MIRROR DINGHY (INT)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 10.83 ft |
| Beam | 4.58 ft |
| Draft | 2.5 ft/ 0.5 ft min |
| Displacement | 135 lb |
Rig & Sails
| Mainsail | 49 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 20 sq ft |
About the MIRROR DINGHY (INT)
The MIRROR was designed for home building, using the sheet plywood "stitch & glue" method. The concept was initiated by BBC TV DIY expert, Barry Bucknell who built his own boat upon which Jack Holt based the final hull design. The name and the red sails were the idea of the sponsor of the project, 'The Daily Mirror' newspaper (The front page of the Mirror was always printed in red). One of the most popular sailing dinghies in the UK, also has a presence in Australia. A fiberglass MkIII version (2007) has a re-designed layout (by Phil Morrison) and Bermudian/Marconi sloop rig. Sail area: -Main: 49 ft² / 4.6 m² -Jib: 20 ft² / 1.9 m² -Spin. 47 ft² / 4.4 m²
Designed by Bucknell & Holt and built by both amateur and professional builders, the Mirror Dinghy (INT) is a classic small craft with a production run of 7000 hulls starting in 1965. Its enduring popularity is reflected in the high volume of builds and its status as a staple in the sailing community.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideal for coastal day sailing, beach launching, and introductory sailing due to its lightweight 135.0 lb displacement and manageable 10.83 ft length overall. It suits individuals or couples seeking a simple, trailerable craft for local waters rather than extended offshore passages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 3.57 and a maximum draft of 2.5 ft, this vessel is not suited for bluewater cruising but is well-adapted for coastal and inland waterways where its shallow draft and light displacement allow for easy beaching and transport.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Laser and the Sunfish, as they share similar roles as single-handed or double-handed day sailers with lightweight hulls and simple rigging. The Mirror's Gunter rig and variable keel options also align with other classic small dinghies from the same era designed for ease of handling.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the MIRROR DINGHY (INT) yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 10.83ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the MIRROR DINGHY (INT)yet to publish model-specific findings we'd stand behind — but here's a free general inspection checklist, built from our research into what actually goes wrong on boats of this kind.
Drawn from 7,029 documented issues across 2,391 models, ordered so the areas that most often turn up problems come first.
Own a MIRROR DINGHY (INT)? Reports from owners are what turn this into a model-specific checklist — and they're the reason the boats above it have one.
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your MIRROR DINGHY (INT)?
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Used sails that fit the MIRROR DINGHY (INT)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…