D-Zero / Aero five years on
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13271
Printed Date: 17 Aug 25 at 7:43am
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Topic: D-Zero / Aero five years on
Posted By: tink
Subject: D-Zero / Aero five years on
Date Posted: 28 Feb 19 at 7:34am
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The D-Zero and Aero have been about for about five years. Both boats to a lesser and greater extent have pushed the limits of light weightness and that has to have been a challenge. So how have these boats stood up to real people sailing them in real conditions week in week out. I appreciate that this is a sensitive area as people won’t publicly talk about faults with their boats as it will effect the resale value of their investment. Not expecting much of a response but worth a try, I am expecting the usual crowd to wade in about PY just because that is all the seam to do ------------- Tink https://tinkboats.com http://proasail.blogspot.com |
Replies:
Posted By: PaulPoshW
Date Posted: 28 Feb 19 at 8:50am
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While I'm not an Aero sailor I have been racing against one of the largest fleets in the country for the last few years and the boat seems to perform very well in almost all conditions, which will hopefully see a fall in numbers this weekend (doubt it...) As for the fleet racing they all seem to be having a great time pushing each other round the course and have some close racing, but I guess that could be said of all one designs. I have sailed one a few times now, it is a good toy and nice and stable when the wind is up. What I have noticed is they do seem a little fragile and easy to chip/ding compared to older boats. My 300 seems to take a light knock much better, whereas even putting my wife's Aero on the trolley incorrectly (me not her) caused some gel to fall off the nose. Can't comment on the D-0. Not sailed or crashed into one yet
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Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 28 Feb 19 at 12:59pm
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The early D-Zeros are standing up to the test of time quite well and are still quick and feel stiff when sailed. My own boat is now 3 1/2 years old and still feels the same as it did when I first took her out. I borrowed an older boat just after Christmas too as my boat was packed up to go to an event and it felt exactly the same as mine (unlike a Laser where no 2 boats feel the same). The used market for D-Zeros is very active with boats not hanging around for long and a good proportion of the boats coming up are from people buying new ones so the class is growing. Just to declare an interest, I am the UK CA Class Chair. ------------- Paul ---------------------- D-Zero GBR 74 |
Posted By: Jeremyc
Date Posted: 28 Feb 19 at 3:31pm
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Very happy with my D-Zero, have owned it from new back in 2014. Apart from a little ding on the bow which I did when tried to get it on the trolley it has proved very resilient to me bashing it about a bit! Whilst I have had the odd on the water contact it has not been at all detrimental to the boat(odd scuff only)! Most impressed with the longevity of the sail, I pretty much sail every weekend and whist I am sure a hot shot would think a new sail would make it faster (and Paul for that matter!), I don't think I'd notice the difference and it is still enabling me to win races at club level on a relatively regular basis against a wide range of classes including Aero7's. I find that the sweet spot for me at 75kg ish is around force 3-4 where it flies, beyond that my lack of fitness shows! Anyway, after 4+ years, still happy and still loving it, just need to improve my fitness and not rely on just sailing once a week! Oh and look.... the ultimate laziness, I can leave it rigged hanging off the jetty over lunch on the lighter days without a worry!  
------------- N12- pure joy D-Zero more pure joy |
Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 28 Feb 19 at 3:47pm
Funny you should say that.... My first sail from 101 is still going strong in a clubmates hands. It has had over 4 years of regular use and is still pretty good, he certainly keeps up with me at times using it. I only got a new one because there was an offer on, I had pre-sold my old sail and I had some cash floating around (so thought best to spend it before the wife did). ------------- Paul ---------------------- D-Zero GBR 74 |
Posted By: tink
Date Posted: 01 Mar 19 at 7:43am
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Thank you one and all, very reassuring. The sail longevity is particularly interesting, I have a laminate sail on my current boat which was new a few years ago plus some older ones and I am not impressed with them. I think at some point this year I will plunge for the D-zero, I have considered many others and it just seams ahead of anything else out there by quite a distance. Just need to get my ducks in order and find a nice example. Part of my research was to look at the insurance cost for the D-zero and Aero, not from a cost perspective but the fact that if there where issues with either boat premiums would be higher. Both boats have comparable premiums with othe single handed boats. ------------- Tink https://tinkboats.com http://proasail.blogspot.com |
Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 01 Mar 19 at 12:43pm
Do get in touch Tink, if you are after a demo sail (if you havent already had one) I can probably put you in touch with someone close by. As for used boats they are not hanging around but the dealer does offer a brokerage service as well so a few boats shift through that channel before they make it on to the open market. ------------- Paul ---------------------- D-Zero GBR 74 |
Posted By: tink
Date Posted: 01 Mar 19 at 3:35pm
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Thanks Paul Have PMed you ------------- Tink https://tinkboats.com http://proasail.blogspot.com |