URGENT CHOICE - Topper ISO

not sailed one but have seem them close up at the club an open every year so if the price is right buy it and enjoy it.just check the transom as they do have a tendancy to crack.

andy

I'm sure they *say* they want a quick decision: who wouldn't. But I doubt they'd got a queue of buyers lined up for an ISO in this day and age.

One thing I've learned over the years is never be rushed into a deal. If someone's trying to rush you its for their benefit and most definitely not for yours. And even if they do sell it elsewhere there's *always* a better deal if you're prepared to wait and look around. The only time its right to rush is if its "its free but collect it this weekend or it goes down the tip".

As for the ISO as a boat: I've sailed them a moderate amount. There are worse boats, but the class didn't kick the bucket because it was great. As a forward hand I always found them very uncomfortable and all those Topper rigs were pretty poor.

I've seen cracks on the deck mouldings in a variety of places, not just the transom.

Edited by JimC

Just read the above and agree don't rush into it as they do become available quite frequently. In fact a lot are going to Europe where there is a growing following... despite the comment they still have a strong and loyal following in the UK........it definately has'nt 'kicked the bucket' and as most will know the ISO set the standard for popular access to single trapeze asymmetrics. Not sure where the 'Topper rigs pretty poor came' from........ I would agree with a lot of Toppers but on the ISO it is pretty good and relatively easy to handle (slightly easier than the 4k)....why not see if you can have a test sail.The class have developed new sails with Hyde which have given the boat a bit of a facelift. Its actually about how much you want to spend and what type of sailing you want to do....... Have a looka the CA website, lots of up to date info plus a list of lots of events for next year (just to show it has'nt kicked the bucket !)

(I should say I am biased because I have on older ISO which is excellent fun when its windy !)

If they want that quick a decision, offer them even less than they are asking...

And they do go pretty cheap on ebay, too.

 

I had one for 3 or 4 years. 

Check the sails, especially the jib.  The original Sobstad jibs were awful.

Check the space frame has been modifed, if its an old boat.  The fore/aft part should not stick out into the kite chute.  This was modified by Topper for free.

Check the around the holes were the wings slot in - will almost certainly be cracked, but probably just cosmetic.

Check the rudder stock.  Check the transom.

Check the mast is straight.

Check it doesn't leak.

That may sound a bit negative, but its no worse than any other boat.  The boat is fairly heavy and the sheet loads are quite high, but they are fun boats. 

Its definately a buyers market at the moment, so don't be rushed into making a decision.