Build Guide
By Paul Nicholson | 31 May 2021
Originally the SigneT was conceived and designed as a self-build project to make dinghy sailing affordable and accessible to more people. The designer Ian Proctor said, “For the amateur builder, construction is simplicity itself.” There are no difficult shapes or bevels to cut and no steaming or soaking to get timber or ply to assume fancy shapes, eliminating the need for large spaces, specialist tools, or frames in the building process.
In addition the SigneT was designed for simplicity and strength. It was made to last. Construction is traditional glue and screw, so if the hull does get damaged then it is easy to repair. Being a wooden dinghy with clean lines and an open uncluttered cockpit, sanding and repainting, when necessary, is very straightforward. There are many 50 year-old SigneTs still as good as new and competing.
SigneTs are still being built as home-build projects. Many boats also change hands from the second-hand list kept by the association.
For plans and the building manual: contact SigneT Technical Adviser via technical@sailsignet.org.uk
| Item | Approx. Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Timber: Hardwoods + ~6 sheets of marine ply (mix of 4mm and 6 mm) | 1,000 |
| Glue and fixings | 240 |
| Glues, Paint and varnish | 500 |
| Mast (rigged) | 800 |
| Boom | 300 |
| Fittings and rigging | 500 |
| Main | 550 |
| Cutdown genoa (i.e. ¾ Genoa) | 270 |
| Spinnaker | 300 |
| Combi-trailer | 1,000 |
| Technical Support | FREE |
*All prices are approximate at the time of publication. Fittings and fixtures quoted are mid-range examples and good quality ply has been used. Of course you can shop around for different vendors and choose different types of materials and fittings. The association can supply further information and contacts for all options.