Why are laser 4000s so cheap?

Wouldn't a 29er, RS500 also be pretty close to its niche....and if you go to symetric spinnakers then there must be a half a dozen more boats.

Urm, the 'fleet' is getting pretty old.......depreciation , hello?

I would actually think there will be a comeback at some point post recesssion because 2k is a steal for an OOD.

This is in contrast to the 505 which is not a neatly controlled one design and has suffered over the last 10 years. A 15 year old 505 may be fun but not really on the pace at travellers, whereas a 4000 you could get in good condition easily.

Despite it's weight, shortcomings etc and that yeah, the 800 and 49er are light years ahead, I would still rather see people sailing the 4 tonner than some old classes. Particularily those built in a certain material which lends itself to carbon...carbon dating that is.

Jim, totally agree the 505 on a world basis is of course a healthy, top end class for big guys.

But in the UK the 4000 has v.good numbers and the boats are closer matched, being a OOD and being, erm,  how shall I put it - a little bitty over engineered.

If someone wants to spend 10K on a competitive 505 new and all the time on the travellers and bigger events, and has an 18 stone crew, fine. If someone happens to thinking of a well priced club racer with pockets of OD and some chance of being competitive at the nationals then the 4000 would be a better bet for an averaged sized crew.

Originally posted by Quagers Out of interest people are saying the 800 is easier to sail, having sailied both boats I found I could get the 4000 going (very fast) ..... Where does this idea of it being easier to sail come from????

Yeah, twin wires apart I guess it is the lower sheet loads, lack of those bloody "wing wangs" on the pole and that it get's going faster earlier.