Actual LOA of Otter

Discussion forum for the Otter class of sailing dinghy

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springer5
Posts: 22
Joined: Mon Jul 02, 2012 9:21 am

Actual LOA of Otter

Post by springer5 »

Hi folks

This may at first glance look like a stupid question. However, I'll run the risk and ask it anyway.....

What is the actual, definitive length over all (LOA) of the Otter dinghy (for trailer purchasing purposes)?

I have seen no less than 3 different lengths quoted from three different sources....

1 - Book "Dinghy Recognition" by A R Burrett has it as 3.56 metres (11ft 8in)
2 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otter_%28Dinghy%29 has it as 3.63 metres (11ft 11in)
3 - http://www.noblemarine.co.uk/boats/dinghy/Otter/ has it as 3.82 metres (12ft 6in)

Are there mini, standard and super otters out there all sailing under the same banner, or is the first a river otter, the second a sea otter, and the third a giant otter as in nature?

All joking aside if anyone has a reliable figure for this I'd really appreciate it. I would measure mine myself, but unfortunately it's 200 miles away and I need to buy the trailer to get it back here (don't ask, it's a long story).

Many thanks for your help.

Otter915
Posts: 19
Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2012 10:18 am

Re: Actual LOA of Otter

Post by Otter915 »

Hi,
Just run a tape over mine, I measured 11'10" so I would guess that 11'11" is the correct version. Although for trailer buying a foot or so either way won't make that much difference. For what its worth I would try to support about 8' of the dinghy from bow snubber to rear rollers.
Regards James.

springer5
Posts: 22
Joined: Mon Jul 02, 2012 9:21 am

Re: Actual LOA of Otter

Post by springer5 »

Hi James

Thanks very much for going to the trouble of measuring your boat.

I have ordered a trolley now based on that info. As you say it's possible not that critical, bu it's nice to solve a mystery anyway :)

Many thanks again for your help.

All the best

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