RS 200 vs RS 400

   Which is your local resevoir? Do they sail the 200 or the 400 or Laser 2000's? That will make a big difference.
The 200 is definately smaller and needs less grunt - but it is also tippier and likely to put you in the water more.
The 400 needs more sitting out, but it is more forgiving in that it takes a bit longer to do things, so giving you more time to react. 
BOTH will require swimming while you learn! The 2000 will give you even more time to react, allow you to cruise as well as race (the fully battened sails are designed for fast NOT easy sailing), and hold their value really well.
22 stone is "fairly heavy" for a 200, so you will be disadvantaged in the medium stuff. 22 stone is "fairly light" for a 400, so sailing on the sea, in open waters or in winds of force 4 or more will be a proper handful. 22 stone is ideal for a Laser 2000.

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ChrisJ Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Far too distracted from work Joined: 07 May 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 337	Post Options Post Reply Quote ChrisJ Report Post Quote Reply Topic: RS 200 vs RS 400 Posted: 26 Oct 07 at 10:31am
	Which is your local resevoir? Do they sail the 200 or the 400 or Laser 2000's? That will make a big difference. The 200 is definately smaller and needs less grunt - but it is also tippier and likely to put you in the water more. The 400 needs more sitting out, but it is more forgiving in that it takes a bit longer to do things, so giving you more time to react. BOTH will require swimming while you learn! The 2000 will give you even more time to react, allow you to cruise as well as race (the fully battened sails are designed for fast NOT easy sailing), and hold their value really well. 22 stone is "fairly heavy" for a 200, so you will be disadvantaged in the medium stuff. 22 stone is "fairly light" for a 400, so sailing on the sea, in open waters or in winds of force 4 or more will be a proper handful. 22 stone is ideal for a Laser 2000.

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: 25 Oct 07 at 4:33pm
	I taught my wife in a 200, and have also sailed a 400 a fair bit (but not with my wife). Benefits of a 200 - you'll never be overpowered, the kite is VERY easy, there are loads of them (easy to buy and sell). Disadvantages - 22 stone is fine, but not if you're a 14/8 split - you sink the stern, they feel tippier than a 400. 400 Advantages - beautiful to sail, very stable, lovely rig, faster. Disadvanatges - kite is fractionally more fiddly (but still pretty easy), jib loads can feel high (I found thicker rope better than going 2:1), gotta hike more! I prefer the 400 as a boat, but much will depend on your wife. If she is 5'4" and petite then the 200 is probably easier. If she is tall and athletic, I'd go for the 400 but you'd still be fine in a 200. You might want to consider a laser 2000 as well or possibly a Topper Xenon or a Tasar (which has no kite at all).
	http://www.sailns14.org - The ultimate family raceboat now available in the UK

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: 25 Oct 07 at 3:46pm
	22 Can be good in a 400 inland, not enough on the sea. You probably should get a ride in both, ideally on home waters.

jamesboret Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 25 Oct 07 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote jamesboret Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 25 Oct 07 at 3:13pm
	Sorry to post another what boat - just read rest of forum and it is littered with what boat and has lots of help (I should stop being so lazy). Regards

jamesboret Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 25 Oct 07 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote jamesboret Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 25 Oct 07 at 2:39pm
	Hi wondering if anyone can help. I'm looking to get into dinghy sailing, mostly on my local resevoir. My other half is new to sailing but keen to learn and v. competitive. My background is big boat racing, round the cans and offshore. I think hiking boats rather than trapeze is our best bet with the flukey winds you get on lakes. Asymmetric are short listed for being easier (although they all seem pricey). I have tried a rs 200 recently and we both enjoyed it but was wondering what a 400 is like by comparison (our combined weight is around 22 stone). Should i be looking at anything else? Thanks in advance. James