Are Lasers worth the money?

in my experience of lasers only buy one you want to race against boats of the same class and not have to travel halfway across the country to get to the nearest race.

Also watch out on some of the old lasers i think they have a tendency of the back falling off

I'm new to the sport and thought that a laser would suit my needs initially, particularly with the sail options allowing me to get used to the boat with a radial rig before going to a full size rig. What I am staggered about though is the cost for decent used boat. Thirty year old lasers are fetching over 700 quid. My question really is this. For my budget of £750 does a laser represent the best overall buy or is there something else I should consider. I accept at 38 and 15st I'm not going to win any races but then again with so little experience I could be half the age and half the weight and I still wouldnt win any races.