Tiwal 2 L Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of Tiwal in 2012 marked a significant departure from traditional boat building, with co-founder Marion Excoffon driven by a vision to create a fun, engaging, and exceptionally transportable sailboat. This pioneering philosophy led to the development of inflatable hulls that challenged conventional perceptions of sailing performance. The Tiwal 2 L, introduced in 2022, represents a refinement of this core concept, designed as a lightweight and compact solution for easily getting on the water.

Tiwal’s design philosophy, central to the 2 L, prioritizes user-friendliness and genuine sailing sensations. The boat is engineered to be quickly assembled, typically within 15 to 20 minutes, without the need for specialized tools. This focus on practicality ensures that sailors can transition from storage to water with remarkable speed. Despite its inflatable nature, the hull, constructed from durable fiberglass PVC foam core, provides a stable and reactive platform. The Tiwal 2 L utilizes a cat rig, contributing to its straightforward handling, and collaborates with North Sails for its durable Dacron and monofilm sails, ensuring both performance and longevity.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a compact, inflatable dinghy measuring just over 10 feet in length overall with a displacement of 103 pounds, the Tiwal 2 L is designed for spirited, accessible sailing rather than complex performance metrics. Its lightweight construction and efficient design translate into a boat that is notably "reactive" and "playful" on the water, offering quick acceleration even in light breezes. Owners frequently describe the Tiwal 2 L as easy to learn and navigate, making it an excellent choice for new sailors or those looking for a hassle-free experience.

Equipped with a single daggerboard and rudder, the Tiwal 2 L offers responsive handling and maneuverability. Its design ensures a safe and engaging experience, with a clear deck and simple controls contributing to its user-friendly nature. It performs well on both saltwater coastlines and freshwater lakes, adapting seamlessly to various sailing environments.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary function as a highly portable inflatable sailing dinghy, the Tiwal 2 L does not feature traditional interior accommodations. Instead, its design focuses on maximizing an open, functional deck space for its occupants. The layout is optimized for simplicity and ease of use, with a clear deck that facilitates movement and handling of the controls.

Despite its compact size, the Tiwal 2 L is capable of carrying a maximum load of 440 pounds, accommodating two adults or one adult and two children comfortably. A key aspect of its layout is its remarkable portability: the entire boat, including its mast and 75 square foot sail, cleverly disassembles and packs into just two carrying bags. These bags, weighing a combined 103 pounds, are designed to fit easily into a car trunk, enabling effortless transport to any desired sailing location. This innovative design allows sailors to enjoy the freedom of the water without the logistical challenges associated with larger, rigid dinghies.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Tiwal 2 L consistently praise its core attributes of portability, ease of setup, and the sheer joy it brings to sailing. Many highlight its convenience for spontaneous outings, noting how quickly it can be assembled and launched, typically within 15 to 20 minutes. The ability to transport the entire boat in a car trunk is a frequently cited advantage, making it an ideal choice for exploring various lakes and coastal areas without the need for a trailer.

For families and learning sailors, the Tiwal 2 L is lauded for being easy to learn and navigate, providing a safe and enjoyable introduction to sailing. Experienced sailors appreciate its "lively" and "reactive" performance, finding it a fun and engaging dinghy for recreational use. The community surrounding Tiwal, often referred to as "Tiwal Captains," fosters a strong sense of camaraderie, with owners frequently sharing their adventures and experiences, further underscoring the positive ownership experience. While no significant recurring weaknesses or common maintenance issues are widely reported, the robust design and straightforward nature of an inflatable dinghy inherently minimize the complex upkeep often associated with more traditional sailboats.