cheap singlehander options

I keep thinking about picking up a cheap singlehander, to race when my crew is not available. say £500-800 budget.

I suppose a laser is the obvious choice, I can probably find a serviceable one for the budget, and its a decent all rounder (I'm estuary & sea sailing) I have had one before so know what they are about.

But could I get something else that would fit the use and budget. I have always had a hankering for an ok but I suspect the budget might preclude a reasonable one (I don't want to spend all winter mending things!) Solos and streakers are an option, but can I get one in budget thats not knackered?
I'm just shy of 90kgs it that helps.

Any other options to consider?


Edited by sawman - 04 May 15 at 12:51pm

Cheers Jim,  I hear what you are saying about older solos etc, I suspect the line of least resistance is going to be laser, if I can find a dry one with a solid mast pot, and and XD pack in budget I'd happily leave it on the beach for days that I need it

I bought a Lightning when in this situation, as it was far better than any Solo for the price. However, at 90 kg you'd be quite heavy for it. Less so than a Streaker, mind, and there are 90kg sailors out there.
I suspect an older wooden or maybe composite OK hull would be fine for the money, but would need upkeep. Would have a tin rig, too, of course, but then that has no real upkeep issues, and you'd not be competitive with the top of the fleet anyway, I'd think while learning to sail the boat (or, in my case, at all).

Hi Sawman
Just thought I would check what I had said and their are 2 on the Phantom class association website classsifieds in your price range.
Cheers
Gordon

Originally posted by gordon1277 Hi Sawman Just thought I would check what I had said and their are 2 on the Phantom class association website classsifieds in your price range. Cheers Gordon

the phantom did cross my mind, as there are a few sailing in these waters, but I figured that a sub 800 phantom is going to be further off the pace than a similar priced laser - although I may be wrong in that assumption???