URGENT CHOICE - Topper ISO

   Has anyone sailed a Topper ISO?
While searching for a boat i've found one at an amazing price but they want a quick decision?
Any advice is brilliant!

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Gladys Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Groupie Joined: 03 Jan 09 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 92	Post Options Post Reply Quote Gladys Report Post Quote Reply Topic: URGENT CHOICE - Topper ISO Posted: 08 Feb 09 at 5:43pm
	Has anyone sailed a Topper ISO? While searching for a boat i've found one at an amazing price but they want a quick decision? Any advice is brilliant!
	You're a sailor when you will leave port in any wind, You're a good sailor when you can get back!

Rockhopper Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 16 Nov 07 Location: Eastry Online Status: Offline Posts: 642	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rockhopper Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 08 Feb 09 at 5:56pm
	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
	Retired now after 35 seasons in a row and time for a rest. 2004 national champ Laser5000 2007,2010,National Champ Rs Vareo

ratface Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 07 Apr 07 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 686	Post Options Post Reply Quote ratface Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 08 Feb 09 at 6:10pm
	sailed one, in light winds/marginal trapezing and it felt very cramped to me( i was crew) dont know how they do on handicap tho. also its good is you+crew/helm are light enough to be allowed the wings as without them they aren't that nice to sail
	BLYM Hertfordshire Sailing team Uk-Cherub 2644 Laser 4000 -4089

JimC Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 17 May 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 6662	Post Options Post Reply Quote JimC Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 08 Feb 09 at 6:48pm
	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

neilgb Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 20 Oct 06 Online Status: Offline Posts: 29	Post Options Post Reply Quote neilgb Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 08 Feb 09 at 6:54pm
	If you want a cheap boat that is good fun buy it..... will give 4000s a run for their money and a really supportive and active class assocation..they are also a really robust boat and will take whatever you throw at them......think about weight as lighter crew sometimes go for the Buzz (generally slightly more expensive). They are actually fine to sail without wings if you are heavy enough (crew weight over 78kgs I think).

neilgb Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 20 Oct 06 Online Status: Offline Posts: 29	Post Options Post Reply Quote neilgb Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 08 Feb 09 at 7:10pm
	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 !)

alstorer Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 02 Aug 07 Location: Cambridge Online Status: Offline Posts: 2899	Post Options Post Reply Quote alstorer Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 08 Feb 09 at 8:42pm
	I crewed one for a season- they're not a bad boat, really, for the money. They are heavy, which slows them down, but from sailing against 4000s, that 20 point PY diffference is a bit, um, wrong. Even with the older (Sobstad) sails. It'll do for cheap thrills, certianly.
	-_ Al

Rupert Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 11 Aug 04 Location: Whitefriars sc Online Status: Offline Posts: 8956	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rupert Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 09 Feb 09 at 1:48pm
	If they want that quick a decision, offer them even less than they are asking... And they do go pretty cheap on ebay, too.
	Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

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 Feb 09 at 2:15pm
	If its not the boat you want, don't rush into it just because they want a "quick decision" Call them up and offer them a reduced price. If they turn it down, ring them a week later and ask if its still available, get your mum or someone else to ask as it will be a different voice. May find they are rushing you as they want to sell (more a Trader trick that)

Chew my RS Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 05 Oct 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 790	Post Options Post Reply Quote Chew my RS Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 09 Feb 09 at 2:23pm
	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.
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