Mango (Topaz) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Topper Topaz Mango emerged from Topper International's well-established legacy of producing durable and user-friendly dinghies. While the original iconic Topper dinghy was the brainchild of Ian Proctor, the broader Topaz range, which includes the Mango, was developed by designers Ian Howlett and Rob White. The Topaz series, launched in 2005, was conceived with four core principles: speed, durability, versatility, and quality.

Topper International has consistently utilized innovative construction methods to achieve its design goals. The Mango features a hull made from plastic polyethylene, often incorporating the company's advanced three-layer TRILAM sandwich construction. This technique results in a hull that is both lightweight and remarkably strong, contributing to the boat's reputation for longevity and ease of maintenance. The design philosophy extends to creating multi-purpose sailboats that appeal to all abilities, making sailing enjoyable for both learning and competitive racing.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Topper Topaz Mango is configured as a fractional sloop with a reported total sail area of 114.42 square feet. Its standard sail plan includes a main sail of 8.33 square meters and a jib of 2.30 square meters, with an optional spinnaker of 10.58 square meters for enhanced downwind performance. Weighing in at 209 pounds with a length overall of 12.93 feet, the Mango is a light and responsive dinghy.

Sailors generally find the Topaz Mango to offer a smooth and predictable sailing experience due to its stable hull and simple rigging. Its centerboard design contributes to both its shallow draft capability and its upwind performance. While effective for learning and general cruising, some anecdotal evidence suggests that for optimal speed when sailing with the wind directly astern, a gennaker or spinnaker is often required. Owner feedback regarding a similar model, the Topaz Magno, suggests that some find it can be "tippy and underpowered" and potentially uncomfortable in certain wind conditions. However, its stable hull and simple setup are frequently praised for their user-friendliness.

Accommodations and Layout

As a sailing dinghy, the Topper Topaz Mango's "accommodations" primarily consist of its open cockpit. Designed for versatility and family use, the cockpit is described as spacious and comfortable, capable of holding up to four people. Some configurations, particularly for a closely related model like the Topaz Magno, include specific seating for children at the front, highlighting its family-friendly design.

The polyethylene hull material means the interior is durable and low-maintenance, requiring minimal upkeep compared to boats with more traditional finishes. Safety features, such as righting lines and grab-rails, are standard on many Topaz sailing system options, underscoring Topper's commitment to safety for all skill levels. The open layout provides ample space for movement and is well-suited for day sailing, training, and club racing.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently commend the Topaz Mango (and its close variant, the Magno) for its robust construction, which is a hallmark of Topper International's manufacturing ethos. The durable polyethylene hull is particularly valued for its ability to withstand the rigors of frequent use, making it a popular choice for sailing schools and clubs. Its stable hull and straightforward rigging are consistently cited as strengths, contributing to its appeal for new sailors and families seeking a reliable and easy-to-manage boat. The spacious cockpit is also often praised for its ability to comfortably accommodate multiple crew members.

However, some owners have noted specific areas for improvement. Concerns have been raised regarding the boat's performance in certain wind conditions, with some perceiving it as potentially underpowered or overly sensitive ("tippy") for their preferences. Additionally, the spinnaker system on some Topaz models, including the Magno, has been described by some owners as challenging to manage, occasionally leading to tangles or damage. Despite these specific points, the overarching sentiment among owners often highlights the Topaz Mango's effectiveness as a durable, accessible, and fun sailboat for a broad spectrum of users.