Buying a laser
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=12563
Printed Date: 05 Aug 25 at 12:29am
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Topic: Buying a laser
Posted By: Jilays89
Subject: Buying a laser
Date Posted: 02 Nov 16 at 5:32pm
Hello All,
I am new to the forum but not to sailing/racing.
I have been on a break from racing since starting Uni, now after about 8 years am looking to get back into it with a single hander. I have determined that a Laser is best given that my local club has a good regular fleet.
I will probably on be racing at club level for at least the first season.
I have previously helmed mirrors and 420s to national level but never raced a single hander.
I have two questions if anyone can help me out.
1. Does the age of laser I buy have much of an impact on placings? I am trying to keep the budget as low as possible (£1000 or less ideally but could stretch to £1500) I know that the XD kit is well worth having.
2. I am 5'10" and approx 10 stone 10. It seems to me that I am border line between Radial and Standard so I'm a little unsure which way to go.
Most boats I have seen forsale seem to vary wildly in price for the age and kit but most seem to have a standard and radial sail so the second question may just come down to trying them both, but if there comes a decent priced boat with one I don't want to choose the wrong one!
If I have missed anything important let me know
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Replies:
Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 02 Nov 16 at 5:41pm
If you're sailing inland you're probably more likely to want the big rag, but why not ask at the club what they find suits?
Lasers do get tired with use, but quite slowly, and the difference between a brand new boat and a worn out veteran is very small compared to the difference between a front of fleet and back of fleet sailor. The condition of the sail makes a big difference though.
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Posted By: 423zero
Date Posted: 02 Nov 16 at 8:47pm
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I am same height and weight and struggle with standard sail in any kind of wind, capsizing so often I would have been faster with the smaller sail, however I am not a regular laser sailor, (this is just my experience with them), however has Jim says ask at your club.
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Posted By: Jilays89
Date Posted: 02 Nov 16 at 9:47pm
Thanks for the replies, I should have mentioned that I sail in Poole harbour so mainly short chop.
Is it a reasonable assumption that I'd find a laser with XD kit for £1000 or less?
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Posted By: Jilays89
Date Posted: 03 Nov 16 at 6:38pm
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Also is there a minimum age laser that would get me a decent club racer?
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Posted By: PeterV
Date Posted: 04 Nov 16 at 11:57am
In my experience it's better to look at condition than age, a good looking old Laser (non damaged gunwhales, unscratched hull) will be faster than a later number in worse condition. A very old Laser (1970s) with a good sail is almost as fast as a new Laser in flat water but slower in choppy water.
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PeterV
Finn K197, Finn GBR564, GK29
Warsash
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Posted By: PeterG
Date Posted: 04 Nov 16 at 12:10pm
When checking condition, try pressing on the bottom. I once had a 30 year old Laser which had been shingle beach launched for years, and the bottom had got soft - no obvious external marks but just soft when you pushed it in. When I bought a newer boat there was a marked difference in how easily it would get up on the plane.
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Peter
Ex Cont 707
Ex Laser 189635
DY 59
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Posted By: Buzz
Date Posted: 04 Nov 16 at 3:56pm
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£1500 should get you a 175000 laser with XD equipment. Check mast step holds water. Check for delamination of foredeck and side decks. Check there is no star or spider cracking in the cockpit where the vertical sides of the cockpit meet the floor of the cockpit.
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Posted By: Andymac
Date Posted: 04 Nov 16 at 7:04pm
Advice, all as above.
This link contains some useful advice;
http://www.laserinternational.org/aboutlaser/buylaser
As previously implied, the biggest performance loss/gain is probably the nut on the end of the tiller.
Next to that, a decent sail.
Earlier this year I paid £100 for a 77K (circa 1978/9) Laser in structurally sound conditition, with (at that age) the almost inevitable remedial foredeck hatch and maststep strengthening.
With the addition of a sail from a 181K boat and some extra blocks and string, I was sailing midfleet at open meetings. The biggest failing being me!
At 10st 10lb you are on the cusp of radial/full rig. I would suggest you aquire both with a view to downsizing when F4+.
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Posted By: patj
Date Posted: 05 Nov 16 at 7:47am
If you want to buy a second hand Laser, look regularly on the Facebook page for Dinghies and Dinghy Bits For Sale.
%20https://www.facebook.com/groups/dinghies/" rel="nofollow - https://www.facebook.com/groups/dinghies/
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Posted By: Jilays89
Date Posted: 07 Nov 16 at 3:32pm
Thanks for all the replies,
Seems as though I need to find a boat with both Radial and Standard then.
I don't currently have a tow bar fitted to either car we have so I'd be looking at putting it on the roof, I have a Polo which is small in comparison to the length of a laser, will I be alright with the polo and a laser? I'll be using Thule roof bars so they'll take the weight, its mainly how close the bars are to each other and the overhang I'd be worried about, especially if buying a boat further afield. It won't be an issue when I've got it home as its only half a mile to my local club.
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Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 07 Nov 16 at 4:26pm
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What you have to watch with roof racking boats these days is that most modern cars have pathetically low permitted roof loads, so you need to check the manual. Physically there is no problem at all. Have the bow overhanging the bonnet and a line down to the front tow loop to stabilise it.
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Posted By: Jilays89
Date Posted: 07 Nov 16 at 7:08pm
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Ok thanks, I checked the max roof load and it's 75kg, so with the 7kg Thule bars I should be fine even with a light weight trolley on top
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