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Which boat for me and the nipper?
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Matt Jackson View Drop Down
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Posts: 962 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Matt Jackson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Which boat for me and the nipper?
    Posted: 24 Sep 07 at 1:04pm

My son is just coming up for 4 and we have another on the way (which is going to make Contender sailing unpopular at home) so I'm starting to think about what boat would suit us. I don't want to put the lad off sailing before he's started so it needs to be a really stable boat but initially at least I'll be doing all the work.

I was think Wayfarer (hmm v heavy) or Wanderer (don't know much about them) but haven't really kept up to speed with more modern designs so need a bit of advice, would a L2000 be mad? I'm not too worried about ruggedness as I'm reasonably careful and the kids won't be sailing alone for a good few years.

Just to throw one more constraint in, it would be useful if I could sail with the wife as well (I'm 15 stone and she's not Kate Moss (thank the lord)).
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timnoyce View Drop Down
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Posts: 1991 		Post Options Post Options   Quote timnoyce Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Sep 07 at 1:15pm
***** Warning, incoming sales pitch! Been at the boat show for 11 days so I really can't help myself! ******


I'd really have to suggest the Wanderer. Partly because we build them at Hartley Laminates, but really because they are a great boat!

We just launched the new Phil Morrison updated Wanderer at the boat show and it seemed to go down very well. Originally designed by Ian Proctor as a small version of the Wayfarer it shares many of its stable and practical qualities. At 129kg it's no featherweight but it's a quality GRP dinghy that will hold its value for many years (check out the resale value of used Wanderers!) Its fully self draining with sealed storage for the kids dry clothes etc... and if you go really crazy you can even take it racing 
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Posts: 1040 		Post Options Post Options   Quote stuarthop Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Sep 07 at 3:12pm
bear in mind that the early 2000/stratos style wanderers have trouble with taking in too much water into the side tanks when you capsize making it very hard to right the boat. Personally if your after a new boat then i'd suggest the wanderer/2000. If its a second hand boat then it would be a 2000 hands down for me, they sail well, are very predictable, when your hit by a gust you can almost count to 5 before you need to react! and theres a good and freindly racing circuit for them aswell.

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Stuart O View Drop Down
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Posts: 514 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Stuart O Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Sep 07 at 4:09pm

Originally posted by timnoyce

***** Warning, incoming sales pitch! Been at the boat show for 11 days so I really can't help myself! ******


I'd really have to suggest the Wanderer. Partly because we build them at Hartley Laminates, but really because they are a great boat!

We just launched the new Phil Morrison updated Wanderer at the boat show and it seemed to go down very well. Originally designed by Ian Proctor as a small version of the Wayfarer it shares many of its stable and practical qualities. At 129kg it's no featherweight but it's a quality GRP dinghy that will hold its value for many years (check out the resale value of used Wanderers!) Its fully self draining with sealed storage for the kids dry clothes etc... and if you go really crazy you can even take it racing 

Having seen your stand and the quality of your workmanship think you are worthy of your sales pitch.

Id go wayfarer, good stable boat and a good class assciation.
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Barty View Drop Down
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Posts: 240 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Barty Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Sep 07 at 5:55pm
I was given a Mirror for free for me and my 4 year old.  It was a wreck but I stripped it over the winter added a ally pole, spinnaker kit and all the usual class gadgets.  He loves it and has even been doing figure of eights on the helm.  When it blows and he doesn't want to go out I take it out single-handed and can easily fly the kite.  I have even won club races in it.  He has been out in a 5 and wasn't put off at all.  The boat has got to be one of the best for little people.  Don't over look the older classes.  You can pick them up for pennies ready to sail.
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Matt Jackson View Drop Down
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Posts: 962 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Matt Jackson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Sep 07 at 5:58pm
Yeah but I'm 6ft tall and over 15 stone - I think it'd be a bit scary with just me in it.
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Matt Jackson View Drop Down
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Posts: 962 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Matt Jackson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Sep 07 at 6:02pm
Originally posted by Stuart O

Originally posted by timnoyce

***** Warning, incoming sales pitch! Been at the boat show for 11 days so I really can't help myself! ******


I'd really have to suggest the Wanderer. Partly because we build them at Hartley Laminates, but really because they are a great boat!

We just launched the new Phil Morrison updated Wanderer at the boat show and it seemed to go down very well. Originally designed by Ian Proctor as a small version of the Wayfarer it shares many of its stable and practical qualities. At 129kg it's no featherweight but it's a quality GRP dinghy that will hold its value for many years (check out the resale value of used Wanderers!) Its fully self draining with sealed storage for the kids dry clothes etc... and if you go really crazy you can even take it racing 

Having seen your stand and the quality of your workmanship think you are worthy of your sales pitch.

Id go wayfarer, good stable boat and a good class assciation.

Except I'd have to lug the thing around alone - no thanks. I've taught in them and although they are good on the water and have loads of room it might be a bit limiting as to when I can sail (ie when there are othe big lads around to drag it out of the water)
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Jack Sparrow View Drop Down
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Posts: 2965 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Jack Sparrow Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Sep 07 at 6:03pm
I would of thought an Enterprise would be very suitable.
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Lukepiewalker View Drop Down
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Posts: 1341 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Lukepiewalker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Sep 07 at 6:25pm
Miracle, National 12, Ent, GP... the possibilites are endless... It all comes down to how much space you need and how much stability you want I suppose. Your modern Double floor GPs offer the self drainingness and are still nice and comfy. Possibly a bit bigger than you would like if you want to race with the kids, but ideal for racing with your wife. Although there is that there biggish Genoa.
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craiggo View Drop Down
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Posts: 1810 		Post Options Post Options   Quote craiggo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Sep 07 at 6:33pm
I'd say Graduate if they ever get around to asking someone like Phil Morrison to design a modern one !

You can sail it singlehanded effectively, so your little ones can sit at the front and pretend to crew, with little effect on performance, as they get bigger you can give them the jib sheet and train them up.

No spinnakers in the way, no genoa, just a nice simple beautifully balanced little boat.
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