Dart SB3 FAQ's

Why is the SB3 sold as the Dart SB3 in Australia and New Zealand?

Due to territory restrictions the SB3 is sold in these regions under the Dart trademark.  The boat is sold outside this region as the Laser SB3.

What colours are the SB3 available in?
The SB3 is only available in Vela Grey.

What sails are available for the boat?
The SB3 is a very strict one design boat, and as such there are no sail combination choices, nor a choice of sail makers. All SB3’s must be raced with Hydes sails, supplied through Dartsailboats.

How do I launch the Dart SB3?
The SB3 can be launched easily down a slipway. Alternatively, the SB3 has built in lifting points either side of the keel to enable launching using either a crane or hoist.

Where are the fleets based?
There is a large fleet based in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Italy. Fleets are also developing in France, Portugal and Singapore. The boats in Australia are currently in Queensland, NSW and Melbourne.

How do I put the mast up?
The mast has been designed to be incredibly easy to hoist. The Mast heel is bolted to the mast step on the deck, then the mast is raised using the trailer winch and the jib halyard. There is no lifting required, just one person in the boat to steady the mast, and one person to operate the trailer winch.

How many crew do I need to sail it?
The SB3 has been designed to be raced with a maximum crew weight of 270kg. This generally means a crew of 3, although there are 2 and 4 person crews who compete competitively in SB3 events.

What handicap system does it race under?
The SB3 predominantly races as a one design class, however it can be raced under the RYA/RORC Sports boat Rule, IRC, or PY.

What engine do I need?
To comply with Class rules, you need to have an engine of at least 2hp. Most SB3 owners use either a 2hp or 3.3hp two-stroke standard shaft outboard.

What other equipment do I need to buy?
Again to comply with class rules you need to carry certain safety equipment, essentially a handheld VHF, anchor, 20m of 10mm line, first aid kit, a bucket and fire extinguisher

What is in the tacktick package?
The Tacktick package comprises the Sailmaster tacktick fully fitted to your SB3. This displays your compass bearing, speed and depth, as well as having features such as countdown timer, programmable depth alarm, headers and lifts.

What car do I need to tow the SB3?
The all up towing weight of the SB3 is less than 900kg. The SB3 trailer also has over-run brakes fitted as standard; therefore you only need a standard family car to tow the SB3. (please check manufacturers specifications)

Can you reef the SB3?
You cannot reef the SB3, however, when overpowered it is possible to flatten the sails very effectively. When combined with the powerful backstay, the SB3 remains easily manageable.

How many have been sold?
At present over 330 SB3's have been sold, since September 2006 an astonishing 42 boats have been bought by the Irish. There are fleets based in Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, Holland, France and Singapore. New fleets are developing all the time such as Germany, Denmark and Dubai.

Can I manage the sheet loads on the gennaker?
The SB3 has been designed as a three person sports boat, and one of the important aspects of the design brief was that the sheet loads had to be manageable by everybody. The SB3 has proved to be a popular family sports boat, due to the ease of sailing it, and the relatively low sheet loads.

What is the lead time on an SB3?
Generally it's 4 - 5 weeks although this can vary due to seasonal demand.