RS500 ...

Depreciation is always something which is going to affect almost all classes. Other classes such as the Laser 5000, 4000, Iso, Boss, Buzz have all depreciated considerably but its a risk that everyone takes when buying a boat. It's not limited to just SMODs, classes like the 14s suffer too due to the fact that a development within the class such as a new hull design or implementation of new technology can cause current designs to be obsolete in competitive terms. The choice in this case is to outlay serious expenditure to modify the boat to the new standard set or buy a new boat.

here's a link to a few more details and a not very useful pic http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/index.cfm?rd=n&SEID= 2&SRSID=&eid=&pid=&nid=20215&refre=y .

as others have said, it would appear that LDC are filling a gap in their range rather than a gap in the market. if you're young and want to go fast buy a 29er (they're really not that hard to sail), if you want one-design single wire asymmetric racing in a fleet of 20-40 year olds (ish) buy a 4000 - competitive weight range is ~130kg to ~190kg (and with weight equalistation that means genuinely competitive!)

Edited by furtive

Very interesting to read about peoples views about the new classes that have flooded the market in the UK.

Over here there hasn't been the same penetration by new designs. In Brisbane where I sail there are the normal kiddies classes, lasers and the adult dinghies are either the skiff classes (14 or 16ft) or the 505.

I rediscovered my passion for this sport about a year ago and got the 59er as to me the skiffs seemed somewhat intimidating and the 505 whilst a great boat is a little dated.

I guess what I am trying to say is that whilst people may decry the large numbers of SMOD boats in the UK the main thing is that the sport as a whole expands. If manufacturers with big advertising budgets can get people into the sport or attract others back it has to be good if the total number of people sailing dinghies increases. Eventually the law of the jungle will prevail and those classes that market themselves effectively and are good designs will prosper. Those classes that do not do this will decline and eventually vanish. The people that buy these boats will take a bath on depreciation but what is the alternative? Some might say development classes but that requires peoeple to THINK and these days people tend to be time poor and want a ready made solution. Now that I am back in the sport in a big way I personally am becoming a believer in a class where you can change things that don't work and keep up with developments. As some on this forum may know I am building a Swift Solo which has this philosophy. That, however is what what works for me and I believe that off the shelf turn key products are required to keep people entering our sport.

Looking at the UK scene from a distance it would appear to be more vibrant market due to the activities of the large manufacturers over there. So whilst I appreciate peoples concerns about the RS500 flooding the market at least it is good to see that things are happening in the UK. If it is a good enough design it will prosper.     

Martin,

I agree with all you have said above,the transition in the UK dinghy scene over the last 10 years has been incredible.

I don't think there is any other country that has a better dinghy sailing environment than the UK.

However, all markets move in cycles to some extent and in the early ninties the market soaked up the new classes like a sponge.

I suspect some of the resistance you have seen on this forum is an indication that perhaps the market is moving to a new phase - there are now enough new classes to forfill the needs of most of the sailors out there and perhaps what the market is now desiring is more focus on the developemnt of the classes that already exist rather than a new one.

As you say - at the end of the day the market will decide.

Rick