New Posts New Posts RSS Feed: What should I buy? Advice for a wimp!
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Register Register  Login Login

What should I buy? Advice for a wimp!
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
Author
  Share Topic Share Topic  Topic Search Topic Search  Topic Options Topic Options
notbrave View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 29 Jul 10
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 7 		Post Options Post Options   Quote notbrave Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: What should I buy? Advice for a wimp!
    Posted: 11 Oct 10 at 8:46pm

Posted some weeks ago about buying a family boat - but looks like Junior is sorted with club boats, and husband isn't keen at all!

So what boats should a nervous, 5' 6" 11stone woman be thinking of buying?
 
 I'm not competitive at all, so will sail on the more relaxed sessions at the club. Might follow a race but can't see me wanting to win - and if I do get to that stage, I can always sell and buy a different boat.
 
I don't like falling in (though I'm wondering if I might mind that less if I had a dry suit), have no great desire to go fast, but really, really enjoy pottering about on the water on a nice day. Sorry if that is sacriledge to all you serious sailors!
 
So something stable, easy to rig and quite lightweight, I think? Any thoughts welcomed.
Back to Top
English Dave View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more
Avatar

Joined: 10 Aug 06
Location: Northern Ireland
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 682 		Post Options Post Options   Quote English Dave Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Oct 10 at 9:54pm
If you are just out for a dander then you could do a lot worse than a Mirror. You could easily handle one single handed. Room for a friend or more to if you want company. Great for single handed cruising plus an excellent family picnic boat if you hook it up and take it on a day out. Relatively dry, stable as an aircraft carrier, cheap as chips.

We are mainly racers on the forum and tend towards the performance end of the market. Deep down I'd love to think you could team up with a friend and inspire each other. We have two female topper sailors here. Neither into performance sailing or aggressive racing. However, they have now combined their talents and sail an RS200. Good for them!

The only issue with a Mirror is that most are wood. So they will need some painting and varnishing in  the winter. If you are not keen then maybe that's an area where Hubby can be involved!
English Dave
Ballyholme Yacht Club

(You'd think I'd be better at it by now)

Hurricane 5.9 SX
RS700
Back to Top
Pierre View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more
Avatar

Joined: 15 Mar 04
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1532 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Pierre Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Oct 10 at 9:47am
A tTopper or a Lightning 368 would suit you down to the ground I think.
Probably the Lightning 368 would edge it.
Back to Top
Rupert View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more


Joined: 11 Aug 04
Location: Whitefriars sc
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 8956 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Rupert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Oct 10 at 10:20am
I had this exact conversation with a lady at Whitefriars on Sunday! My suggestion to her was to have a play in my Lightning, but I think ED is right that it is worth considering the Mirror. If you can find one with no work needing doing, then you'd have 2 or 3 seasons not needing to paint or varnish, by which time you could either sell, or be so in love with the boat that doing the work isn't a chore, but a fun winter pass time!
 
Certainly worth trying both "sit on" boats (Topper/Lightning style) and "sit in" boats (Mirror style) to see which you like best.
Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686
Back to Top
Guests View Drop Down
Guest Group
Guest Group
Post Options Post Options   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Oct 10 at 10:40am
Mirrors are a pain to rig and harder to sail on your own. I would say the Topper is perfect for you. Indestructable, simple to right if you do swim, easy to buy and sell, loads of spares, a snug and low profile fit and just the right size. I seem to remember you have a Pico, which is similar, so you may not feel it is worthwhile changing.
Back to Top
Rupert View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more


Joined: 11 Aug 04
Location: Whitefriars sc
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 8956 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Rupert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Oct 10 at 11:46am
Originally posted by Peaky

Mirrors are a pain to rig and harder to sail on your own. 


Really? Never found that to be the case.
Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686
Back to Top
ex laser View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more


Joined: 25 Mar 09
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 725 		Post Options Post Options   Quote ex laser Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Oct 10 at 12:01pm
Originally posted by Pierre

A tTopper or a Lightning 368 would suit you down to the ground I think.
Probably the Lightning 368 would edge it.



+1

the lightning is a lovely little boat and very controlable.
Back to Top
Guests View Drop Down
Guest Group
Guest Group
Post Options Post Options   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Oct 10 at 4:45pm
Originally posted by Rupert


Originally posted by Peaky

Mirrors are a pain to rig and harder to sail on your own. 
Really? Never found that to be the case.

the lacing of the mainsail, the jib hanks, the gaff... Not the quickest to rig. Compare that to a Topper, which is so simple except the mast is siprisingly heavy to raise (but doable by kids).
Back to Top
Pierre View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more
Avatar

Joined: 15 Mar 04
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1532 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Pierre Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Oct 10 at 11:35am
Actually another thought occurs.....

A Streaker might well be worth a go.
Really nice boats for those on the lighter side of life.
Back to Top
tack'ho View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more
Avatar

Joined: 08 Feb 06
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1100 		Post Options Post Options   Quote tack'ho Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Oct 10 at 1:59pm
Topper, Byte, Splash, Laser radial or even 4.7 as it's more about stability than racing I'd be tempted to look an under powered boat. TBH LAser's are very easy to find and easy to move on later, I think I'd be looking at one of those with the 2 smaller rigs on.
I might be sailing it, but it's still sh**e!
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Bulletin Board Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 9.665y
Copyright ©2001-2010 Web Wiz
Change your personal settings, or read our privacy policy