First Boat ( yes i have used search ;))

Hi all,

I realise this is an oft asked question here on these forums, and i have read every post on here, and picked up lots of useful information, but not the exact information i am hoping for.

Basically i did a little sailing with my dad 8 years ago or so, in a Victoria 16, and a GP14, but not for a long time, and i didn't remember anything really.  Just recently i decided i wanted to get into it properly and went and did my RYA level 1&2. Now like many people I am at the stage of buying my first boat and joining a sailing club.

As i am a novice, I am finding the choice of boat a difficult decision. I have found a local sailing club, an I am in the process of joining, it's a faily large club so people are sailing all sorts, lasers, RS boats of all varieties, cherubs etc.

I am 5'10 and approx 88kg/14 stone.  I would like a single hander, as i will not regulaly be able to find a crew, and with the odd shift pattern i work i will be sailing at very random days and times.  I want a boat that i can learn in, but if i grow to like i'm not gonna be restricted in due to my weight or some other reason.  Equally i don't want to jump straight into an RS600, or something, and be completely unable to learn in.

I have considered the Laser, with a full rig, I have considered an RS300, RS Vareo, RS Feva, Laser Pico <did my RYA courses in one, and it was ok if a litle small>. 

Lastly, i would ideally not like to spend anymore than £2000 for the boat.

I have asked lots of people, including my old man and his friends, people at the sailing club etc, and everyone has a different opinion, so i thought I'd cast the net out a bit wider. Any comments appreciated.

-Dave

Must admit i don't know anything about the Finn Doug, I'll have a look 

Laser, then going into Finn/Phantom to carry the weight better.

Try and crew poeple if they are looking for a spare crew as you'll learn a lot and it can be mucho fun .


Edited by Hobbo

Best bet would be a Laser, if only because they're easy to sell. Do a season or so, and you'll have a much better idea of what you want/need.

Of the others mentioned, 300/finn- too demanding and not always easy to buy/sell. Vario would be nice, and is very much something you could grow into, but they aren't cheap, although you should get your money back. Fevas and Picos are too small for a 14 stone person!

Let us know what you go for.

Hi,

Really helpful forum, as I'm in the same situation deciding on a first boat

Many thanks