Spindrift Dinghy
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New! SPINDRIFT FAQ your questions answered.
Choose your model S-9 S-10 S-11 S-12
The Spindrift is a simple to build stitch and glue dinghy offered in four sizes. 9,10,11 and 12 feet. With over 1500 plan sold, Spindrifts have a reputation the world over as a rugged and capable hard dinghy for cruising and club sailing. Be sure to check out our builders forum where many of our builders document their builds and check out our new and growing list of builders logs.
A freestanding multi-piece mast constructed of aluminum tubing provides a lightweight and strong spar. The mast can be permanently assembled or left in pieces to allow the tubes to nest together for onboard storage. Fully zippered sleeve luff sail combined with a halyard for hoisting and an open reef section allows for single line reefing on the water in seconds for sailing in rough conditions. There is no need to struggle while "planting the flag" as with other dinghies and you can easily drop the sail while on shore without dropping the mast.
A fully developed bow section combined with our “butterfly” construction technique allows a beginning builder to achieve a refined hull shape from modest flat panels.
All but the 12' version are offered as a “nesting” version which bolts together allows the bow section to stow in the stern section for on deck storage. Read more about the nesting version.
The construction of the Spindrift hull is fast and simple. The bottom and side panels are matched up and joined at the bow. Then the keel is wired together which allows the hull to “unfold” like a butterfly. The chine is wired and the bulkheads are installed. The hull takes shape all in one step with no complicated jig required. The video below is an excellent demonstration of a S10 dinghy being unfolded. This method of construction is identical to our larger designs such as the Core Sound 20, 17 and 15 making it a great build for a first time builder. Read on to see more details about our plans and kits. Our Core Sound 15 build series uses the same techniques for construction.
Model Specifications
Visual Comparison of the different models.
| Model | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| Length | 9'-0" 2.75m |
10'-0" 3.048m |
11'-0" 3.35m |
12'-0" 3.66m |
| Beam | 4’-1″ 1.25m |
4'-2 1⁄2" 1.28m |
4'-7" 1.40m |
4'-7" 1.40m |
| Nested Length* |
4'-7" 1.39m |
5'-1" 1.55m |
5'-7 1/2" 1.67m |
/ |
| Nested height* |
20 3/4" 0.53m |
21 1/2" 0.55m |
22 1/2" 0.57m |
/ |
| Weight | 75-90 lbs 34-41kg |
90-110 lb 41-50kg |
110-130 lbs 50-59kg |
130-150 lbs 59-68kg |
| Max HP | 2.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 5 |
| Rig Sail Area |
Cat 45 ft2 4.18 m2 |
Cat 55ft2 5.11 m2 |
Cat 65ft2 6.04 m2 |
Cat/70 sqft (6.50 sqm) |
| Person Capacity |
3-4 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| See below for nested size dimensions | ||||
Nested DIMENSIONS : S-9 S-10 S-11
Note: S12 not available in a nested version
Standard Construction
In the standard layout, full-length cockpit seat tanks provide excellent buoyancy and minimal bailing after a capsize (video) as well as storage options for longer excursions with the addition of deck plate type screw hatches in the vertical cockpit sides. In both versions the dagger board trunk is located just off center. This is a design feature of all our dinghies which allows the keel to be continuous and strong, prevents damage and grit from entering the trunk slot and simplifies construction. Click here to view the non-nesting assembly guide, a new work in progress document that covers the general order of construction.
The Nesting Option
A nesting dinghy allows for a higher capacity tender with limited deck space however we encourage our builders to think seriously about what their needs are before committing to the nesting version. Do you have a good reason (like limited foredeck space) for the nesting boat that outweighs the compromises? See more questions answered on the FAQ page.
The biggest compromise is the lost permanent flotation in the nested version. More bailing will be require after a capsize and the free surface effect will make the nested version less stable after a capsize until the water is bailed out. A suction bailer can be installed in a standard hull to empty the boat while underway but the nested version has 2 separate bilges and 2 bailers would be expensive and complicated. Click here to see our "Nesting Spindrift Assembly Guide" where you can read about the steps of building a nesting Spindrift. This document accompanies the nesting plans.
Hardware and Rigging
The basic hardware and rigging is identical on all spindrift models (9,10,11, and 12) with the exception of the S-12 which has an added mainsheet purchase. Slight differences exist between the nesting and non nesting version such as the placement of the control line cleats which must be mounted to the side of the dagger board trunk since there is no permanent seat top. Endless modifications are possible for example. This builder added a partial seat to the bow section for cleat mounting and some cool take-apart oar holders. Click here to see the Spindrift rigging diagram from the plans which is common to all models. Note that end boom sheeting is shown in the plan however a 3 or 4:1 mid boom setup is favored among racers as seen here. A list of included hardware for the Spindrift rigging kit can be found in the Spindrift FAQ page.
The basic hardware and rigging is identical on all spindrift models (9,10,11, and 12) with the exception of the S-12 which has an added mainsheet purchase. Slight differences exist between the nesting and non nesting version such as the placement of the control line cleats which must be mounted to the side of the dagger board trunk since there is no permanent seat top. Endless modifications are possible for example. This builder added a partial seat to the bow section for cleat mounting and some cool take-apart oar holders. Click here to see the Spindrift rigging diagram from the plans which is common to all models. Note that end boom sheeting is shown in the plan however a 3 or 4:1 mid boom setup is favored among racers as seen here. A list of included hardware for the Spindrift rigging kit can be found in the Spindrift FAQ page.
Construction Plans
We print and ship detailed construction plans for each of our models. Plans include 11x17" pages of scale drawings, a materials list, epoxy guide and construction overview guide. We add more information daily to our documents and plans based on builder feedback! Plans include all construction details, sail plan, rigging plan and even some 1:1 drawings such as the rudder blade and knee shapes printed at actual size.
Optional Full size Template
We offer full size printed templates as an optional Add-on to the plans which come on 24" wide roll paper. No measuring and marking required just cut out the parts with scissors and transfer the shapes to your scarfed plywood panels.
NEW! We now offer an instant download option for the Spindrift Plans due to the high cost and time it takes to ship internationally. See the individual models for all available plan options. We offer free shipping for Spindrift plans shipped within the US. For International shipping of printed plans see options at checkout.
CNC KIT
We sell CNC cut plywood kits, epoxy, fiberglass, hardware, lines and sails for all of our models. We take great pride in every kit we make and support every builder by phone and email. To see what is available click on a specific model below and Read more about what is in the kit here. 
All of our kits are CNC cut in house and made to order and we only use BS-1088 Marine plywood. We are constantly improving the kit from builder feedback and we want every builder to have a great experience building from our kit. Building each kit to order allows us to continually improve the kit and focus on quality.
How to Order
You can place an order for your kit by navigating to the model you want and choosing your options. If you're not sure which options you want you can always secure a spot in our production list with the kit purchase and then contact us if you have any questions. S-9 S-10 S-11 S-12
Lead Time
Kit delivery time is approximately 6 weeks from time of purchase. While this depends on our work load we typically have 2-3 kits in production at any given time. We are a small firm and appreciate your patience.
Shipping and Availability
In the US: Spindrift kits for the US and Canada are available directly from B&B. We cut all kits in house at our workshop to ensure the highest quality. Shipping quotes available upon request for your region, see more info on shipping in our FAQ page.
In Europe: Spindrift Kits are also avilable via our partner Fyne Boat Kits in the UK who have access to all of our Spindrift models and can cut and ship you a Spindrift kit anywhere in Europe.
History
The first Spindrift design was the 10′ model. It was intended as a sailing tender for a larger yacht. Not long after the first few were built, we were invited to take part in a race for yacht tenders with a maximum length of 10′. There were dinghies of every description; Trinkas, Connies, Dyers all were represented, as well as some less well known brands and a few custom boats. In a six-day series, with three races per day, the Spindrift dominated the event – winning 18 races. She went on as undefeated in 84 consecutive races over several series during the following year. At this point several of the competitors got together with a local builder and designed and built a “Spindrift Slayer”. That expensive custom job – which could do nothing but race, was humiliated in race after race. Sadly for our competitors, but happily for all involved, there was a massive sale of dinghies in that club, and a mad rush of Spindrift building. Today, that fleet is well established and ever growing. Many more classes of Spindrifts have sprung up around the country. Spindrifts have had overwhelming success everywhere they have raced: She even won the WoodenBoat race in raging conditions, winning not only on corrected time, but over all against much larger boats, many of which were racing classes. Surprisingly, she also excels in drifting conditions and has won many a piece of silver for her “ghostly” ways in a gentle puff.
Many of our Spindrift families race their boats, then turn around and use them for cruising and voyaging as hard working tenders under oar and motor. They have won several regattas under both sail and oar which were open only to working tenders.
As a matter of fact, we have an open challenge to any other non-custom 10′ dinghy: A dinghy triathlon: sail, row, motor. The challenge is open to any commercially or home-built dinghy built from commercially available stock plans.
Spindrifts are a very good investment if you have a jr. sailor in your family. Unlike many dinghies used for trainers (such as the Optimist) you do not “outgrow” a Spindrift. While the boat is very suitable for children and inexperienced adults, in the hands of a good competitive sailor, the boat offers the challenge of top end racing. If you need more carrying capacity in less length, take a look at our Catspaw pram series.