Cool boats for kids

[Jackdaw]

Who says kids only have to sail in Optis? I'm digging this mini Volvo replica. Hell, I'D sail in that thing. Check it out a bowsprit! Perfect for hooking the shrouds of your enemy. I want one. Anyone else with cool boats for kids that adults could love?

 

[CloudDiver]

There are pics I have found with Google image search of Mini J class boats... 21 to 25 ft overall and a very narrow beam, they actually met Universal rule I think. Not as compact as these mini Volvo 60's, but has a similar deep cockpit and wheel steering. If I could get my act together and make a plug/mold I could infuse some hulls relatively easy. these mini Volvos would be easier, spars look like off the shelf Sail Board masts.

 

[dziedzicmj]

O'pen BIC? (https://world.bicsport.com/open-bic/open.html)

 

[Jackdaw]

There are pics I have found with Google image search of Mini J class boats... 21 to 25 ft overall and a very narrow beam, they actually met Universal rule I think. Not as compact as these mini Volvo 60's, but has a similar deep cockpit and wheel steering. If I could get my act together and make a plug/mold I could infuse some hulls relatively easy. these mini Volvos would be easier, spars look like off the shelf Sail Board masts.

You are probably talking about the Illusion class boats, which are actually mini 12 meter boats and raced hard in the UK. Here in the US they are often used in adaptive sailing programs. This trick is that they are actually rather technical to sail, and HEAVY.

http://www.illusionclass.org/

 

[jssailem]

I think the venerable El Toro is a great boat for young sailors.

 

[rgranger]

This is a little boat I used to own. It is called a Cha Cha by Hobie Escape. It has twin "keels" so it sits upright and the rudder is in the front, which takes some getting used to. The second pic is my son. He used to disappear all day on the lake in this thing. I could easily fit the entire thing in the bed of a ford ranger. Most importantly, it has a drink holder

 

[Will Gilmore]

http://www.us24meter.org/
The one design 2.4 meter boats.

- Will (Dragonfly)

 

[Will Gilmore]

My vote, however, is for the windmill.
http://forums.sailinganarchy.com/index.php?/topic/123445-windmill-or-sweet-16/

Still one of the fastest little boats around.

- Will (Dragonfly)

 

[Whatfiero1]

Got a pair of Hobie's funny story behind them dad bought 1 new in 84' at Baltimore boat show then I bought other one with collation # off Craig's list last year in VA. Didn't know had close #'s till I looked at this pict

 

[Kermit]

Check it out a bowsprit! Perfect for hooking the shrouds of your enemy. I want one.
View attachment 146343

Ramming speed!

 

[Jackdaw]

How about this? Only a few in the USA. Beneteau Wizz. Boat of the year in 1983. If I find one I'll buy one. I love the horseshoe boom. No banging heads!

The Wizz is a 14’5” dinghy designed by Jean Marie Finot. She was built by Bénéteau (France) and made of monolithic fiberglass / polyester. This sailboat was produced between 1981 and 1983 with 3625 hulls completed.

Fun for kids of all ages.