Mango (Escape) Information, Review, Specs

The Escape Mango was produced by Escape Sailboat Co. from 2000 to 2009, during a period when the company was dedicated to making sailing more accessible through revolutionary construction methods. Founded by sailing luminaries like Peter Johnstone, Tom Whidden, and Gary Jobson, Escape Sailboat Co. embraced roto-molded polyethylene technology for its hulls. This manufacturing choice allowed for the creation of incredibly durable, lightweight, and seamless hulls, perfectly suited for beginners and rental fleets, offering excellent impact resistance and low maintenance.

The Mango itself is noted as a "Solsa with a SmartRig". The SmartRig system is a defining feature, simplifying sail handling with a single rope that allows the sail to be rolled to any size, effectively acting as a roller-furling and reefing mechanism. Additionally, the boom is independently deck-mounted, enabling the mast to spin freely. While the precise designer of the Mango is attributed to Escape Sailboat Co., the overall design philosophy of Escape dinghies, which included contributions from naval architect Garry Hoyt for other models, focused on producing small, inexpensive, and easy-to-sail boats, 21]. This commitment to simplicity and robustness ensured that boats like the Mango offered a respectable and forgiving sailing experience.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its diminutive size, the Escape Mango offers an engaging sailing experience. Weighing only 85 pounds, this lightweight dinghy is capable of planing in winds of just 15 knots with an average-sized sailor aboard, indicating its efficiency and fun factor. Its hull design contributes to its "tremendously stiff and forgiving" nature, which helps maintain performance while making it less prone to capsizing for novice sailors.

The Mango's handling is described as incredibly manageable, making it an ideal platform for learning the ropes. The unique SmartRig system further enhances its user-friendliness by simplifying sail deployment and reefing. While some owners have noted a learning curve with operating the SmartRig, particularly regarding unwinding the sail, online resources are available to assist with rigging questions. Anecdotal evidence suggests that proper setup and a well-maintained sail are key to a positive experience, as issues like a "tatty" sail or missing tiller extension can significantly detract from handling enjoyment.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its length overall of just 9 feet, the Escape Mango is primarily an open-cockpit sailing dinghy, designed for day sailing rather than extended cruising. It is capable of carrying two people comfortably. The hull and deck are constructed from roto-molded polyethylene, a material chosen for its exceptional durability and minimal maintenance requirements, making it resilient to bumps and scrapes that are common with beginner boats.

The "accommodations" of the Mango are focused on functionality within its compact form. The open cockpit provides space for its occupants, with the SmartRig system contributing to a less cluttered deck by integrating sail controls efficiently. While specific interior storage details are not a primary design feature for a boat of this type, the robust, seamless hull construction ensures that the boat is well-suited for its intended purpose of casual recreation and easy transport.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Escape Mango often highlight its robust construction and ease of use as significant advantages. The roto-molded polyethylene hull is consistently praised for its resilience, making it a low-worry choice for new sailors or those using it in rental fleets. The innovative SmartRig sail system, while sometimes requiring a bit of a learning period to master, is appreciated for its ability to simplify sail handling and reefing, which are typically more complex on traditional rigs.

Common discussion points among owners revolve around understanding and correctly setting up the SmartRig, particularly for unwinding the sail. However, resources and community forums offer support for these rigging nuances. Overall, the Escape Mango is generally viewed as a successful execution of its design brief: an affordable, durable, and genuinely accessible sailboat that provides a fun and forgiving entry point into the world of sailing.