DRIVE Marine Services has taken up a licence through ISAF to supply Mirror Dinghy kits and is the only licenced supplier of wooden kits in Australia. It has proved a challenge organising the paperwork and sorting out electronic plans to turn them into CNC cutting files, especially for a Non Techno Geek like Dave Giddings. We are working though this issue with a lot of assistance from Martin Egan (UK Mirror Association) who converted the original Plans into AUTO CAD files. The other major hurdle encountered is that 5mm Gaboon, which is not available in Australia, has to be used. It is available from Robbins timbers in the UK, at a reasonable price, but it would have been extremely expensive by the time it is landed in Australia due to freight and import duties. Dave has managed to find a company in Australia who will manufacture 5mm Gaboon Plywood for us.

Once we sort out the cutting file issue, we then have to manufacture a prototype Mirror Dinghy. It then has to be, measured and approved as meeting the class rules. Only then will we be able to supply kits for sale. It is anticipated it will be the 2nd half of 2010 before we have the prototype completed, the measurer check it and approved, then any bugs sorted out, detailed instuctions produced and kits cut and available. Until we have the prototype well underway a price will only be an estimate.

In the meantime we are working towards manufacturing Rudders and Centerboards in various degrees of finishing for those sweating off. We will also have sheets of 5mm Gaboon for sale for boat owners needing to repair or replace sections.

About the Kits

Plans for Mirror Dinghies are not available to prospective builders as Mirror dinghies are sold as Kits or finished boats. Kits are manufactured by DRIVE Marine Services under licence from ISAF (the International Sailing Federation). The Mirror Kit has all parts pre cut and ready to assemble with help from a detailed, easy to read instruction book that is supplied with each kit. To build a Mirror there are no special skills or tools required - normal household tools are just fine, (an orbital sander and an electrical drill would be a definite asset!). To build a good Mirror dinghy requires an investment of approximately 120 hours.

Each kit is made from high quality materials, the plywood for the hull is 5mm, 5 ply certified Marine Gaboon Plywood. The kits comes complete with everything needed to build the hull to the stage of painting as per the materials list . Boom, Gaff and Mast can be manufactured from timber ( we recommend using laminated hoop pine as it is sustainable) or aluminium. Also you can use Bermuda or Gaff masts and DRIVE Marine services will provide you with information on these options and you can purchase your own materials to make you own or buy from a rigger.

There are a number of optional extras you can have on a Mirror Dinghy, including oar locks for rowing. We have the hardware- you supply the oars 2” dia x 6ft long.

It will take about 120  hours to complete building a kit to completed hull meeting specifications. DRIVE marine Services Staff are always available to answer questions about construction details and are ready to help. The shape of the boat develops in the early stages of construction and this tends to keep up the enthusiasm and interest of active young helpers!

The cost of a kit is available by emailing or calling DRIVE Marine Services. Applicable shipping costs are extra (if you give us your shipping address we will get you an accurate cost of shipping). Shipping takes approx. 6 to 10 days from receipt of the final payment.

Our terms of business are 50% of value of the kit with your order, with the balance due prior to shipping, including shipping costs. Kits are normally  ready to ship approximately 3 weeks from receipt of a firm order with deposit. The only hold up may be if we are low on Plywood as it is specially made for us.

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