Another 'What Family Boat?' Topic

Laser Stratos....more room than the 2000, nicer boat than
the Vision (and more room), asymmetric and same price
second hand....for 25 stone in a blow you will have lots of
fun...yearly Nationals and supportive Class
association.Like the Wayfarer lots of space for kids,
engines, picnics, tents etc etc. Like the 2000 if you have
kids on board mast head float recommended....otherwise see
what is at your local sailing club and have a try....as
above don't dismiss the 'older' classes. Certainly Laser
and RS will organise test sails....

Great responses - thanks everyone.

I went to the boat show and guess what they all told me - "no one boat does everything". I should have known really.

Looking at the options there I thought the RS Vision was a good compromise. Nice clear, uncluttered layout simple reefing, simple spinnaker set up, takes an outboard and the gnav system leaves really good space under the boom.

I'll try to sail the shortlist over the winter.

The other alternative is to leave the kids in Oppies for a few years and get a sporty single hander...

Cheers.

 

I'd second the opinion on the Vision. I did a bit of instructing in a Vision earlier in the season, the indestructability factor of the hull seems good but to me the cockpit is a bit shallow for a family/training boat. I'd agree on the tiller feeling heavy too, and I was also conscious of having to concentrate on not lobbing it in more than I'd expect for a training boat even when suitably reefed.

So whatever you do I suggest you sail one before you buy, though that goes for any boat really!