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Kids boat?

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Jack Sparrow View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Jack Sparrow Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Kids boat?
    Posted: 31 Aug 07 at 12:08am
Funny the Splash is designed for 45kg upwards. The next step after the Optimist. Recent winning helms ( female ) range from low 50kgs to top 60kg's. It is very depowerable. But there again I am no fan of the Topper or Pico. If the Splash is to much then an Optimist. Two up a Mirror.
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Medway Maniac View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Medway Maniac Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Aug 07 at 11:01pm

I'd have said a Splash would be much too much for a 36kg, 5ft sailor. It didn't seem inappropriate for me when I sailed it and I'm 65kg and 5' 9" and I'd agree with Nick A that it's more a Radial alternative (albeit shorter, slower and more rolly than the Radial which I preferred).

Personally I think the Topper is a cracking little boat - great fun yet pretty vice-free, and even quite small kids seem to be able to right it when capsized - surely a very important confidence point. I'm sure that at 85kg you're better off with a Pico, Nick, but for someone less than half your weight...

I thought the Tera was more of a pointy-bow alternative to the Optimist rather than the Topper, and at 36kg maybe that's the territory your sister is in, but if she can handle a Topper (maybe with the small sail or reefed at first) then that's the one I'd go for.

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Paul Handley View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Paul Handley Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Aug 07 at 9:40pm

At around 36kg and 5ft tall your sister is the ideal size for an RS Tera Sport (3.7m sail) and it has a centre mainsheet.  I suggest you also look at my comments on the Tera in the 'Tera v Topper' topic.

The Tera is great value but not at the expense of quality, plus it is made in the UK!

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NickA View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote NickA Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Aug 07 at 9:43pm

The splash is a great boat - but more a laser radial alternative than a topper / pico alternative surely.

I'd go for a pico over a topper 'cause it can take two, has a bit of a jib, has a racy sail option and is suitable for adults in huge winds (and it'll certainly plane in a force 7 even with 12 stone in it!).

The terra looks really good though - and exceptional value too.  Are they making them abroad using slave labour perchance?

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Smight at BBSC View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Smight at BBSC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Aug 07 at 9:21pm

I've actually sailed a tera, bic, taz topper oppie etc and i have to say i was very impressed by the tera. It has three sail options so you can progress she gets better heavier older etc. Plus a will plane with a lump like me in so it can't be all bad and most of the listed above, with the exception of the topper and splash which proberbly will (with enough breeze).

 



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Simon Lovesey View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Simon Lovesey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Aug 07 at 7:26pm

The Mirror would make an excellent double handed option,  particularly if your sister likes to sail in company,  certainly a bit more sociable and many kids enjoy the confidence of having someone else in the boat.

For your budget you will get a well sorted Mirror,  epoxy coated so minimal maintenance.  A bit more money will get a modern GRP Mirror.

See 

www.ukmirrorsailing.com

 

www.sailracer.org
Online Sailing Results, GPS Tracking & Event Management
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mattskipper14 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote mattskipper14 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Aug 07 at 6:34pm

MIRRORS ARE STABLE AND EASY TO DE-RIG OUT ON THE WATER, I HAVE A VERY OLD MIRROR (7041) THAT WAS MADE IN 1963 HOWEVER THEY ARE VERY DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN AND QUITE HARD TO RIGHT AFTER CAPSIZE,A TOPPER IS PROBABLY BEST

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FireballNeil View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote FireballNeil Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Aug 07 at 1:39pm
Topper, soo much fun when its really blowing!
Neil

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Jack Sparrow View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Jack Sparrow Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Aug 07 at 10:36pm
Splash.

might be just on the light side right now. But she should try it. Designed as the next step after Optimists i.e 45kg crew weight. It's like a little laser with a single section tapered mast and full length top battern. Well mannered and easy to depower, with a more feel than you will get from toppers.

www.splashdinghy.org.uk/

test sail details LINK

second hand page LINK

several to choose from around and under £1000



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Post Options Post Options   Quote Fraggle Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Aug 07 at 3:31pm
Topper would probably be best boat - great for messing about on and lots of them around with a good racing circuit if she gets into youth racing.  They have a centre main available now too.  (I am biased though as its what I started with many moons ago)
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