Cornish Coble Dinghies for Sale

More about the Cornish Coble dinghy

The Cornish Cobble is a characterful, stable and traditional open boat, loved for its generous beam, forgiving nature and suitability for pottering, fishing and coastal day sailing. Its sturdy build and classic lines make it a favourite among families and sailors seeking a relaxed, confidence-inspiring craft. You’ll often find well-looked-after examples in wood or GRP, complete with oars, covers, outboard brackets and trailers, ready for adventures on sheltered waters.

Key Specifications

• LOA: Approx. 4.3 m (14 ft)
• Beam: Approx. 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
• Draft: ~0.2 m (board up), 0.9 m (board down)
• Keel: Centreboard with ballast for added stability
• Rig: Gaff sloop with wooden spars and tan sails
• Sail Area: Approximately 9.5 m²
• Construction: GRP hull with traditional style deck and trim
• Cockpit: Open self-draining cockpit with bench seating

Description

The Cornish Coble brings a distinctive, traditional feel to the modern open boat market. Its fine lines and high bow reflect its coastal working roots, while a shallow draft and lifting centreboard make it equally suited to inland exploration. The rig is simple, balanced, and easy to manage solo or with crew. Finished with wood-effect detailing and traditional fittings, the Coble exudes small-boat charm without compromising on usability.

Role & Handling

Whether you’re gently exploring estuaries, teaching a child to helm, or sailing solo on a summer’s day, the Cornish Coble handles with predictable ease. It is forgiving in gusty conditions, yet remains responsive and lively enough to keep more experienced sailors engaged. The compact size makes it easy to launch, recover, and tow with a regular car—making it a true go-anywhere boat.

Features

• Traditional design with modern GRP construction
• Shallow draft and centreboard for versatility
• Classic gaff rig with easy sail handling
• Comfortable seating and buoyancy compartments

The Coble’s elegant appearance and approachable handling make it a favourite for relaxed, characterful sailing on rivers, lakes, and sheltered coastlines.

Demand & Ownership

Cornish Cobles are prized for their charm, build quality, and simplicity. Though production numbers are limited, well-maintained examples appear regularly on the second-hand market and are typically retained for years by appreciative owners. They hold value well and offer low ownership costs, making them an excellent entry point into traditional-style sailing.

Why Choose the Cornish Coble?

• Elegant traditional styling with practical performance
• Stable, safe, and perfect for solo or family sailing
• Low-maintenance and towable with a standard vehicle
• Built by a respected UK boatbuilder
• Ideal for day trips, estuary cruising, or club use

Popular Alternative Boats

• Drascombe Lugger : Slightly larger and more versatile, the Lugger features a yawl rig, centreboard, and generous capacity for coastal cruising and family outings. It offers a similar aesthetic appeal with broader capability in open water.
• Cormorant : With comparable proportions and a traditional look, the Cormorant is a popular option for those seeking easy handling and a lightweight trailer-sailer. Its straightforward rig and roomy cockpit make it great for beginners.
• Wayfarer : A capable and widely used dinghy for both cruising and racing. While less traditional in appearance, it offers excellent seaworthiness, especially for those considering longer adventures or overnight camping under sail.

Sell Your Cornish Coble at DinghyMart

Have you got a Cornish Coble dinghy to sell? DinghyMart is the UK’s specialist marketplace for buying and selling sailing dinghies. Reach buyers who are actively searching for a Cornish Coble like yours — and sell your boat with ease. Our platform is tailored to UK dinghy sailors and racers, so your listing gets seen by the right audience, fast.

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