RS Vision or Topper Omega?

Hi all, first post!

I have been reading a great deal on this forum- it looks like a great place to get help and advice. Re my actual query, I have searched just about everything I can on Google and in particular this site when trying to decide on my 'family' boat (I have just sold my Laser having sailed them for about 15 years).

I'm pretty sure I am set on either the Vision or the Omega but I just can't make a firm decision no matter how hard I try. I have previously been set on each of them but keep changing my mind!

I want a boat that I can sail single-handed if needed and I have read that the Omega can be a bit of a handful, even reefed, but I like the appeal of the size of the cockpit in the Omega.

The Vision seems to tick most of the boxes, other than the fact that it seems it might get a bit more cramped when I get my two kids in there with myself and the wife. OK, the kids are young at the mo (4 and 3) but I'm hoping to have the eldest out on the water before he's 5 and the same with the youngest. I have also read that the Vision would be more 'tippy' which to be honest I want to try and limit as much as possible.

'Get a cat' I hear you say and I would agree were it not for the fact that holding onto kiddies will be more of a concern in say something like a Dart16 which I would probably think about when the kids are 8~9+.

I guess the best option would be to get a sail in both boats but that's easier said than done. Theres none of either at my last club!

I know that the Vision/Omega/Laser2000etc choice has been done to death a bit but I'm hoping that I've missed something from any threads that I've seen so far.

Laser2000 is just too expensive, Stratos is just too big (and heavy!). Wayfarers- well- I'm sure they are a good boat but...... just no.

Someone please help me decide before I go out of my mind!

Cheers,

Nathan

What about a Laser Bahia? - very easy to reef, similar format to a Vision but slightly bigger and a more modern design that the Omega........might be worth trying to get a test sail in one. It's not long 'til the Boat Show and Dinghy Show and there's bound to be a few deals to be done if you're after a new boat,

Nigel

It would assist by informing us of your budget.

The Vision is the better of the two (Omega/Vision) because it is better made and second hand are available.

For that reason the Omega and the Bahia (as mentioned) are not as easy to shift selling second hand. The Bahia is new to the market and I would suggest a test sail, I wouldn't part with my cash for one, that is after sailing it.

You may find on this occasion that a Wayfarer is suitable because of the room it has and the availability of boats. It depends where and what type of sailing oyu are intending to do. They are widely available and also at varying prices dependin on age. Most though are good solid boats.

Gaa! Bahia is £5195 retail so would be do-able secondhand on my budget.

Ferchrissakes thats 3 boats I have on the list now! I knew I shouldn't have posted on here! Looks like the Omega maybe dropping off the list soon I think though.

RS vission

 

unless you want to learn how to drive an aircraft carrier then get the omega