Topaz Argo Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

The Argo's hull is rotomolded using Topper's proprietary TRILAM technique, which captures a foam core between inner and outer skins of Metalicene polyethylene. This construction yields a stiff, lightweight, and durable hull that is capable of withstanding years of use and abuse, and the boat is virtually unsinkable thanks to additional built-in buoyancy and high freeboard. A full-length chine runs from bow to stern, and that single geometric decision does triple duty: it adds initial stability to keep the boat on its feet, stiffens the structure, and flattens the run aft so the hull planes with minimal crew effort. A secondary channel in the chine further cuts spray flying into the crew's faces. The hull itself weighs roughly 243 pounds and carries a three-year warranty.

Rig and Handling

The fractional sloop rig is deliberately simple, built around an aluminum spar and a high boom that keeps the sailplan clear of heads for comfort and teaching safety. A Gnav system as standard further opens the cockpit, while single-line reefing on the Dacron mainsail lets the crew trim power to conditions and ability. The roller-reefing jib is fitted as standard and simple enough for a beginner. The rig has been configured for easy singlehanding, yet the boat can be raced two-up or even sailed singlehanded, and it planes effortlessly without scaring less experienced sailors. A stayed mast can be left up in the dinghy park for quick rig and de-rig, and a hinged mast step allows one person to raise it.

Spinnaker and Sport Options

Spinnaker work is where the Argo shows its clever engineering. A single-line spinnaker system enables effortless launches and recoveries, and the boat comes with an asymmetric spinnaker flown from a retractable bowsprit: one line hoists the chute and extends the sprit, one line drops it and retracts the sprit, with a centerline launcher tube keeping the cockpit organized. A simpler symmetrical spinnaker is offered as an option for training less experienced crews. The Sport version adds a single trapeze and A-sail from a sprit, and the Argo X option generates even higher performance with an added gennaker while retaining stability. A trapeze option for developing technique was also noted as in development.

Accommodations and Cockpit

Despite its length, the Argo is beamy — sources differ on the exact figure, with one citing an extra-wide 1.85-meter beam and another a generous 6 feet — and that width translates directly into a really spacious cockpit with fantastic control systems kept simple and easy to use. The cockpit holds three or even four sailors comfortably, and the boat has comfortable capacity for up to four adult crew. Molded-in handholds beneath the gunwale, grab rails, and 'Step On' righting lines are standard, with an extension righting rope giving smaller sailors more leverage to right the boat. A removable masthead float is included as standard.

Safety and Standard Equipment

Safety is baked into the standard fit rather than bolted on. Beyond the built-in buoyancy and high freeboard, the Argo carries a masthead float, righting lines, and grab rails as standard equipment, and the lightweight epoxy-glass rudder and centreboard are standard as well. A bespoke combi trailer is offered for an easy life ashore. The double-chine hull is a safe, stable platform, and the stayed mast can remain rigged in storage.

The Verdict

The Topaz Argo succeeds as a rare thing: a trainer that is fast, well mannered, easy to sail, and good looking, yet able to give crews a genuine thrill. Its TRILAM hull, full-length chine, and beamy planing form make it stable and durable, while the single-line asymmetric system and Gnav-rigged cockpit keep spinnaker work and sail control approachable. For clubs and families it is a forgiving four-up dinghy; for sport sailors the X and Sport paths add speed.

Pros