RS 800 ???

Hey hi Ken

am a  bit late joining the thread - been on holiday.

My opinon is, go for a  800 or a 5000.

An 800 is a lovely boat to sail.  Both  boats are designed by the same designer, and the 800 is definitely  more refined.  Self tacking Jib, carbon mast, a smaller sail plan and  lighter to boot.  I'd  say the 800 is  probably preferred, though more  expensive - you need to think  really  how  competitively you're going to sail and  how  much your willing to fork out to feed your sailing/skiff habit!

I sail a  5000,  so  would  suggest it  of  course, but only if the  800 is beyond  your budget.  It is  a heavier beast - and  definitely  more powerful.    I wouldn't  be worried about the  bag - it's a doddle - it more the  size of the  kite itself, which is a  lot bigger than most!  Being  16 - you may be a little light, but the weight-equalisation system is  also a 5000 feature.

Both boats are  I found  fairly  stable, and I do enjoy helmiong the 5000 - great feel. 

currently there is  interest in the 5000 class, and I believe there are  a couple of  boats  active in Scotland (not sure where)....   contact the  association, they are fairly friendly!

You could of course  pick up an older Int14, but for  2-3000 grand you'll get a  fairly  good Laser5000...  a lot of  money for your  bang as they say !

All the  best 

 fin

PS -  alternatively think about a  BOSS  if you're just going  blasting and  not racing  competitively... ?