what dinghy for us ?

   Hi Folks (newbie)..new to dinghies (not to yachts)..need some advice re. choice of dinghy..spec. ..crew .usually 2, (very maybe 4)...generally 2 ..dad plus son 14 ...140kg total...need decently comfy cockpit, no trapeze, road trailer, max LOA , incl. trailer, 7m- ish..poss takes o/b,        Need decent turn of speed..reasonably fast..but capsizing is not our idea of fun... ..thinking 2000,Stratos, Wayfarer?!,Bahia.??...any advice gratefully received. Thank you very much. 

Edited by scottlawson

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scottlawson Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 09 Apr 10 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1	Post Options Post Reply Quote scottlawson Report Post Quote Reply Topic: what dinghy for us ? Posted: 09 Apr 10 at 1:34am
	Hi Folks (newbie)..new to dinghies (not to yachts)..need some advice re. choice of dinghy..spec. ..crew .usually 2, (very maybe 4)...generally 2 ..dad plus son 14 ...140kg total...need decently comfy cockpit, no trapeze, road trailer, max LOA , incl. trailer, 7m- ish..poss takes o/b, Need decent turn of speed..reasonably fast..but capsizing is not our idea of fun... ..thinking 2000,Stratos, Wayfarer?!,Bahia.??...any advice gratefully received. Thank you very much. Edited by scottlawson

Ross Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 02 May 07 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1163	Post Options Post Reply Quote Ross Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 09 Apr 10 at 2:04am
	Wayfarer
	Ross If you can't carry it, don't sail it!

Neptune Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 08 Jun 09 Location: Berkshire United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 1314	Post Options Post Reply Quote Neptune Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 09 Apr 10 at 9:06am
	RS K6...fast not likely to capsize, take 2 or 3 racing so should take 4 cruising. EDIT: Or should that be Rondar K6 now. 7 m is a pretty long dinghy Edited by Neptune

asterix Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 01 Aug 09 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 621	Post Options Post Reply Quote asterix Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 09 Apr 10 at 10:03am
	well I was pretty much in your position a few years ago and bought a 2000 - it has been a success for me (but less so at least so far for family sailing as I have got too competitive I'm told and have therefroe found other crews) and there are a few things to consider: it is a great way in to dinghy sailing and for learning to use the 'modern' rig controls, etc there is an active class association which provides lots of good friendly advice and organises some fun racing events it is easy to trail behind a medium family sized car or bigger it can carry 4 on the odd occasion, but it isn't really good at that - two up is definately the best. 140Kg would be a good weight but a bit more might help in stronger winds. It can be single handed in lighter winds, but is a bit big and heavy to do that well. Also, it can be hard to haul about and right on your own. it is good and exciting in a strong blow and will go fast(ish) it does turn turtle when capsized unless you have a big mast head float. Having said that, if you chhose to sail on lighter wind days you can probably sail all season without tipping it in. I used to sail wayfarers but that was too long ago to comment sensibly. Personally I dont like the look of the bahia Edited by asterix

radixon Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 27 Oct 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 2407	Post Options Post Reply Quote radixon Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 09 Apr 10 at 10:21am
	Wayfarer - Good Cruising Boat, can take an outboard if needed, possible to reef if too windy and comfy taking 4 people if needed. Laser 2000 - comfy with 2 possibly 3. This boat is only rated to carry 3 persons. Can be moved easily but I am not sure about an outboard bracket. Laser Bahia - Can take 4 people if needed, it is a heavy boat and personally doesn't sail as well as the others mentioned. It can take an outboard if needed. Laser Stratos - Two options the Centreboard or the Keel version. If you dont want to capsize the keel might be the better option although will be heavier. Sails well can take an outboard and if comfy with 5 adults but can be sailed with 2. It can also be reefed. Having sailed all the above I'd go for either the Wayfarer or the Laser Stratos. Not sailed a keel version but have jumped from a Laser Radial to a Stratos with no prior experience and taken novices out with no problems sailing this boat. All the boats are under 7metres. Other options would be keel boats but would be heavier to move around.

asterix Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 01 Aug 09 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 621	Post Options Post Reply Quote asterix Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 09 Apr 10 at 10:27am
	meant to say that you can't easily add an outboard to the 2000 Edited by asterix

AlexM Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 10 Jan 06 Online Status: Offline Posts: 857	Post Options Post Reply Quote AlexM Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 09 Apr 10 at 10:36am
	Gp 14 could be another option