RS Vision or Topper Omega?

Agreed, not much in it all all, and push comes to the shove I could probably tow with a car up the slipway (which isn't where I really want to launch from). I'm still working on being able to launch from the beach area though. If I can't wangle it then I will need to use good old human power to drag the boat up the slipway or mess about trying to get a tow!

I've still not ruled out the Comet, but I will need to monitor prices as the Comet is certainly more expensive to buy new. Too expensive really so it all comes down to what the residuals are doing.

Would it be cynical to suggest that the RS quoted hull weight is the mass of plastic used in the mold, whilst the Comet's is more likely to include fittings?

On the contrary, I haven't dismissed the older boats at all and I'm sorry if I came across that way. I was just surprised how many of them appear to win favour over the newer breed of boat. I'm no expert on this at all, I haven't sailed much else other than a Laser, a Sonata, a Shearwater, a Tornado and if I really go back, a Cadet. All of which are old designs and not having sailed one of the newer, crazy boats like say an RS600 (which just about flooded the dingy park at Stone at one point) I just made an assumption that a new design would be better. Especially as how an RS600 made me look like I was going backwards most of the time! OK, I know they are not the same class of boat but you get my drift.

Notwithstanding that, I have been stunned many times by the reaching speed of a well-sailed Wayfarer which is why I can appreciate that newer is not always better.

As it stands, I am down to either the Vision or the Trio. Both seem quite close in the runnings, but I take on board your comments re manhandling the Trio, which could be the decider. So, on that basis it looks like the Vision unless I can find any more information on the subject!

So, thanks to all so far. I really appreciate not only the help but the time that you have taken to type out what are some quite lengthy replies which are detailed and highly informative. Hopefully one day I will be able to return my limited knowledge in some way to those less experienced than myself on this forum.

Cheers,

Nathan.

Originally posted by Medway Maniac From the Comet Dinghies website http://www.cometdinghies.com/Comet-Trio.asp "optional extras such as front and rear lockers, fendering, oars and outboard motor make the Trio a classy cruising dinghy"

Good find, thats kept the Trio in the runnings for the moment although having just seen the much higher retail price (£6750) compared to the Vision I'm not sure it will stay in unless there are copious s/h ones going for the same sort of money I can get a Vision for.

Just another thought- the Trio has a smooth hull whereas I see the Vision has 'grooves'- sorry I forget the technical term.... would that make the Vision a little bit less tippy do you think?

As for the Trio oar option, not sure I'd want to be rowing a 140kg boat!

From the Comet Dinghies website

http://www.cometdinghies.com/Comet-Trio.asp

"optional extras such as front and rear lockers, fendering, oars and outboard motor make the Trio a classy cruising dinghy"