Choosing a boat: Car top boat ( + caravan)

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Car top boat ( + caravan)

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=4553
Printed Date: 06 Aug 25 at 3:34pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Car top boat ( + caravan)

Posted By: paulburton
Subject: Car top boat ( + caravan)
Date Posted: 21 Aug 08 at 10:06pm

Hello all.

I am looking for a boat I can put on the roof of a Landrover Discovery. I want to do this while towing a Caravan.

I am an experianced sailer.

I want to sail it single handed in a blow and have fun. I want to be able to take a 8 and 10 year old out in it. I want to let the 2 kids sail it together when the wind is gentle.

The kids have been sailing a topper together ocasonally.

I think a topper would be to small, but do like the Topaz with the different rig sizes.

Would a Pico be to small ??

I am 6 foot and 15 stone.

My wife would help get it off/on the roof.

Paul.

Replies:

Posted By: chrisclark123
Date Posted: 22 Aug 08 at 10:09am

How about trying a laser? They are fun when the wind gets up for a blast. Then you can change the rig for the kids.
Would easily fit on the roof weight wise not so sure about length though.
Just an idea

Chris

Posted By: Jamie600
Date Posted: 22 Aug 08 at 5:29pm

At 6'5" you'll be very cramped in a Pico. If you want something to take two kids out at the same time with you in the boat as well you could try a Mirror which has the option to sail single handed with the mast in the forward position, although this will still be quite cramped, or a Miracle which will be more roomy but for sailing singlehanded you'll either have an unbalanced rig with main only or have to manage the jib as well. Other than that you could look at a singlehander with room for passengers such as a Vareo

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RS600 1001

Posted By: English Dave
Date Posted: 23 Aug 08 at 12:43am

Have you thought of something inflatable like a Catapult? Principally a SH but there is more than enough buoyancy to take kids and the simple main is light enough for kids to handle when it'snot blowing too much.

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English Dave
http://www.ballyholme.com - Ballyholme Yacht Club

(You'd think I'd be better at it by now)

Hurricane 5.9 SX
RS700

Posted By: paulburton
Date Posted: 23 Aug 08 at 6:16am

Thanks for your replys.

Re jamie600 : I am not 6'5" ....! Have you ever tried to put a Mirror or a Miracle on the roof of a Discovery !!!!

I have thought about a Laser with 2 different rigs...

I have also thought about a Byte with a CII rig and standard rig.

Catapult might be a good idea.. I will look in to them...

Cheers Paul.

Posted By: Fans1024
Date Posted: 23 Aug 08 at 9:55am

I would've thought you would do big for the Byte. I sail one, but I'm 5'5" and about 9.5 stone. Although a lot of older boats come with both rigs, I wouldn't have though you would need the older rig, as the new rig is better for light weights and general a far nicer rig. Re getting it onto the roof, this is on a golf, but my flat mate [5'3" skinny, very little muscle] and I can get the boat onto the roof.

Posted By: Jamie600
Date Posted: 26 Aug 08 at 3:44pm

oops sorry Paul, must have read your post too quickly!

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RS600 1001

Posted By: mattmd
Date Posted: 18 Apr 09 at 7:51pm

A laser would be good, great in a blow and very tame in light winds for the kids.

U and ur wife would be able to get it off the roof fine. And you can also change the rigs so you can have a larger one for you.

hope this helped

Matt

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Matt MD
Contender GBR-620

Posted By: Villan
Date Posted: 18 Apr 09 at 8:00pm

Don't bring up old posts like this, there is no need for it!

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Vareo - 149 "Secrets"
http://www.TandyUKServers.co.uk" rel="nofollow - TandyUK Servers

Posted By: mattmd
Date Posted: 18 Apr 09 at 8:28pm

its not that old a couple of months.

just giving my opinyon on it and you dont have to look at it.

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Matt MD
Contender GBR-620

Posted By: Villan
Date Posted: 18 Apr 09 at 8:42pm

Its the larger half of a year old ..

And I'm sure, by now, he was worked out what he is going to do.

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Vareo - 149 "Secrets"
http://www.TandyUKServers.co.uk" rel="nofollow - TandyUK Servers

Posted By: yellowhammer
Date Posted: 21 Apr 09 at 12:59pm

Originally posted by paulburton

Catapult might be a good idea.. I will look in to them...

I have a Catapult that I'm very reluctantly coming around to selling ... have to clear out half of the garage for a conversion

It has the jib and trapeze options and is in exceptional condition, the guy I got it from had kept it unsailed in his garage for 20 years. It's the version with boom and traveller

I've been out single handed trapezing on it in F4 at Abersoch, very quick, gets the adreniline pumping without being too much of a handful ... with rounded hulls and dagger boards it steers much like a dinghy although the inflatable hulls aren't great in waves

Also been out with the wife and two kids (6 & 4) spotting seals, etc ... with the metal frame I think you can even get a bracket to fit a small outboard

Great beach boat and an active open circuit

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Laser 3000 @ Leigh & Lowton SC
www.3000class.org.uk

Posted By: paulburton
Date Posted: 21 Apr 09 at 8:26pm

I bought a Topaz. The kids and I are really enjoying it.