What boat?

Originally posted by Stefan Lloyd Originally posted by maxim I son't know, I remember going out in my dad's boat when I was a toddler. Do you? I know some people are sure they have memories going back very early but most people can't remember anything younger than around 4, which is well past "toddler".

Yeah, because my dad's mentioned it, and I can
definately remember certain things like eating
chocolate in the boat, and the lifejacket, and really
weird small new experiences that stick with you
when you're young...

Thanks for the advice - keep it coming please -

I personally like the idea of the laser 2000, but feel that the GP14 might be a wise idea - with a bit more room.

I have only sailed the 2000 a couple of times, and that was a while ago - for purely cruising about on a sunny summers day, how many adults (plus toddler) do you think would be possible. also same question goes for gp14 and wayfarer.

thanks again for all the advice

 

Been continuing my search - what are your thoughts on the RS vision - looks like it does it all - big and stable enough for family, but added safety of outboard option for cruising, and a bit of performance for sailing with mates, gennaker, trapeze options. Does anyone have any experience of this boat - looks like it might be a bit more fun (especially for me!) than the wayfarer type option.

I don't think there is much difference in room withina GP14 and a Laser 2000.  Being heavier the GP is less responsive and will feel more stable - but that is about the only advantage of weight.  Foresail sheet loads are high in the GP and its a bitch to pull up the ramp or beach.  The spinnaker is complex compared with the asymmetric of the 2000.  Don't buy a wooden GP unless you love maintenance, but an old glass GP will be much cheaper than a 2000.  For me it would have to be a 2000 every time but there may be some special quality in the GP which suits you and makes the difference (for instance it may be what they sail at your local club).  I suspect a GP will be faster in drifting conditions, in all other conditions the 2000 will thrash it but if you're going to sail with novice wife and a todler this is hardly a consideration.

GP14 all the way. Some lovely boats for sale, n wooden ones are easier to mend than plastic ones... also bags of room, spinny isn't that hard, n they are nice racing as well, n u don't need a new boat for racing either.