the best boat ever

I don't. There would be absolutely no point in defining in an objective way like that, since there would then be nothing to say. If it's popularity, then it's the Sunfish. End of story, end of thread.

I was shocked to ear how Dragons have gone , near here they travell every year fas part of their uk circuit, but there are no longer any locals racing , from what i hear they have become , rich boys toys and fully specced up can hit rediculous tens of thousands (had herd 70 K ) , when you see them with their tailor made road racing trailers pulled by bmw 4 x 4's, Full hull covers , etc etc , and learn you have one for UK and one for euro circuit it would be hard to compete at top .

Though i expect this beautiful dinosaur would be extinct otherwise, and these guys are keeping a leg end going.

Why are Dragons more expensive... partly a bit more  boat that is a bit more difficult to build, especially to make a plastic boat within the rules that is as stiff as a cold-moulded (now you're talking expensive!), partly because owners expect very high standards in building and service, partly due to lack of competition amongst builders (this may change)...and probably because the market accepts the price!

We were talking about "best boats ever" - the 1720's, Melges etc are good boats but I am not sure that they will become classic classes - still with us in 75 years time!

Gordon

Didn't say it wasn't expensive, but seeing the number of new 30ft+ cruisers around it would seem that somebody can afford them.

I would contend that Dragon's get used a lot more than your average cruiser (a figure of some 10 days use per year for the average cruiser, springs to mind)

Gordon

The Laser - not one of Bruce Kirby's prettiest boats. His I14's were beautiful.

Probably the leader in the single-handed mass production, outrageously expensive, specifically designed to give physiotherapists lots of work, but with a very well organised and influential class association category.

.The Laser became a world class boat because it was very intelligently marketed to sailing schools, clubs and especially national sailing associations.

If the design brief for the Laser was put out to competition today a far better, more comfortable and cheaper boat would probably result.

Gordon