Laser 2000 Vs RS 400

The RS400 is aimed at reasonably experienced sailors: the Laser 2000 is the more logical choice for a fairly new sailor. Best to get a ride in both though.

There's a few factors you want to consider here:

1) Your weight. I think the RS400 would support a heavier load better, but would therefore be more
of a handful if you're a couple of lightweights.

2) What you want to do with it. Both boats have a reasonable national racing circuit, but if you
don't want to go travelling round the country with it, I would always advise that you get something
that is sailed by other people at your club. You learn so much more (and have so much more fun) by
talking to other people who sail your class of boat. If your club doesn't have either of these in
any numbers, buy something else that they do have.

3) Your budget. I'm guessing that the L2000 is cheaper than the RS400 (could be wrong here).

I will obviously be biased towards the RS400. but...

If you want to race, don't just buy a boat, join a fleet! One design racing will improve your skills much quicker than handicap, you will get support from others in the fleet in terms of advice and sailing with people who know the boat.

The 400 is exciting in a breeze, but I don't think its that un-achievable for a relative beginner. I know a club RS400 sailor who had less than a year of sailing before buying his, and now doesn't embarass himself at opens.

A regular crew helps a lot in the 400. It's not too fussy about crew weight at club level, within reason.

I would look around the club(s) and ask myself  'which group of people do I want to sail with?'

I only got back into dinghies a few years ago and chose club on the basis of its fleet, which isn't huge, but it's steady and I like and respect the rest of the fleet.

Older 400's tend to be fairly competitive, a decent jib makes a difference. There are some low numbers that do OK on the circuit and Nationals. There is an RS400 Yahoo group, if you trawl through that, it will tell you a lot about buying a used boat, but basically, if it has no visible stress cracking it will be fine! Some heavily used boats have a few stress marks but still go OK. I don't know anything about 2000's!

good Luck!

The  RS400, like the L2K is a SMOD, so they're all (supposed to be) the same. AFAIK its a Selden 'Cumulus' mast and Hyde sails, but someone who knows more than I will be along soon...

Originally posted by Sailing-rocks1 Thanks everyone. Looks like there is not a great deal to choose between them but the 400 seems to have the edge. If and when i look for a 400 is there any specification of rig etc that would be best?

As far as I can tell, the newer sails are a slight improvement in design, better details like removal jib battens etc. The spec of the rig has not changed. The main thing is to get a decent kite and jib, and a main that is not falling apart. The mains seem to work well until they disintegrate, I'm still using a very old one for club races. Jibs don't last forever, so having a best one and one for blasting/training/heavy weather is nice. Likewise kites.

Unlike some classes there are not many secondhand sails about, but I have picked up a couple on ebay!

One thing that has changed for the better (I'm told!) is the design of the rudder and plate, but I don't know the details.

The most significant differences between boats is how well set up the control line takeups are, continuous kicker and downhaul with an effective elastic takeup does help! Also good ratchet blocks are a must if your crew is not so strong, I have autoratchets on the jib, which helps my wife!

I would try to find a boat at the right price, in nice condition, everything working, and some spare sails. Join the yahoo group and badger people for a test drive!