Piaf (dinghy)
| Notation | |
|---|---|
|
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| Boat dimensions | |
| Length above : | 3.75 m |
| Length WL : | 3.35 m |
| Width above sea level : | 1.65 m |
| Draft : | 0.17-0.93 m |
| Mast height : | 4.95 m |
| Weight (ready to sail): | approx. 125 kg |
| Sail area | |
| Sail area close to the wind : | 8.32 m² |
| Mainsail : | 5.93 m² |
| Jib : | 2.39 m² |
| Others | |
| Rigging type: | Sloop |
The Piaf is an unsinkable dinghy (so it remains buoyant even when it is full) made of GRP for 1 to 3 people (ideally two).
The first Piaf dinghies were built by Spair Marine in France from the late 1960s, with the appearance and equipment of the boats being changed several times. A class association does not exist. Following the meaning of the word piaf (French sparrow), the sail symbol is a bird's head.
construction
Rig and sails
The Piaf carries a 3/4 rig with the mast on the foredeck . The boat was only delivered with main and jib , retrofitting a spinnaker is not a problem, although the fittings on the mast are not available.
Structural features
- The main sheet of the Piaf is unusual ( stern ) to create more space in the cockpit ; The unpleasant side effect of this construction is that the tree begins to rise quickly even in half wind , which is why a tree vang should be used.
- A cross thigh (bench), which not only offers the boat an unusually comfortable seat for dinghies, but also serves as a cross stiffener for the hull and sword case support .
- Removable oarlocks, which allow use as a rowing boat, or in doldrums good services afford (The Skulls to be stowed under the Querducht in special holders).
- A bracket for a motor up to 4 HP on the mirror
- At the stern, a flat skeg improves the flow towards the rudder and straight-line stability .
Weak points
- Problems are caused by the inadequately stiffened forecastle: Even in medium winds, the mast gives way by a few millimeters to centimeters, which creates a certain sag in the forestay . While there is no risk of damage to the boat, but it can hardly amount to the wind run.
Remedy: The only possibility is to better support the wooden beams below deck , for which there are instructions on the Internet. - The rudder head of the Piaf is undersized (2 mm aluminum sheet), which means that it bends easily in strong winds. In the twisted rudder head can vang jammed the rudder.
Remedy: New construction of the rudder head from thicker aluminum sheet (min. 2.5 mm) or stainless steel sheet.
Sailing characteristics
Due to the relatively small sail area and the large width - in relation to the length - the boat is very stable and easy to sail. The lack of a trapeze device and riding straps does not have a negative impact, as the boat can be sailed well up to 5–6 Bft (at least by 2 people and with the sails trimmed accordingly ). Can instead of using a Ausreitgurt to Vorschoter hook under the Querducht or on their feet daggerboard make. For the helmsman there is a small bar amidships behind the sword case where he can support himself while riding. The dinghy was probably designed for sailing on the coast, which is reflected in the rather high freeboard . (The boat sails accordingly dry.)
Dissemination and use
The Piaf is not suitable for regattas due to its slowness and the rather large turning angle, but its sailing properties and the space available make it suitable for water hikes, etc. In France, the boats are used by sailing schools (also on the coast). In Germany there are only a few Piaf dinghies, while in France and Belgium numerous boats are still offered on used boat exchanges on the Internet.
swell
- Original boat brochure from 1974
- Bootstest Yachtmagazin (Issue 25, 1969)
- More specific information about the Piaf dinghy and dimensions at Bootbasteln.de.vu
- Various internet boat exchanges
