SEAL (PROTOTYPE)

First and foremost, the

Seal inflatable dinghy we tested was a prototype with some small modifications to come. Specifically she does not yet have the two bags within which she will be supplied as standard.

We measured the longest parts of all the equipment to come up with the rough dimensions the bags would be in the final instance. We’re reasonably certain that we have provided an accurate representation of the size the bags will be, but in this instance the measurements in the comparison table should be taken as a guideline.

The Seal is most directly comparable to the Dinghy Go models (p90) though with some differences. She is one of two boats tested with a stayed rig and headsail with a sprit mainsail, reminiscent of an Optimist dinghy.

As with the other two-sailed option on test, the Seahopper (p86), this extra sail adds complexity to the rigging process but does help balance when sailing her. The headsail also means that the mainsail can be much smaller than on the single-sailed variations. SETUP Set up for the Seal was straightforward and took a comparable time to the two Dingy Go models – both of which are similar in hull design, though without the hard pram bow.

It is worth noting on the Seal dinghy that both the thwart and a small forward section slot into a groove along rubber runners down either side of each piece. This is much easier to do when the tubes are not fully inflated. With a bit of practice (and an electric pump) this could be done as the boat is inflating but if forgotten it would mean deflating the tubes slightly to install them and then re-inflating.

As previously mentioned the Seal comes with headsail and mainsail, which adds to the complexity of the setup. In light of this we were surprised when we stopped the stopwatch to find it had taken only a few minutes longer than the single-sailed Dinghy Go varieties. This is the a prototype of the dinghy and production versions will be available early next year.

SPECIFICATIONS LENGTH: 2.8m BEAM: 1.5m TOTAL WEIGHT: 57kg DIMENSIONS (FOLDED): 110cm x 68cm x 40cm ASSEMBLY TIME: 23min CONTACT: i.thacker@ntlworld.com

The headsail helps with upwind performance The mainsail can be easily scandalised, adding versatility Oars clip into the rowlocks and remain attached

The thwart is slotted in while the boat is partially inflated

A topping lift lets you scandalise the main for short rows