Scorpion Dinghy Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Scorpion Dinghy emerged in 1959, conceived by designer T.J. Dorling with a clear vision: to create a hard-chined boat in the popular 14-foot category that could rival the performance of more expensive round-bilged classes while remaining accessible for amateur building at a lower cost. The prototype was launched in 1960 at Porthpean Sailing Club in St Austell Bay, specifically designed for easy launch and recovery through Cornish surf. Its immediate success led to over 2000 boats being built by its 50th anniversary, many of them constructed by amateurs from kits.

Honnor Marine Ltd., established in 1956 and known for its "seaworthy and versatile small boats," became an early licensed builder of both finished Scorpions and construction kits. This aligned with Honnor Marine's ethos of producing robust, safe, and easily managed small vessels, often blending GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) for hulls and decks with classic wooden trims. Honnor Marine Ltd. Article While the Scorpion was originally designed for plywood construction, the class has seen significant material evolution, with early attempts at fiberglass and composite hulls in the 1970s, and later the successful introduction of foam sandwich construction in the early 1990s, further refined in 2002. The hull shape also underwent refinement in the early 1980s, primarily by Jon Turner and Phil Morrison, to enhance upwind performance in waves, with most boats built after around 1980 incorporating these "new shape" lines. The rig controls have also continuously evolved, with innovations such as twin pole systems, various raking rig mechanisms, and the allowance of laminate sails since 2008, all aimed at enhancing performance and adjustability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Scorpion Dinghy, with its lightweight hull of approximately 179 pounds (81 kg) and a reported sail area of 107 square feet, is a high-performance dinghy known for its responsive nature and excellent acceleration. Its hard chine and planing hull allow it to get on a plane quickly, even on a close reach, providing exhilarating downwind performance, especially with its symmetrical spinnaker. Upwind, the Scorpion points well and tacks easily.

A key characteristic of the Scorpion is its adjustable fractional sloop rig, which enables it to be sailed competitively in a wide range of weather conditions and by crews of varying weights and experiences. This adaptability is further enhanced by control lines and systems, which on modern boats, are refined for ease of use, allowing sailors to quickly adjust elements like Cunningham, pole height, kicker, and rig rake on the water. Despite its high-performance capabilities, the Scorpion is generally described as forgiving and a stable platform, making it suitable for beginners as well as experienced racers. Its design, including integral buoyancy tanks and a centerboard that allows for a maximum draft of 3.5 feet and a minimum of 0.58 feet, also makes it well-suited for varied sailing environments, from inland waters to open coastal areas.

Accommodations and Layout

As a 14-foot racing dinghy, the Scorpion's "accommodations" are primarily focused on a functional and efficient cockpit layout for a two-person crew rather than internal living spaces. There is no dedicated headroom, as it is an open boat. The design emphasizes maximizing space and usability for active sailing. The cockpit layout and rig controls are notable for being highly customizable, allowing owners to tailor the arrangement to personal preference and sailing style. Modern Scorpion dinghies feature refined control systems, with lines typically led for easy access by both helm and crew, including adjustable toe straps and integrated raking rig systems. The hard-chined hull, originally designed for plywood, often incorporates wooden trim, blending durable construction with a classic aesthetic. Honnor Marine Ltd. Article

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and enthusiasts consistently praise the Scorpion Dinghy for its longevity, with many older wooden and composite hulls remaining competitive due to improvements in construction materials and adhesives. The class is known for its strong, active, and supportive community, with owners frequently citing the helpfulness of fellow members, experienced coaches, and the friendly, competitive atmosphere at events. This robust community, coupled with the boat's versatility and affordability, contributes significantly to its enduring appeal. The Scorpion is often lauded for its ability to provide exciting, high-performance sailing while remaining accessible for different skill levels and family sailing. While its lightweight, planing hull ensures excellent speed, some anecdotal reports note that its narrow beam and low gunwales can lead to it being "hilarious fun to sail, exhilarating" but potentially prone to capsizing in certain conditions for less experienced or less careful crews, though it is also described as a "thoroughly good and dry sea boat." Owners often highlight its ease of handling both on and off the water, including simple launch and recovery.