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The CASCAIS is the ultimate rotomolded multi–purpose sailing dinghy. Its versatility and innovative design provide for exceptional handling, speed and stability. The spacious cockpit and 3 rig / sail versions make the Cascais the ideal platform for all levels of sailors. Whether you are a recreational sailor or enjoy the thrill of racing, the Cascais cannot be beat for what it has to offer.

• Beautiful design that is simultaneously practical and responsive
• Maximum flexibility – the 3 versions of Cascais provide the ideal pathway boat and can be sailed both single or double handed
• Exciting Performance –regardless of what level of sailor you are, Cascais promises a sailing experience that is never boring, more often exhilarating sailing as complete and fun as it can be
• Delivers a complete experience – depending on what adventures you seek, there is a perfect combination for your sailing needs
• All-around safety – 3 layered plastic body, wide hull for stability, high boom to avoid accidents, the list goes on

• Low maintenance – plastic hull is easier to maintain reducing running cost over its lifetime
• Durable – state of the art 3 layered Polyethylene hull
• High end materials and processes – allow for thickness variation in high and low load areas, increasing the longevity of the boat while decreasing the weight
• User friendly – hardware designed for simplicity and short time to water so that you can spend more time enjoying your Cascais on the water

• Spacious cockpit – more comfort, especially for beginners
• Flexibility and pathway – 2 Rigs, 3 sail plans makes this the true all-around dinghy
• CE certified to up to 300kg – allows a teacher and a student to sail together
• Easy rigging – reducing time to water and makes it easy for young sailors to rig independently
• Transportable – it is cartoppable making it easy to travel with

CASCAIS FUN

60 ft 2 5.58 m 2

18.39 ft 2 1.69 m 2

76.53 ft 2 7.11 m 2

12.17 FT 3.70 M

5.14 FT 1.56 M

2.76 FT 0.84 M

154.30 LB 70 KG

HPDE (Polyethylene high density)

BOAT LIGHTNESS

TIME TO WATER

SKILL LEVEL

PERFECT CHOICE FOR LEISURE SAILING AND THOSE LEARNING TO SAIL

Gennaker Colors:

ALUMINUM SPARS

Fun version comes with dacron sail for recreational sailors and ideal as a training boat.

Perfect choice for leisure sailing and those learning to sail.

Made to Order

(Available soon)

64.15 ft 2 5.96 m 2

19.05 ft 2 1.77 m 2

93.54 ft 2 8.69 m 2

SUITABLE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

For the family that wants both leisure sailing and racing in one boat.

CASCAIS RACE

60 ft 2 5.58m 2

76.53 FT 2 7.11 m 2

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Bill Tripp started Tripp Design Naval Architecture in 1984, designing racing boats that reflected a childhood spent on the water sailing in boats his father, William Tripp, Jr., designed. Thirty-three years later, with offices in Connecticut and Amsterdam, Tripp and his team design and engineer state- of-the-art yachts ranging in size from 43’ to 80+ meters. Recently launched is the 65’ cruiser/racer ChessieRacing, 46m globetrotting Skade, and Tripp’s largest project to date the 85m sailing ketch Aquijo with two 91m rigs and 5.000m2 of sail area. Bill’s sport of choice is scrappy, small boat team racing—he likens it to 3D chess mixed with a snowball fight. Bill is an avid sailor whatever the size and endeavors to advance the sport in all its forms; design is a good tool for this. What he enjoys most of all is close collaboration with his clients, his office colleagues, and the build teams throughout the entire creative process to realize someone’s vision or dream. A dynamic exchange of ideas with talented and successful people is a dream in and of itself.

Show your commitment to the environment by sailing the CASCAIS Bio Fun, Race and XD.

Supporting the Environment and a Sustainable Future

Introducing the CASCAIS Bio hull , a truly revolutionary option for dinghy sailboats. In everything we do, we are committed to find solutions that decrease negative impacts on the environment.

Rotomolded boats have a longer lifespan and the plastic can be recycled.

The CASCAIS Bio is an additional step in that direction. It is different from our standard hull because it uses a biopolymer layer that is easier to decompose than traditional hulls made of Polyethylene.

That is because 50% of the hull skin is made of sugar cane.

Developed in partnership with experts, biopolymer materials are durable and environmentally friendly.

During the growth of sugar cane it absorbs CO2 reducing the carbon levels in the atmosphere resulting in a “negative” carbon footprint. The CASCAIS Bio hull com in Fun, Race and XD configuration. You can also choose from available hull colors.

Best Small Sailboats for Beginners

There are a number of classic trainers used by yacht club youth programs as well as techie new designs. Without mentioning specific models and brands, it’s difficult to outline which small boats are best but here are things to look for in good teaching boats.

Some of the best small sailboats for beginners include:

• Boats with tillers steering
• Boats with no winches
• Sailing dinghies
• Small sloops
• Small catamarans
• Rotomolded boats
• Trailerable sailboats

Explore All Sailboat Types

Boats with Tiller Steering

Steering by tiller (rather than a wheel) can make a difference when learning. Tillers are directly connected to the rudder that manages the boat’s direction. Tillers provide quick feedback about the strength and direction of the wind as well as the boat’s turning agility at various speeds.

Boats with No Winches

Boats that require no winches to manage the sheets and halyards are best for youngsters and new sailors. These boats usually don’t experience the same forces on the sails and rigging as larger boats, which can be a handful when the wind starts to blow. Winches are usually replaced with cam or jam cleats, which are easy to use.

Sailing Dinghies

Sailing dinghies are usually rigged with one mast and one sail and offer kids and new sailors simplicity so it’s easy to learn the ropes. Less overwhelming than boats with two sails, dinghies are light and responsive. They also have a shallow draft due to side or centerboards so they can be sailed just about anywhere. In some cases (whether from a wind gust or sudden crew weight shift) sailing dinghies can capsize so students should wear lifejackets and know how to swim. Sailing dinghies are usually sailed by one or two people.

Small Sloops

Small sloops with a mast that carries head and mainsails are the next step so students learn how sails work together. Headsails can be hanked on or attached to a small roller furler. These boats may have some or no winches, which also makes them easier to maintain. These boats can usually be sailed with one to four people.

Some sloops can scale up, providing a more challenging experience for sailors as they develop skills. Certain models can carry spinnakers and larger headsails to teach sail combinations and new sail trim techniques. Others offer the ability to hike out (shift crew weight well outboard to balance the boat against the wind pressure in the sails). This kind of sailing is more advanced.

Small Catamarans

Small catamarans provide extra stability for those who may be nervous about capsizing or aren’t fond of heeling (tipping while sailing). With two hulls providing a wide and stable base, catamarans area ideal for beginners, which may be why they’re often used by resorts as their beach sailing tourist boats. Rigged with one or two sails, small cats are tiller steered and usually have a trampoline that the students sit on and sail.

Rotomolded Boats

Small rotomolded boats are very forgiving due to their durable construction. Unlike fiberglass or wooden boats, rotomolded (a type of plastic construction technique) trainers can bounce off docks or other boats and cause or sustain little damage. Dinghies and catamarans can both be made via rotomolding.

Trailerable Sailboats

Finally, small sailboats that can be trailered to different locations add variety and that makes learning fun. Students can learn to sail in different wind and water conditions and enjoy their boats differently on vacation or with new friends.

Learning to sail involves all the senses and requires a level head and lots of practice and although it can be learned in many ways, the best way is to start with a boat that’s small, simple, safe and durable.

Read Next: Small Boats: What Are My Options?

You Might Also Like:

• Sailing Basics: 10 Nautical & Sailing Terms to Know
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• Why Sailing?
• Find the Right Boat for Your Lifestyle
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Hobie Getaway

In Stock Now!

The Hobie Getaway is the "social boat" of Hobie Cat's rotomolded catamaran line. With significantly more hull volume than the ever-popular Hobie Wave, plus huge carrying capacity, the Hobie Getaway comfortably accommodates six adults. Or take the whole family out for a comfortable evening cruise. A lot of boat at a tremendous price, the Hobie Getaway is designed to withstand rigorous use and provide years of sailing enjoyment for the entire family. The Hobie Getaway - serious performance in a very playful, manageable boat.

Specifications: Length: 16' 7" Beam: 7' 8" Mast Length: 25' Sail Area: 180 Sq. Ft. Weight: 390 lbs. Hull Construction: Roto-Molded Polyethylene Designed By : Greg Ketterman and the Hobie Cat design Team

Standard Features: >> Super Durable, Impact-Resistant Polyethylene Roto-Molded Hulls >> Special Keel Shape Eliminates Daggerboards for Easy Beaching >> Kick-Up Rudders Allow Easy Beaching >> Multi-Colored Main Sail >> Forward Trampoline >> Roller Furling Jib >> "Hobie Bob" Mast Float Helps Prevent Turtling if Capsized >> Comptip Mast for Safety >> Cooler/Storage Compartment in both Hulls

This product is not sold online. Contact us for a quote.

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What Is The Best Sailboat To Buy For A Beginner?

Learning to sail is a commendable challenge to face. Traditional sailing has been one of the pillars of human exploration and collaboration for thousands of years.

Despite its past importance, sailing has become less and less common with the advent of planes and big shipping freighters. The spirit of sailing is kept alive by those that choose to embrace everything the sea has to offer them.

But if you’re a sailing beginner, what is the best sailboat to buy? In this article, we’ll explore why people choose to learn to sail, some tips for beginners, and the best sailboats for beginners :

• Catalina 27
• Skipper craft SC-200

Hopefully, by the end, you will have a good idea about which sailboat might be best for you.

Table of contents

Why do people choose to learn to sail?

People learn to sail for a plethora of reasons. Many do it for the ability to travel, some do it because they simply like being on a boat, some people may even plan to do it competitively.

Whichever of those categories you fall into, perhaps it is even a new one entirely, there are some common benefits from learning to sail.

Learning to sail is a practical skill that could open the door to many new jobs and career options that might not have existed for you before.

Learning to sail is also shown to improve critical thinking, decision making, and teamwork skills. This is great for any age but even better for children. If you were considering sailing as a hobby for your child , the benefits are fantastic .

Some benefits of learning to sail

Whether you are learning to sail for these benefits or they are simply just a bonus for you they shouldn’t be ignored. Some of the following benefits aren’t even considered by new sailors, though they should be. If you were on the fence, hopefully, these benefits will help convince you that sailing is definitely worth the plunge:

Sailing offers you a sense of freedom you have likely never had before. Being able to set off at any time (with the right weather conditions) and explore the world isn’t possible in any other way. Unless you have been on a sailboat before, you might not perhaps fully understand just how unique an experience it is; and that’s okay. If anything, that should motivate you to push yourself even harder to learn to sail .

There is an often tight-knit community around sailors. Whether this is through a sailing club, sailing competitions, or your local marina. Sailors are all likeminded people with respect for their boats, the water, and the act of sailing itself. If you are looking for a place that you will be welcomed with open arms and embraced by the community, visit your local sailing club.

Competition

Competition sailing is very intense and very exciting. It is a test of true skill and sheer determination. Whether you are competing yourself or just spectating, sailing competitions are something you won’t want to miss. It doesn’t have to be a huge competition like the transatlantic race, it could just be your local clubs monthly competition.

Sailing can make you feel a connection to history and your ancestors. After all, sailing is an ancient tradition that played such a crucial role in developing the world to the way it is today. Some of the most influential peoples and countries in history; Britain, France, Spain, Holland, the Romans, the Vikings, etc. All built their empires on their command of the seas. Be it through trade or naval warfare.

What are some problems beginner sailors bump into?

Many beginners bump into a few hiccups when learning to sail. After all, sailing is not easy. Even for those that grew up around sailboats and have parents that sail, the act of learning to sail can be a challenge. Sailing requires such knowledge, skill, respect, and instincts that very few other hobbies do. Here are some of the common problems that beginner sailers bump into so that you can be aware of them, perhaps they then won’t affect you as much:

Learning the jargon

Learning the terminology and general boating jargon can be tricky. If you grew up around boats you may have absorbed a lot of this knowledge over time. If you didn’t, it can feel like learning an entirely new language. A lot of boat talk is passing on vital information and exact instructions. Learning how to talk like a sailor (not cursing like one) is one of the hardest parts of learning to sail.

Maritime laws and learning the rules of the road are important parts of becoming a sailor. Just like when learning to drive a car you must learn the rules of the road, so you must learn the rules of the sea. This is not only a legal requirement but a safety one. Learning who has the right of way, how to signal for help, and learning how and when to assist others is all very important.

Unless you were in the boy scouts or a sailing club growing up, there is a very slim chance you are proficient at knot tying. That is okay, everyone must start from the beginning. It does mean you might struggle with tying all of these convoluted knots you’ve never seen before. You will additionally need to learn all of their names. This might seem a pain, but it is an important part of being a sailor. All knots serve a purpose and they must all be tied the same way, or else the person who is trying to untie them will be in trouble.

Boat anatomy

Boats, like the human body, have complex anatomies. Learning what all the parts of a sailing boat are called and what purpose they serve is what makes sailing possible. Boats are small, they lack extra space, so you know that everything on the boat serves a purpose and is important in its unique way. There is a lot to learn here, this part of learning to sail will develop slowly over time. It may take some time spent in the library studying, not just time at sea.

What are you looking for in a sailboat?

While there are many different types of sailboats to choose from, there are some features of a sailboat that will make it easier for a beginner to use. Professional sailboats are very complex and only the most proficient teams of sailors can handle them. Picking a beginner-friendly sailor boat will make learning to sail so much easier. By learning on a simpler boat you will eliminate many of the things that need to be considered, allowing you to get a firm hold on the basics. Don’t worry, this way you will be ready for the bigger, more impressive, sailboats in no time at all. Here are the features to look for when selecting your first sailing boat:

Tiller steering

Tiller steering, ie no wheel, is a good way of getting a feel for the way your boat handles. The tiller connects directly to the rudder so the feedback from your boat’s speed, direction, and influence from the wind is immediately apparent. There is a delay when steering with a wheel, you also don’t feel the rudder directly. This can be a great way of learning how to feel the movements of the boat. Developing and instinctual connection to your boat will make steering so much easier.

Ensuring your new sailboat will have cleats instead of winches can make your life so much easier. They are far easier to use, experience less force from high winds, and are ideal for beginners; whether you are younger or older. Smaller boats may come with winches by default, though this isn’t always the case. Checking whether your boat has winches to manage the sheets and halyards or cleats is an important question to ask the seller.

Size you can handle

The smaller your sailboat is the easier it will be to manage. Sure, you may find that a larger boat is more stable, but it is also harder to control. When you are first learning to sail you want as little to manage as possible. You will have so many other things running through your mind that you won’t have the time to think about everything involved in a larger sailboat. As your skills improve you can increase the size of your sailboat. Once you have a firm grasp on everything involved with a smaller boat you will be able to react instinctively. This will make learning the new parts of your bigger boat that much easier.

You should be looking to buy as sturdy a boat as possible. The more forgiving the better. You are going to make mistakes, it’s inevitable. Having a sailboat that is capable of withstanding all the bumps and knocks you will inevitably give it can save you a lot of headaches; and heartache. Getting a Rotomolded boat is ideal. Rotomold is a strong plastic substance, whilst it won’t look as nice as finished wood or even fiberglass, it will hold up much better. It is also much cheaper, making it perfect for a beginner.

What are the best sailboats for beginners?

There is not a one size fits all when it comes to selecting the sailboat that is best for you. There are several different types that all have their little quirks and unique benefits that you can choose from. Buying a sailboat is a big commitment, it is best to try some of these types out at least once before you purchase them. Hopefully, this next section will open your eyes to all the possibilities in front of you, making the decision somewhat easier for you:

Sailing Dinghies

Dinghies are a great option for true beginners. They are what you will likely picture in your head if you imagine, “ small sailboat ”. Dinghies are typically one or two-person sailboats with a singular sail, singular mast, and are designed to be simple to use. Being suitable for one or two people makes them ideal for learning with a teacher and practicing on your own. They are very light, making them easy to use but also prone to capsizing. If you do find yourself capsized you will likely be able to right the boat easily. Since they are so light. They are typically made of plastic making them cheap and sturdy, perfect for a beginner.

Good options on the market

The wayfarer: This dinghy is perfect for beginners, it is designed for use one even the shallowest waters. It is a simple yet good quality boat that is great for even the most experienced sailors. This dinghy is often used as a racing dinghy, meaning it is quick and nimble as well as simple to use. This model could set you back about $15k, but it is also still a good choice of a boat when you are a more advanced sailor.

The GP14: This dinghy is fantastic. It won the 2016 sailing world championship in Barbados, so you know you are getting a high-quality boat. It is also only going to cost you between $1-3k depending on age and condition.

Small Sloops

Small sloops are suitable for anywhere between 1-4 people, though 1-2 is ideal. This sailboat is slightly larger than a dinghy, it is still often home to just one mast but it could have between one and three sails. They are often fitted with cleats, not winches, making them easy to use for newbies. Sloops vary in size greatly, so you may want to give strong consideration to which size is the best for you. Smaller is better if this is your first boat. However, if you have sailed on a dinghy before and feel confident maybe a bigger sloop wouldn’t be the worst idea.

Catalina 27: This choice is for those feeling more confident in their abilities. The Catalina 27 is a reliable sloop that is perfect for beginners. It costs anywhere between $4k-$20k depending on the condition of the boat. This is an older model, made in the 90s, but is reliable and sturdy. If you can find one at a good price this could be the boat for you.

Skipper craft SC-200: This sailboat is very small, quite old, and very affordable. It is a simple boat that is perfect for learning. Should you damage this boat you aren’t likely to completely scupper it and the repairs will be cheap. You can pick one up for as little as $2k. This is a great choice for someone hoping to spend a lot of time on their boat but doesn’t want to break the bank.

Small Catamarans

Catamarans are perfect for beginners. They are by far the most stable of the choices, even if they might end up being more expensive. A catamaran has two hulls and is typically far wider because of this. This makes your likelihood of capsizing very low. They are also light and nimble making them quick. They are also typically fitted with trampoline seating, not a solid deck. Catamarans will typically have one mast, either one or two sails, and be tiller steered. This may be the choice for you if you are happy to spend a little more money.

Dart 18: The dart 18 is a British made catamaran that’s perfect for beginners. It is very large and thus very stable, making it perfect for solo voyages. This model can be a little tricky to find, you can pick one up for about $7k which isn’t bad considering how quick and reliable this boat is.

Sprint 15: This catamaran is also British made, though it is slightly slower. This one is the most popular catamaran in Britain and is much easier to find in the states. It is a double hander meaning you may need to adjust your sailing style to the needs of the catamaran, once that is done its smooth sailing. This model is just $2000 and is perfect for beginners.

Hopefully, this article has given you a good idea about what you should be looking for in your beginner sailboat. You don’t have to pick one of the above-mentioned sailboats, you just might find learning far easier using one of them. Getting sailing lessons is ideal, but you will still want to learn on your own too. Renting a sailboat every time you want to practice is very expensive, it is far cheaper to just buy yourself a beginner-friendly sailboat. To learn how to buy a beginner sailboat, go here .

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Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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SAILCUBE - Roto Molded OPTIMIST Hull - COMPLETE READY TO SAIL

Product Description

The sail cube is designed to be the first boat for your   . It is extremely safe and stable, very simple to rig, created with increased floatation and the lightest and strongest 3-ply rotomolded technology.

Hulls are compatible with Optimist spars and blades.

Works to prepare your child for the Optimist. 

Built with the largest training cockpit. 

Incredibly stable design. 

The perfect starter boat for your sailer or club.

The Boat Includes: Sailcube Polyethelene Hull Complete. Blade set - Fiberglass - With Tiller and Extension Spar Set - Sleeved for Sailcube Sail -  White - Not Class Legal) Sailcube rigging Sailcube Mainsheet 

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Laser Performance Bug: Best Dinghy

• By Tony Bessinger
• Updated: December 19, 2008

The Bug carries on the evolution of the rotomolded dinghy. With the race sail, it moves right along, even with a full-sized adult.

In the pint-sized sailing and racing dinghy department, everything and anything has been tried over the years, sometimes with mixed results. It’s hard to beat the Optimist Dinghy in terms of simplicity. But when sailboat builders started playing with rotomolded plastic years ago, the doors were cast wide open. With rotomolding polyethylene you can try all sorts of things if you’re clever, and with the Bug, designer Jo Richards and the folks at LaserPerformance have proven there’s still plenty of room for creativity at 8 feet. Talk about one versatile dinghy.

The Bug starts as a boat for beginners with a short rig, and allows those beginners to climb the performance ladder with a larger performance rig. It’s stable, thanks to its beam, and two skegs help its upwind ability and allow the boat to be towed tamely behind the family cruiser or a sailing school tender.

But it does more than sail well. It’s equipped to be rowed (oars are optional and stored inside the hull), and there’s an optional motor mount for a small outboard. There’s even an optional integrated hard-plastic wheel, built into the bow, which will make for easy maneuvering around docks and marinas.

Even though our judges were well over the designed weight and size for the 8’5″ Bug (the optimum crew weight is between 66 and 154 pounds), they were able to appreciate its sailing qualities. “Upwind the balance was good,” said Stewart, “and the sail has a sweet spot for sheeting when the mast bends and matches the luff curve. It maneuvered well in light air and was stable.”

When sailing downwind, they simply eased the cunningham and heeled the boat to weather. The flat aft section sections and straight run allowed it to scoot along. “I think about how much little kids are going to want to sail the boat,” says Stewart. “I also think the kids are going to like the fact that it has the cool sail and the cool features and was simple to sail.”

The beginner’s rig is a 41-square-foot Dacron sail that furls around a two-piece aluminum mast. The performance sail, which is a 57-square-foot laminated Mylar sail, is carried on an aluminum mast with a pre-bent topmast. On the performance rig, the boom is linked to the mast so when the sail is eased the mast rotates, keeping the topmast section in plane with the boom. The sail can also be roller reefed for heavy-air sailing.

The judges all agreed the Bug is ideal for sailing clubs, as it gives beginners or more advanced sailors an enjoyable ride. There really isn’t any other dinghy designed to do all that Richards has stuffed into this sweet little boat.

Pros: Simple, fast, and fun to sail with a plethora of features that make the boat great for beginners and experienced junior sailors.

Cons: It’s too small for adults to sail, and we want to.

Designer’s mission accomplished? LaserPerformance wanted a boat that would appeal to yacht club’s junior sailing programs. Jo Richards has hit the sweet spot with this clever and versatile little dinghy.

Laser Performance Bug Specs

LOA: 8’5″ Beam: 4’3″ Draft: 2’9″ DSPL: 77 lbs. SA: 57 sq. ft. Designer: Jo Richards Price: $2,650 www.laserperformance.com

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HDPE - useful information

• Lighter than water, is more buoyant, even when submerged
• Extremely strong and durable
• Chemical and UV resistant
• The HDPE hull is made smooth, and it is completely resistant to marine growth. Gone are the days when you have to scrub away for hours to remove that nasty green sludge, HDPE will stay clean and marine-free all year round
• Indestructible, puncture proof, tough and very flexible (This means it won’t crack or puncture if you hit rocks
• HDPE is not affected by salt, oxygen and water. This means that you do not have to rinse the boat after use, so less time needs to be spent on maintenance
• HDPE has a carbon footprint that is five times lower than that of aluminum. HDPE can also be completely remelted and recycled into a new blend. By choosing Zego Sports Boats you will be doing your bit for the environment
• SUSTAINABLE – Zego Sports Boats are 100% recyclable, giving it a lower carbon footprint than most of its competition.  

Rotomolded Polyethylene Boats: What It Means, How It Works, and Why You Want One

What is rotomolding, how rotomolding works, rotomolding and boats, benefits of having a rotomolded boat, in-expensive repairs.

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Rotomolded Boat Manufacturer: Proudly Made in USA

Are you looking for an American rotomolded boat manufacturer? Gregstrom is a Made in USA rotomolder with over 75 years of plastics manufacturing experience. Since 1946, we’ve been helping designers of plastic boats and other products turn their ideas into reality. In addition to rotomolding, we offer value-added services such as design assistance, tooling, finishing, assembly and testing, and quality assurance.

Contact us if you’re looking for a U.S. rotomolded boat manufacturer or keep reading to learn more.

Why are boats made of plastic instead of wood or metal?

Boats that are made of plastic weigh less than watercraft made of wood or metal. Plus, plastic boats don’t require painting and they won’t rust. Advantages like this made it easier to transport a plastic boat with a car or truck, and without the need to tackle chipped paint or rusty metal back at the dock. Examples of plastic boats include kayaks, canoes, ice rescue craft , personal watercraft, and flat bottom fishing boats.

Why are boats rotomolded instead of injection molded?

Rotational molding is a cost-effective way to produce strong, hollow plastic parts that combine aesthetic appeal with functionality. Unlike injection molding, another popular plastics manufacturing process, rotational molding offers low tooling costs and quick tooling modifications. With rotomolding, tools range from simple two-piece sheet metal molds to multi-piece aluminum molds with articulating features.

Is rotomolding limited in size – and what about boat hardware?

Rotomolding can support small, intricate designs, but this manufacturing process is also flexible enough to produce large, complex parts and assemblies. Because there’s no pressure in the rotational molding process, hardware made of various materials can be molded-in for strength and durability. Examples included molded-in parts like cleats, deck plates, and fishing rod holders – just to name a few.

Why choose Gregstrom as your rotomolded boat manufacturer?

Gregstrom makes rotomolded boats in various sizes and has the technical expertise and application experience to add value to your marine project. Plus, unlike some other plastics manufacturers, we offer product development services from prototyping to production. At a time when so many manufacturers are reshoring operations, bring your boat building home or keep it close to home with Gregstrom .

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Rotomolded parts vs. metal parts for light weighting and cost reduction, draft angle q&a for rotational molding, related posts.

Molded-in holes can reduce part costs by eliminating the need for secondary machining. The benefits don’t…

Rotational molding can produce hollow parts with closely-spaced parallel walls. Examples include insulated coolers, plastic boats…

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Milha Lite Skiff - 13' Rotomolded Boat

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The Ultimate Lightweight Ready to Go Fishing Boat

Questions? Call us directly at 404-720-3975

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All sales are Final upon delivery - Boat includes 1 Year Hull and Components Warranty

Lightweight Mini Bass Boat Design

The 13' Milha Lite Skiff is the perfect choice for anglers looking for a lightweight and easy-to-handle boat. Weighing in at just 175 pounds, this skiff can be easily transported on a trailer or lifted onto a car roof rack. The lightweight design of this boat also makes it easy to maneuver in the water, giving you greater control and a more enjoyable fishing experience.

Lite Skiff, by Milha Boat, the most popular kayak brand in Brazil, is a new rotomolded skiff built for anglers. This completely customizable skiff is packed with features.

The lightweight rotomolded hull has multiple internal access points for running your favorite electronics and bow mount trolling motor - we can rig to fit with EPropulsion or Suzuki Motors, Electronics, Lighting, etc. 

Dimensions:

12 foot 8 inches overall length

42 inches across the top

36 inches across the bottom

Call us at 404-720-3975 to Customize Your Dream Boat!

The open platform allows the angler to cast 360 degrees with amazing visibility.

6HP capable so you can make the most of your time on the water. US Coast Guard Rated and filled with USCG Conforming Foam Flotation. 

Extremely portable at 175lbs. Pack this on a rooftop or in the bed of a truck. 

Stable and Durable Construction

Crafted from rotomolded plastic, our Lite Skiff offers superior stability and durability compared to traditional fishing boats. The unique construction of this boat ensures that it can withstand rough waters, impact from rocks or debris, and the occasional collision with other boats. Whether you are fishing in shallow or deep waters, our Rotomolded Lite Skiff provides the stability and durability you need to enjoy your day on the water.

Features and Accessories

Our Rotomolded Lite Skiff comes equipped with a range of features and accessories that make it the perfect choice for serious anglers. The skiff features a comfortable, padded swivel seat that can be adjusted to your preferred height and angle. The skiff also has built-in rod holders, and plenty of storage space for your fishing gear. With its durable and lightweight design, the Rotomolded Lite Skiff is the perfect choice for anglers who want a reliable, high-quality fishing boat.

• Rotomolded Lite Skiff: Lightweight and Stable Fishing Boat
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Customer Reviews

I was looking for a boat to do pond fishing. I spoke with the owner for 30 minutes about the pros and cons A very helpful and honest person to deal with. Fantastic boat

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Question on lifetime of rotomolded polyethylene boats.

The typical rotomolded polyethylene boats from name-brand manufacturers (as opposed to discount/box store stuff), what is the typical lifetime for –

A boat always stored out of sunlight?

A boat that may be stored in sunlight a fair amount of the time?

• Longer than yours.
• Same answer if UV protected.

Plastic kayaks from reputable brands come with UV stabilizers in the plastic, such that a boat would have to have years of cumulative sun time before it shows sun damage.

If a boat is stored outside in sun, the signs of sun damage you would see would be some fading of colors (and brighter color plastic where sun doesn’t hit, like under straps or inside hatches). This is cosmetic and is not a failure of the boat. What the sun does do that could lead to a failure is that it:

• makes the plastic more brittle
• makes the plastic less likely to accept plastic welding as a repair.

So the failure would be a hard hit causing the plastic to crack, and the plastic not being repairable. Even the most sun damaged kayak could still work fine, so long as it doesn’t get that hard hit. At the places I guide.teach for, we have lots of Necky kayaks from the 90s which are still going strong, and all live outside with limited sun protection.

But a brand new, non-sun damaged kayak could also be broken with a hard enough hit. Theoretically should take a harder hit than a sun-exposed one, and would be more likely to be repairable with plastic welding than a sun exposed one, but it can still happen. The one kayak I broke was about a year old one that was stored inside which I cracked by the skeg box due to going over a pour over without enough water, and the stern slammed down on the rock (that same pour over has stripped a rudder off another boat I had due to the same thing - too bad it is such a fun pourver, as it is also a costly one). That cracked skeg box boat I sold cheap to a friend who is more handy than I and is still going strong.

The poly boats that I’ve seen stored mostly outdoors are usually not quite the way they were originally shaped. They still might last a long time, but the warped hulls and sagging decks may not be so neat.

depends on how often you drag over shells and rocks In our area UV is not as significant as in FL or the south The hulls usually wear through first

Like other commenters wrote, store it out of the sun. My Old Town Cayuga, a single layer poly boat, is 14 years old, my OT Loon, a polylink3 boat is twenty and our Wilderness Zephyr is 12. They’re stored in the garage and once or twice a season we apply Formula 303 to them. All three kayaks still run straight and true and the hulls have held their shapes well. Sun is fun, but it’s a killer to plastic over time.

I should mention is that my agenda is evaluating used kayaks, not how to store a boat I own. The issue is if a kayak is X years old and it was stored in/out of the sun, is it approaching the end of its useful lifespan?

We have two 23 year old Perception Keowees that except for a gazillion scratches are as good as when we bought them. they were always stored under a roof. They are used by us, our kids, and our grandkids We recently sold a fifteen year old Perception Eclipse and Shadow that were the same

I’ve bought numerous rotomold kayaks over the past 10 years that dated from the mid 1980’s to the mid 90’s, so we are talking boats that were 25 to 30 years old. But all had been taken care of and had no evident fading or UV damage and all were in the Northeast for most of their lives (not exposed to the year round high heat you might find in the Southern states).

Particularly the old Perception and Dagger kayaks seemed to have been made with very strong poly.

As to an absolute age maximum, I think that it’s impossible to generalize because so many factors affect storage and use. I have only ever had one badly aged kayak, a late 1980’s Aquaterra Chinook which had been neglected and stored in a yard in a trailer park for Lord knows how many years. Besides being horribly oil-canned the plastic was dry looking and crazed with tiny cracks. I expect a sharp blow with anything would have cracked that brittle plastic wide open. I only paid $75 for it – only got it because it had a really nice aftermarket stainless steel rudder assembly installed in it. I removed that and gave the boat to a friend who had a small farm pond so her kids could mess around in it. It is probably still languishing in their barn, no doubt with raccoons nesting in it! Never did install the rudder in one of my kayaks – ended up selling it for $80 so the original purchase was a wash (I figure it cost me $5 in gas to go fetch the the kayak from the trailer park.)

@l2t said: I should mention is that my agenda is evaluating used kayaks, not how to store a boat I own. The issue is if a kayak is X years old and it was stored in/out of the sun, is it approaching the end of its useful lifespan?

About the same as a used car. A 57 T-Bird from socal probably a long life. A Yugo from Michigan not so much.

@grayhawk said: @l2t said: I should mention is that my agenda is evaluating used kayaks, not how to store a boat I own. The issue is if a kayak is X years old and it was stored in/out of the sun, is it approaching the end of its useful lifespan?

Hey, I had a Yugo back in the day. Went well for four years, LOL. Would’ve loved an old T-bird.

Boats from the 90s and before may not have deck lines, which you want. Boats from 80s and before may not have bulkheads, which you want. So the real old boats would likely get kicked out just due to some safety considerations.

Newer boats can be more comfortable and have more accessories. The seats from the boats in the last few years are so much nicer than the hard plastic seats common from the 00s and before. And thought has been added to hatches and bungees and such with newer boats. And also to the basic hull designs and such.

Because of these, I likely woudn’t get a boat more than 10 years old. At that young age, plastic condition generally isn’t much concern. The boats I like the most (playful day touring boats) were few and far between even 10 years ago, and the ones made now are so much better than the few available then.

But you can still check to see if the color in spots out of the sun is much different than what is exposed, and that will give you a feel for possible sun damage.

I had a rotomolded Perception Swifty, manufactured in 1999, stored outside in central Florida for 13 years. It had not faded or become misshapen or brittle when it was stolen in 2013.

Maybe But there is a good chance it has a thicker hull than new boats especially if it is a name brand And if from the North even better

One exception is the Hobie. To avoid a hull cracking problem they make the hulls out of much softer plastic, which wears faster. The abrasion these hulls suffer in a single season is amazing. Not good!

In my experience it depends on three basic things 1. the thickness of the original plastic 2. How it was stored 3. How it was maintained. A good quality kayak stored properly out of the sun and treated regularly with 303 UV protectant can have an indefinite life span. Even a good quality boat that is not properly cared for will have a much shorter life. Properly cared for a good quality kayak could go 20 or 30 years.

My rotomolded poly Wilderness System SOT is 18 years old. There’s some obvious wear and tear, but I think it’s good for another 10 years if I take care of it. That said, I’m in Southern California, where we don’t get a lot of temperature extremes that would put stress on the hull. I also store it out of the sun. of course.

The one kayak I’ve killed was an Eddyline Sandpiper, which lived on the roof of my car much of the time in the summer (When one goes out 2 - 4 times a week, it gets old taking it on and off!), and became more and more brittle over the years. I held it together with Gorilla tape for a few years, which worked fine, but last season I bought another one, because it got to every time I bounced it over a rock it cracked another spot. But I love that boat - especially the weight, and possibility of putting on and off roof by myself; the handling is great; I’ve had it out in pretty gnarly conditions on big lakes and along the Maine coast and felt confident in the boat. It’s not rotomolded; my Loon (what I take if I know I’ll be bouncing over rocks) oilcans if put on the roof racks with any heat at all. All my boats live under cover on north side of house when not in use.

There must be some variables to sun exposure? I would expect a boat left in the sun in Seattle for three months to survive longer than a boat left out for nine months in the blistering heat of the southern gulf states? Is the issue the sunlight or high temperatures or both? Would a plastic boat suffer more if stored on hot concrete or a rocky beach vs say a soft cooler lawn?

I bet some boats that get parked in the sun is due to owner laziness or lack of awareness. But for some owners leaving their boats in the sun all the time is just a cost of doing business if they live on the water and enjoy paddling with minimal portage and roof rack hassles…

If you want to mitigate the cost of doing business marine wax,303,and a tarp are effective sun blocks. The sun eats a poly tarp a year covering my boats.