Mirror - What to look out for when buying???

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Author Topic:   Mirror - What to look out for when buying???

J Boden posted 30-03-2005 17:25 GMT
I am looking to buy a Mirror dinghy for my son and I to learn to sail but I keep hearing that I need to be careful to ensure the construction is good, to look out for common faults and possible bodged repairs.
I'd be very greatful for any help.
I would also appreciate to know what sort of price I should expect to pay and what equipment I need that price to include.
Many Thanks
John
ChrisJ posted 05-04-2005 08:46 GMT
You may get more help from www.UKMirrorSailing.com.
OR, if you up North somewhere, try visiting Trident www.Trident-UK.com.
Mirrors vary in price between less than �100 and more than �3000. If you are learning to sail, you don't want one that is "too cheap", but equally, I wouldn't pay more than �500.
MANY Mirrors were built in the 70's in peoples garages from kits. The kit and plywood were designed to be easy to construct, and not necessary long lasting. Once the boat was built, people wanted to go sailing, and so they often skimped on the painting and varnishing which were needed to protect the wood.
Problems: There are usually no drainage holes in the bottom of the boat - so any water left in the boat sits around the base of the centreboard case rotting the case and the bottom plywood boards. A finger nail into the wood / varnish here will quickly identify issues.
Check where and how the boat is kept. A dirty cover that is full of water / holes / mould will indicate neglect. A cover put on properly and pulled tight will show care.
Equipment: Mast, gaff, boom, main sail, jib, rudder, tiller, centreboard, trolley for launching.
Extras: Cover (you will need one, but you may need to replace it anyway), spinnaker and sheets and pole, oars and rollocks for rowing.
A couple of tips: Go along to a sailing club where they are sailed to get a feel of what you are looking at. The Mirror class will have many open meetings listed on their website.
You may find that learning to sail is better taught - there are many classes available either weekend or evening or weekly.
Where are you living, and where do you expect to sail?

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Author	Topic: Mirror - What to look out for when buying???
J Boden	posted 30-03-2005 17:25 GMT I am looking to buy a Mirror dinghy for my son and I to learn to sail but I keep hearing that I need to be careful to ensure the construction is good, to look out for common faults and possible bodged repairs. I'd be very greatful for any help. I would also appreciate to know what sort of price I should expect to pay and what equipment I need that price to include. Many Thanks John
ChrisJ	posted 05-04-2005 08:46 GMT You may get more help from www.UKMirrorSailing.com. OR, if you up North somewhere, try visiting Trident www.Trident-UK.com. Mirrors vary in price between less than �100 and more than �3000. If you are learning to sail, you don't want one that is "too cheap", but equally, I wouldn't pay more than �500. MANY Mirrors were built in the 70's in peoples garages from kits. The kit and plywood were designed to be easy to construct, and not necessary long lasting. Once the boat was built, people wanted to go sailing, and so they often skimped on the painting and varnishing which were needed to protect the wood. Problems: There are usually no drainage holes in the bottom of the boat - so any water left in the boat sits around the base of the centreboard case rotting the case and the bottom plywood boards. A finger nail into the wood / varnish here will quickly identify issues. Check where and how the boat is kept. A dirty cover that is full of water / holes / mould will indicate neglect. A cover put on properly and pulled tight will show care. Equipment: Mast, gaff, boom, main sail, jib, rudder, tiller, centreboard, trolley for launching. Extras: Cover (you will need one, but you may need to replace it anyway), spinnaker and sheets and pole, oars and rollocks for rowing. A couple of tips: Go along to a sailing club where they are sailed to get a feel of what you are looking at. The Mirror class will have many open meetings listed on their website. You may find that learning to sail is better taught - there are many classes available either weekend or evening or weekly. Where are you living, and where do you expect to sail?