarers are the canonical cruising boat in the uk."
"If you do not mind older boats.. a Wayfarer, Enterprise, GP14, Bluejay or even a detuned Lightning might work well."
"The quintessential estuary pottering/camping boat is the Wayfarer. They made a slightly smaller version called the Wanderer in case you don't have the crew weight to right a full Wayfarer after capsize."
#14
Takacat
4.3
(3)
"Once you Takacat, you'll never go back. Mine is Red, so hot right now."
"They say this is easy to climb back on due to its lack of a bow."
"Any roll up dinghy will work. Takacat has catamaran dinghies."
#15
Merlin Rocket
5.0
(2)
"Merlin-Rocket is the answer!"
"For Bimbling I don’t think you can get much more advanced than the Merlin-Rocket."
#16
Hobie 16
5.0
(2)
"Hobie 16 would be my pick but best option is whatever is popular in the clubs in your area."
"An old hobie would blow their hair back way more than a poopy old 420."
#17
RS Venture
4.5
(2)
"If you are really after a dinghy rather than a mini yacht look at a rs venture."
"Cal Sailing Club often does cruises from Berkeley to Angel Island using RS Venture."
#18
Moth
4.5
(2)
"The most popular single-handed dinghy from the top of my head would be the Moth."
"Development hi tech foiler - Moth"
#19
Pilsner
4.5
(2)
"I got the same Pilsner. It’s great, I love it."
"I've had both. The Pilsner with slightly bigger/better wheels is better than the classic Dinghy."
#20
MC Scow
4.5
(2)
"MC Scow?"
"I think an MC Scow would be a good option for you."
#21
Fatty Knees
4.5
(2)
"A little pricey but get a Fatty Knees! They are fantastic stout fiberglass rowers."
"I have a fatty knees with sail kit and all."
#22
O'Day
4.0
(2)
"Any of the 14-17ft production boats that you can find for 1500 and down."
"Some form of oday if I was low on cash."
#23
RS Tera
4.0
(2)
"In the UK there are dingys that can row for example the RS Tera."
"If you want something that isn't an Opi, the RS Tera hits a similar niche."
#24
RS Zest
4.0
(2)
"RS seems to have good build quality for their boats. So you wouldn’t go wrong buying something out of their line."
"RS Zest. These boats are designed for beginners."
#25
Walker Bay
4.0
(2)
"Walker bay is as small and light as they get."
"I would say a Waker Bay with sailing kit and tubes. Pros: It's really hard to turtle the boat when tubes are attached. Cons: Doesn't sail that well up wind."
#26
Porta Bote
3.5
(2)
"Folds flat to the size of a surfboard after the seats are removed."
"Porta bote and True Kit"
#27
Hartley 12
3.0
(2)
"Hartley 12s are solid, heavy and boring."
"Hartley 12s are solid, heavy and boring."
#28
RS Quest
5.0
(1)
"I would highly recommend the RS Quest. I purchased one this year to teach my kids to sail."
#29
J/15
5.0
(1)
"JY 15. Self bailing"
#30
Fliptail
5.0
(1)
"[fliptail](http://duckworksbbs.com/plans/benjamin/fliptail/index.htm)!"
#31
Vagabond
5.0
(1)
"I really enjoy my 14 ft vagabond. It's an older boat 1982, but it's solid, very easy to rig, and very easy to sail."
#32
Laser Radial
5.0
(1)
"Laser Radial. The radial rig uses a shorter upper mast and a different sail with 62 sqft of sail versus the standard's 76 sqft."
#33
Hunter
5.0
(1)
"Hunter 18. Wonderful cruising day sailor with a beamy design to prevent healing too much."
#34
Moore Sailboats
5.0
(1)
"I started with an El-Toro and no mom in the boat"
#35
CLC
5.0
(1)
"Look up the CLC Eastport Pram"
#36
VXone
5.0
(1)
"VXone
Wally Nano
A-Yachts A27"
#37
Wooden Dinghy
5.0
(1)
"I have an Ilur - it’s pretty perfect for around here."
#38
Flying Junior FJ
5.0
(1)
"I sail a Flying Junior (FJ) and I tip the scales at 235, 6'3"."
#39
Catalina 22
5.0
(1)
"Get a Catalina 22 and kick back and relax, fire up the BBQ, you've earned it."
#40
Hadron H2
5.0
(1)
"Hadron H2 if you’re rich; RS Aero; Devoti D-zero; Devoti D1 (or RS100) if you like to be busy downwind; Musto Skiff (or RS700) if you like to be busy and scared downwind."
#41
RS Aero
5.0
(1)
"RS Aero if you want a fast and exciting boat. Musto skiff if you think an Aero is for grannies."
#42
Fulcrum Speedworks Rocket
5.0
(1)
"Fulcrum Speedworks Rocket. Lightweight modern hull materials will be hard to beat for size v weight."
#43
Caribe
5.0
(1)
"If you can find a Caribe they're gold."
#44
International 14
5.0
(1)
"Try the International 14 class (or any development class for that matter)."
#45
Hobie Wave
5.0
(1)
"Consider going catamaran. A Hobie Wave is simple to sail, holds 3 comfortably."
#46
Super Snark
5.0
(1)
"Get a Super Snark from the Meyers Boat Company in Adrian MI."
#47
Catalina Capri 14.2
5.0
(1)
"Catalina Capri 14.2 is my dinghy. Parts are still available."
#48
Super Snark Sunflower
5.0
(1)
"Seconding the Super Snark suggestion. We have a Snark Sunflower."
#49
O'day
5.0
(1)
"Great little boat."
#50
Saturn
5.0
(1)
"It was a great boat with a great price tag."
#51
Minifish
5.0
(1)
"Minifish is my go-to you should check it out."
#52
Megin
5.0
(1)
"It's super easy to sail, it has good speed at low wind."
#53
Hobie Holder
4.0
(1)
"Hobie Holder"
#54
Dinghy Fender
4.0
(1)
"If you want a dinghy for that, I’d recommend getting one of the ones with Plow Kings (Dinghy Fender or Turbo) because it will make for a much cushier ride."
#55
Drop Cat
4.0
(1)
"After taking your comments into account, I think it is best to go for a drop cat 33. I think the drop cat 33 inch is still very agile, portable and just easier to push."
#56
CL
4.0
(1)
"I was going to get a CL-16, but I saw a CL-14 in pristine shape, so I snapped it up. I added a trapeze and a spinnaker kit to it and we've been having scads of fun."
#57
Tanzer
4.0
(1)
"You might be better off with something like a tanzer 22 with a swing keel or something similar."
#58
Topaz
4.0
(1)
"Personally I'd go for something like a Topaz Vibe."
#59
Dart
4.0
(1)
"Dart 16. A friend owns one, we have taken it out in 34 gusting 48."
#60
Fulcrum Speedworks
4.0
(1)
"The Rocket by Fulcrum Speedworks - basically an open cockpit Sunfish with modern and lighter materials."
#61
Open Bic
4.0
(1)
"Open bic."
#62
West Wight Potter 15
4.0
(1)
"Look at a trailerable pocket cruiser. Something like a West Wight Potter 15 or 19."
#63
Land Yatchz
4.0
(1)
"I have a dinghy blunt by land yatchz and I enjoy it. The blunt is a little wider than the other models so less of my feet hang over the sides making it more comfortable to ride longer distances."
#64
AMF Puffer
4.0
(1)
"Other AMF models besides the Sunfish to look out for are the Puffer and Force 5."
#65
Topper Topaz
4.0
(1)
"The Topper Topaz, the Laser Pico and the RS Quba are basically all the same concept."
#66
Mariner 19
4.0
(1)
"I looked at a couple of Mariner 19s and thought they would be a great little trailerable daysailer."
#67
Hobie 21
4.0
(1)
"I just found this thread that discusses weight limits on the popular Hobie's."
#68
Propane Outboard
4.0
(1)
"A propane outboard is a worthwhile investment."
#69
Highfield Lumina 10 AB
4.0
(1)
"After 3 years of hard use... the high field has held up better."
#70
Highfield 310 Classic Hypalon
4.0
(1)
"We're getting a Highfield 310 Classic Hypalon version. Spendy but we wanted the double floor."
#71
Laser Dinghy
4.0
(1)
"A laser."
#72
GP 14
4.0
(1)
"If you just want it for 'going for a sail', possibly a GP14 or a Wayfarer might provide more space than a Laser."
#73
Inflatable
4.0
(1)
"Something inflatable that you can roll up on deck or put in a lazarette."
#74
505
4.0
(1)
"I agree if new a cat is probably best 505's are the ultimate but very technical and expensive."
#75
RS 400
4.0
(1)
"RS400? Don’t have a trapeze and so your dad can focus on crewing well in the boat."
#76
Pram
4.0
(1)
"I personally would look into a pram if some sort."
#77
Lido 14
4.0
(1)
"Lido 14. Small enough for the lake, big enough to have a non-sailing passenger."
#78
Topaz Uno
4.0
(1)
"I have a Topaz Uno. Great little boat. Easy to rig."
#79
O'Day Daysailer
4.0
(1)
"Oday Daysailer, won't let you down."
#80
O'Day Mariner
4.0
(1)
"The O'day mariner is another good one to consider."
#81
Holder
4.0
(1)
"I'd go with the Holder, just because it resembles an AMF Puffer."
#82
Sage 15
4.0
(1)
"Some favorites: - Sage 15 - SCAMP - Welsford Navigator."
#83
Walker Bay Air 8ft
4.0
(1)
"I have a Avon Walker Bay Air 8ft. The transom is wood, but the rest of the boat is inflatable."
#84
Vanguard 15
4.0
(1)
"Maby a Vanguard 15, I don't know just how much chop it can handle but it's pretty stable."
#85
Buzzards Bay 15
4.0
(1)
"A Buzzards Bay 15, of course... or a Watch Hill 15, which seems to be the same thing."
#86
RIB
4.0
(1)
"It rows better than a soft bottom inflatable, but, the transom folds down."
#87
Victoria
4.0
(1)
"Is comfortable and the long keel makes a perfect beachable set up."
#88
Snipe
4.0
(1)
"I may be biased, but a snipe is always a good choice."
#89
Portaboat
4.0
(1)
"Have you seen portaboat?"
#90
GP14
3.0
(1)
"How bout a GP14?"
#91
Woodpussy
3.0
(1)
"Woodpussy."
#92
Whaly
3.0
(1)
"I have a Whaly and I mostly like it."
#93
Caribe AB
3.0
(1)
"Seems that I hear that either Caribe or AB are the go-to choices."
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