Flipper Information, Review, Specs

Mobjack Manufacturing Corp., founded by Roger Moorman in Gloucester, Virginia, established itself as an early adopter of fiberglass technology for small boats. While best known for its 17-foot Mobjack one-design racer, the Flipper showcased the builder's commitment to producing durable and well-designed vessels across different sizes and purposes.

History and Design

Production of the Mobjack Flipper commenced in 1966. Designed by Carter Pyle and Joe Quigg, the Flipper was conceived specifically as a daysailer intended for children, emphasizing ease of use and safety. This design philosophy aligns with Mobjack Manufacturing's broader ethos of creating robust and reliable fiberglass boats, a significant departure from the wooden constructions prevalent in the era. Roger Moorman, the driving force behind Mobjack, was a proponent of modern construction techniques, and the Flipper benefited from this forward-thinking approach.

A notable design feature of the Flipper is its foam-filled double bottom, engineered to prevent sinking, providing an extra layer of safety for its young sailors and peace of mind for parents. This innovative construction element highlights the dedication to safety and durability that Mobjack Manufacturing applied to its vessels. While specific production end years for the Flipper are not readily available, Mobjack Manufacturing continued operations for several decades, with its primary Mobjack dinghy production concluding in 2003.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Mobjack Flipper, with its length overall of 8.0 feet and a reported sail area of 37.0 square feet, is a light and nimble dinghy built for easy handling. It features a cat-rig, meaning it relies on a single main sail, which simplifies rigging and sail trim, making it excellent for beginners. The daggerboard keel, offering a maximum draft of 2.2 feet and a minimum draft of just 0.16 feet, provides versatility; it can be lowered for upwind performance and stability, or raised for shallow water access and easy beaching.

Given its design as a children's daysailer, the Flipper is known for its stability and forgiving nature, making it less prone to capsizing than more performance-oriented dinghies. Its broad beam of 3.92 feet contributes to this inherent stability, allowing new sailors to build confidence. The Flipper is designed to be easily managed by a single person, and its light displacement of approximately 80 pounds means it is responsive to subtle shifts in wind and weight. Owners often describe the Flipper as a fun and safe boat for learning basic sailing skills.

Accommodations and Layout

As an 8-foot dinghy designed primarily for children's day sailing, the Mobjack Flipper does not offer traditional interior accommodations or headroom. Its layout is focused entirely on an open cockpit, providing space for one or two small sailors. The design prioritizes simplicity and functionality for on-the-water activity rather than comfort below deck. The fiberglass construction ensures a durable and low-maintenance surface, suitable for the rigors of frequent use and exposure to the elements. While details on specific storage or ventilation features for such a small vessel are not widely documented, the open nature of the design inherently provides ample ventilation.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Mobjack Flipper frequently praise its robustness and the simple joy it brings to new sailors. The foam-filled double bottom is a consistent highlight, providing significant reassurance regarding safety. Many appreciate its ease of handling and stability, making it an excellent platform for teaching children and adults the fundamentals of sailing. While detailed reviews focusing on common issues for such a basic dinghy are sparse, the enduring presence of these boats suggests a robust and well-loved design that fulfills its purpose effectively. The Flipper is generally seen as a reliable and fun entry-level sailboat that requires minimal maintenance, embodying the durable construction principles of Mobjack Manufacturing.