Choosing a boat: Heavy helm

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Heavy helm

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Choosing a boat
Forum Discription: Ask any questions about the sport!
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11094
Printed Date: 05 Aug 25 at 4:38am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Heavy helm

Posted By: orkney lee
Subject: Heavy helm
Date Posted: 20 Sep 13 at 2:47pm

I've just recently sold my Musto skiff as I finally accepted that at 19st i was far too big and heavy for it.

When the winds were marginal for trapezing i'd still be sitting in when others weren't, when i did get out i kept tipping to windward as i couldn't get back in quick enough and then when trying to right it i had to manouvre the boat so i could get in over the stern as I'm too big to get between the wing and gunwhale.

would the RS700 be more suited to a bigger person due to having intermediate racks and is it any more stable? I liked the Musto so much though as it was great when i got out on the racks with the kite up but it was just too much work the rest of the time and it kind of put me off sailing it.

I've been thinking about the Phantom for a while but the lack of kite puts me off. Decent Finns are too expensive and technical and likewise the RS100 is still too expensive.

Basically i'd appreciate any thoughts/opinions on which boat would be suitable for my weight, height (6') and ability. my budget is about £3500.

I am more used to sailing catamarans so might still go back to those but i'd prefer to stay with dinghies for now.

My own thoughts are between the RS700, Phantom, Finn, RS300, RS100 and i have even considered converting a laser 4000 so i can sail it single handed.

So many decisions!!!!!!!!!!

Replies:

Posted By: Phil_1193
Date Posted: 20 Sep 13 at 3:21pm

Fat bloke + single hander = Phantom pretty much end of. It will carry your weight without any problems and with practice you can still compete with the lightweights in the light to moderate stuff

I do know someone who is a bit heavier than you but does sail an F18 single handed to fairly good effect if you wanted to go back to a cat that might be a decent choice.

Posted By: yellowwelly
Date Posted: 20 Sep 13 at 3:42pm

F16 - better option.

I reckon at 19 stone even the barge that is a 700 will struggle.

Posted By: rogerd
Date Posted: 20 Sep 13 at 5:06pm

Vortex ? a bit of both

Posted By: yellowwelly
Date Posted: 20 Sep 13 at 5:08pm

vortex is too short.... everyone I've spoken to who had one at 90kg+ said they're stupidly underpowered (but a total laugh when its windy...)

Posted By: blaze720
Date Posted: 20 Sep 13 at 7:23pm

We have guys up to 127kg sailing the Halo rigged Blazes ! ... You need to be 100+ anyway just to be competitive except in the lightest breezes. The sail is approx 11.65m and pretty powerful... Not for everyone of course but then it was intended to be for the bigger guys from day 1 ..

The rest of us lightweight (a relative term) 'wimps' tend to be slower for much of the time with the Halo rig than we would be using the standard Blaze one ... as was intended !

Mike L.

Posted By: about a boat
Date Posted: 23 Sep 13 at 1:01pm

Do not think a 300 would carry your weight. The gust reponse of the rig is probbly too sensitive and you will want all that power rather than it flicking open. The RS100 I tried was totally underpowered (at 95kg!). Lost some weight since and moved to a Phantom. Great boat for my weight plus. No weight equalisation non-sense. Just choose a stiff mast and full sail for max power. Rig tension is easy to play with on the water too.

Do not know about Halo, Cats, MPS or 700's.

Posted By: charlie1019
Date Posted: 25 Sep 13 at 1:00am

A little outside of your budget at the moment I'm afraid (prices starting from about £6k), but I thought it worth pointing out for anyone else reading this thread in the same position as yourself 'orkney lee'...

At the D One Gold Cup earlier this month, races were won by sailors ranging from 78kg to 116kg and it was a predominantly a light wind event. Skill/tackticks made all the difference, not helm weight. In fact the 116kg guy would have been right up there battling for first overal if he had not had to count a DNS!

Just another option to consider.

Posted By: ChrisJ
Date Posted: 25 Sep 13 at 6:47pm

K1? With a weighty keel, the effect of helm weight will be less important.

Posted By: r2d2
Date Posted: 25 Sep 13 at 7:16pm

recon the RS100 might be a bit small for you - there isnt that much room under the boom