Drascombe & Devon Lugger v the Dabber

Designed for safe family boating under sail, oar or power, but taken long distance by intrepid sailors

- Clive Marsh

Drascombe and Devon Luggers and Dabbers are both excellent versatile boats. They can be sailed, rowed or motored - ideal for a belt and braces sailor like me.

There will come a time when the wind will not blow and it's necessary to use the oars. However, both the Lugger and the Dabber also have useful outboard wells, enabling effective and dry use of a motor. Compare this to an outboard hanging over the transom of other small boats.

Luggers and Dabbers were designed by John Watkinson to enable safe family boating under sail, oar or power, perhaps a sail in the bay or for a spot of fishing. However, many intrepid sailors have taken these small boats much further. One Dabber came sailing past our club at Rye on its passage from Chichester to Germany. Other open Drascombes have made Channel crossings, passages to Australia and transits of the Pacific. Of course most of us would prefer a substantial yacht for such adventures, but it's nice to know when taking the family to East Head in Chichester Harbour that you're in a well-proven boat.

What's the difference? 

At first glance Luggers and Dabbers look similar but on closer examination it's clear they are very different boats.

I first sailed Luggers in the Falmouth area when cottages I rented over a few summers came complete with Luggers on swinging moorings accessible from a tender.