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Sailboat Specifications

Mirror Dinghy Int

Gunter · Dbrd. Dinghy

Designed by Bucknell & Holt · Built by Ameture And Professonal · First built 1965

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LOA 10.83 ft  ·  Beam 4.58 ft  ·  Displacement 135.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 69.00 ft²  ·  Gunter  ·  Dbrd. Dinghy
About the Mirror Dinghy Int Sailboat

Originally designed by Jack Holt and Barry Bucknell in 1965, this compact dinghy has become one of sailing's most enduring success stories, with over 7,000 boats built across nearly six decades. The Mirror's distinctive gunter rig and hard chine hull design have made it a favorite among sailing schools and families worldwide. At just under 11 feet in length with a 69-square-foot sail plan, this lightweight 135-pound dinghy offers an ideal platform for learning to sail and recreational day sailing in protected waters. The dinghy's shallow 2.5-foot draft allows exploration of beaches, shallow bays, and inland waterways where larger boats cannot venture. Its moderate beam of 4.58 feet provides stability while remaining easily manageable for single-handed sailing. The boat's construction combines traditional wood with modern fiberglass reinforcement, creating a durable yet maintainable craft. Built by both amateur and professional boatbuilders, many Mirrors have been constructed from kits, fostering a strong community of owners who understand every aspect of their boats. The gunter rig simplifies rigging and reduces overall height for easier transport and storage, making this an excellent choice for sailors seeking an uncomplicated, reliable small boat for coastal day sailing and sailing instruction.

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Amateur-built wooden Mirror hulls frequently suffer from rot at the butt joints of the ply panels, particularly at the bow and transom corners where the stitching wire holes were not properly sealed during construction. Inspect these joints carefully for soft spots and discoloration.
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The hard chine ply construction relies on epoxy or resin-filled stitch-and-glue seams; on older or amateur builds these seams can crack or delaminate, allowing water ingress into the ply core and subsequent rot. Tap along all chine seams and check for hollow sounds.
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The glassed-over plywood transom is prone to delamination and rot, especially around the outboard motor bracket cut-out and tiller pintles and gudgeons where water consistently pools and hardware fasteners allow moisture ingress.
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Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 10.83 ft / 3.30 m
Beam 4.58 ft / 1.40 m
Max Draft 2.50 ft / 0.76 m
Min Draft 0.50 ft / 0.15 m
Displacement 135.00 lb / 61 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 69.00 ft² / 6.41 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Dbrd. Dinghy
Rigging Type Gunter
Construction Wood/FG
Designer Bucknell & Holt
Builder Ameture and Professonal
First Built 1965
Number Built 7000
Associations Mirror Dinghy Int. (UK Mirror Class Association)
Related Sailboats Topper · Heron · Penguin · Europe International · Classic Moth
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mirror Dinghy Int's comfort ratio?

The Mirror Dinghy Int has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 2.82. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

What is the hull speed of the Mirror Dinghy Int?

The theoretical hull speed of the Mirror Dinghy Int is 4.07 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Mirror Dinghy Int weigh?

The Mirror Dinghy Int has a displacement of 135.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 10.83 ft.

Who designed the Mirror Dinghy Int?

The Mirror Dinghy Int was designed by Bucknell & Holt, first built in 1965.