Buying a laser

Hello All,

I am new to the forum but not to sailing/racing.

I have been on a break from racing since starting Uni, now after about 8 years am looking to get back into it with a single hander. I have determined that a Laser is best given that my local club has a good regular fleet.
I will probably on be racing at club level for at least the first season.
I have previously helmed mirrors and 420s to national level but never raced a single hander.

I have two questions if anyone can help me out.
1. Does the age of laser I buy have much of an impact on placings? I am trying to keep the budget as low as possible (£1000 or less ideally but could stretch to £1500) I know that the XD kit is well worth having.

2. I am 5'10" and approx 10 stone 10. It seems to me that I am border line between Radial and Standard so I'm a little unsure which way to go.

Most boats I have seen forsale seem to vary wildly in price for the age and kit but most seem to have a standard and radial sail so the second question may just come down to trying them both, but if there comes a decent priced boat with one I don't want to choose the wrong one!

If I have missed anything important let me know

I am same height and weight and struggle with standard sail in any kind of wind, capsizing so often I would have been faster with the smaller sail, however I am not a regular laser sailor, (this is just my experience with them), however has Jim says ask at your club.

Also is there a minimum age laser that would get me a decent club racer?

When checking condition, try pressing on the bottom. I once had a 30 year old Laser which had been shingle beach launched for years, and the bottom had got soft - no obvious external marks but just soft when you pushed it in. When I bought a newer boat there was a marked difference in how easily it would get up on the plane.

Advice, all as above.
This link contains some useful advice;
http://www.laserinternational.org/aboutlaser/buylaser
As previously implied, the biggest performance loss/gain is probably the nut on the end of the tiller.
Next to that, a decent sail.
Earlier this year I paid £100 for a 77K (circa 1978/9) Laser in structurally sound conditition, with (at that age) the almost inevitable remedial foredeck hatch and maststep strengthening.
With the addition of a sail from a 181K boat and some extra blocks and string, I was sailing midfleet at open meetings. The biggest failing being me!
At 10st 10lb you are on the cusp of radial/full rig. I would suggest you aquire both with a view to  downsizing when F4+.