Dinghy development: Topaz v RS Feva

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Topaz v RS Feva

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=13975
Printed Date: 06 Aug 25 at 11:17pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Topaz v RS Feva

Posted By: Demelza
Subject: Topaz v RS Feva
Date Posted: 31 Aug 22 at 6:17pm

Having decided on Topaz over Pico for Grandchildren aged 12 to be introduced to sailing, I am now wondering whether the RS Feva might be a better choice ? Any observations appreciated.

Replies:

Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 31 Aug 22 at 6:27pm

I like the Feva. Its nicely thought out, and arguably a better two hander than the others.

Posted By: Paramedic
Date Posted: 01 Sep 22 at 7:24am

Feva all day long.

Only rotomould ive come across that goes beyond "this is a boat"

Posted By: Mark Aged 42
Date Posted: 01 Sep 22 at 7:55am

Had 2 Topaz and also a Feva. Its not a fair comparison, the Feva is so much better.

Posted By: Demelza
Date Posted: 01 Sep 22 at 8:34am

Thanks guys, That's pretty emphatic. Feva seems more popular for sure. I just don't need to buy something too sophisticated as a starter boat. Also I'm going to buy cheap in case kids don't take to sailing. Is there anything in particular on a cheap Feva I should check is ok ?

Posted By: andymck
Date Posted: 01 Sep 22 at 11:07am

RS feva has been through a few modifications.
The most important one in early boats is the mk2 transom.
The scuppers should be a full circle not a semi circle.
The semi circle ones don’t have enough strength and the rear gunwales fold in, many of them were replaced with replacement hulls, so sail number is not a guide here.
There are many examples of old sail numbers doing very well, though most are replacement hulls, but not all.
Most will leak a little, and it’s not a major issue.
Check the rudder stock where the tiller arms are attached as they often come loose.
Try to get one with an upgraded kicker and downhaul, as these are important for smaller kids when wind gets up a bit.
Check Mylar mains for delamination around the clew reinforcement.
The early boats had Mylar jibs, the normal sail material ones are better.
Spinnaker system is a bit tight, so you need a reasonable spinnaker, or get it re coated professionally.

That’s about it I think

Andy

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Andy Mck

Posted By: Demelza
Date Posted: 01 Sep 22 at 12:14pm

Many thanks Andy, that's incredibly useful information.

Posted By: Demelza
Date Posted: 19 Sep 22 at 8:52am

I'm now glad I haven't yet made a Feva purchase yet as RS have bought out a MK 2 no matter what RS say, this will inevitably devalue the existing boats.

Posted By: Paramedic
Date Posted: 19 Sep 22 at 12:02pm

struggling a bit with the logic unless you're going nearly new?

If you were planning on getting involved in the circuit sailing I'd get it but even then a first Feva to introduce kids to sailing is unlikely to be the ship that takes you to the squads and the boats are very much in demand across the age range with little sign of excessive depreciation, and even if there is we are not talking a huge amount of money in there first place - its not often you can buy a boat, keep it a couple of years and sell for purchase price.