fast and furious :) ?

Hi, I'm new to the forum, but it's great that i found it.

I know that there is a lot of people who does not like the Vortex boat, but i'm looking for something very fast and small ( easy to transport and lightweight ) and it seems the only alternative i guess.

Does anyone know how fast the Vortex is? has anyone tested the boat and  Maybe someone has any suggestions about some other similar or better designs ?

thanx

The Contender is another option, not so sure on the lightweight though - 90kg

Originally posted by bondchris Hi, I'm new to the forum, but it's great that i found it. I know that there is a lot of people who does not like the Vortex boat, but i'm looking for something very fast and small ( easy to transport and lightweight ) and it seems the only alternative i guess. Does anyone know how fast the Vortex is? has anyone tested the boat and  Maybe someone has any suggestions about some other similar or better designs ? thanx

Don't want to start another debate about this but.

Yes the Vortex Assy is fast in the right situations by all accounts. If you sail on the sea or a large lake where you get regular wind and you want a stable boat it could work for you. But not great in the light stuff.

Without the kite they look like they nose dive a bit downwind when gybing, but they seem to survive. A Vortex sailor I was talking to at Hayling seemed to think they didn't like chop to much. He was moving back to a Contender.

As for similar designs - there are none. But if you want a single handed Cat there are a few around. Probably the best all-round would be a Stealth F16, which you can also sail two up. Or if money is an issue and you don't want a kite - maybe go for a old Unicorn, only single handed though. Both of these will not be as easy to transport. If that was a issue the alternative would be a Sprint 15, two piece mast, car top-able can be sailed one (single trapeze) or two up but you need to be on the lighter side. No kite. Not super fast in cat terms, but neither is the Vortex. Hope that helps.


Edited by Jack Sparrow

How about an Int canoe??  If you're really feeling gun ho, you allowed to stick an assymetric on the front. 

Depends on what you define hard, compared to a Vortex it will be much harder as it is less stable and quicker. If you are a relatively new to the sport, the Vortex would have a bit of a learning curve but the Musto Skiff may be a step too far. The Musto Skiff is a well balanced and responsive boat but does really demand a high skill level and although it might be possible to start sailing the boat with relatively little experience, the easiest route might be able to get yourself established for a season or two in a Contender or Vortex, then step up to the Musto Skiff. Throwing yourself straight into the deep end might be quite an off putting and frustrating experience although if you have the right frame of mind might be quite rewarding. Best to try the boats first to see which suits your requirements best.