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Iso Dinghy
Designer: Ian Howlett & John Craig  ·  First built: 1990
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About the Iso Dinghy

Designed by Ian Howlett and John Craig in 1990, this compact fiberglass dinghy represents a thoughtful approach to small boat sailing that balances performance with accessibility. The fractional sloop rig configuration provides excellent sail control and versatility, making it well-suited for both recreational sailing and competitive racing in protected waters. With a displacement of just 220 pounds and an impressive sail area to displacement ratio of 66.79, this dinghy delivers spirited performance that will satisfy sailors seeking excitement on the water. The centerboard configuration allows for easy launching from beaches and access to shallow areas, while providing the lateral resistance needed for effective upwind sailing. The capsize screening formula of 3.8 indicates good stability characteristics for a boat of this size class. At 15.55 feet overall with a 5.74-foot beam, the design offers a practical balance between sailing performance and manageable size for trailering and storage. The 152 square feet of sail area provides ample power in light to moderate conditions while remaining controllable for less experienced sailors. This dinghy excels in coastal waters, small lakes, and protected bays, making it an excellent choice for sailing schools, yacht clubs, or families seeking an engaging yet forgiving sailing experience.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 15.55 ft / 4.74 m
Beam 5.74 ft / 1.75 m
Displacement 220.00 lb / 100 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 152.00 ft² / 14.12 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Dbrd. Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Ian Howlett & John Craig
First Built 1990
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Performance Ratios
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
42.53
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
2.37
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 4.87 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1.63 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 7.05 ft / 2.15 m
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