The big question on Hartley Boats agenda was, could we improve this already very successful training boat? This outstanding training dinghy was already used by many of the UK’s 1,700 leading training schools and sailing clubs together with many holiday companies.
The answer was, YES, with new technology and the best naval Architect Phil Morrison on board and with the will and determination to make this the number one training sailing dinghy even better. This then would deliver even better training results. No changes to the hull, the chined built Wayfarer is the most STABLE dinghy of its size class in the world. You can even stand two adults on the side-deck without the boat capsizing. No change to the hull, but we would reduce the buoyancy in the side tanks, as with many other dinghies, far too much buoyancy makes the centreboard float too high and it is difficult to right after capsize.
Get rid of the bath full of water to a couple of inches would be a major benefit to training schools. Give a choice of asymmetric or symmetric spinnaker, move the thwart further aft to give more room for the crew. Lower the inner skin nearer to the hull floor, make more leg room and a more comfortable seating position. Reposition the bailers, take them out of the way of feet to under the thwart. A self-draining cockpit with rear drain tubes and a boat with little maintenance would be a great benefit. Slab reefing is standard, but the option of a reefable genoa system that within twenty-five seconds you are able to trim the sails to adapt to changing wind conditions, together with balancing the boat, would also be a great advantage. The boat must still be able to sit on a mooring and be real value for money.
The Wayfarer is tested for six adults and is the most stable platform you can find in any training dinghy, in the world. Designed to give confidence and a smile to whoever sails the boat, ideal for children and adults of all age groups. With the excellent reefing options together with the kicker and cunningham led back to the centre this STABLE trainer can operate in all wind conditions and deliver year on year, giving the best training investment return in the business.
It is also a known fact, you can see Wayfarers still being used after thirty years of use, that return on investment is a land mark in the dinghy training world and cannot be beaten.
When we sell a new boat, Hartley Boats likes to complete a full boat handover. Not only to ensure that you understand how to rig your new boat but most importantly that you get the best from your new investment.
We at Hartley Boats are very proud of our standards and build quality, to demonstrate that statement we are the only manufacturer to offer a 4-year guarantee.