by J Abrams

I have received information from Winton Boatbuilding Company about this recent Ian Proctor dinghy, which is said to be designed for dinghy cruising. It has one feature of interest to dinghy cruisers — an 8 foot length from bulkhead to bulkhead and floorboards running the length of the cockpit.

No doubt we shall soon hear from people who have cruised in the boat. She is light for her size — 275 lb — and beam of 5’ 10” is at deck level, that on the waterline being little over 4’. Initial stability must be very low. It seems to me she would therefore be uncomfortable for sleeping aboard afloat, and her V-sections suggest that she dries out on her ear.

So far I do not see great advantages over many of the established 14 foot light dinghies. It is of course impossible to judge without first hand evidence.