What about the Finn?
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=5784
Printed Date: 07 Aug 25 at 9:26am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: What about the Finn?
Posted By: CCTV
Subject: What about the Finn?
Date Posted: 04 Aug 09 at 2:28pm
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Hi Folks I'm looking to buy a singlehander, mainly for fun but also to race in Handicap. I have sailed Lasers and Supernovas, but would rather a sit in boat rather than a sit-on boat. I think the Solo and Finn fit the bill the best. I'ver never sailed either, but the Finn would be the prefered choice judging by it's handicap, and they look like an awesome boat in a breeze. Any feedback from current Finn or ex-Finn sailors would be appreciated. I know that the Finn is quite a heavy boat but that won't put me off too much I am 90kg and sail mainly inland, Thanks |
Replies:
Posted By: Adam MR 1137
Date Posted: 04 Aug 09 at 3:06pm
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Take a look at an Int OK they are awesome, and you are the perfect weight. I find it both more fun and rewarding than I ever did a laser or solo. ------------- Merlin rocket 1137 OK 2049 Can be seen at http://www.wellandyachtclub.co.uk/ - WYC |
Posted By: Lukepiewalker
Date Posted: 04 Aug 09 at 3:06pm
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Sounds as if you're not far off at all. I find solos a bit cramped (I always end up battering my shins on the centreboard capping. I do like my Finn though. The only issue is expense an availability. It is a big sail, which always has to be borne in mind. I sail mine inland and don't regret buying it for a moment.
------------- Ex-Finn GBR533 "Pie Hard" Ex-National 12 3253 "Seawitch" Ex-National 12 2961 "Curved Air" Ex-Mirror 59096 "Voodoo Chile" |
Posted By: craiggo
Date Posted: 04 Aug 09 at 3:33pm
| Spend your money on an OK. Much cheaper than a Finn, perfect for your weight and a good international circuit. |
Posted By: Adam MR 1137
Date Posted: 04 Aug 09 at 3:37pm
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Exactly what Craiggo said, but I am biased as mentioned above, ------------- Merlin rocket 1137 OK 2049 Can be seen at http://www.wellandyachtclub.co.uk/ - WYC |
.Posted By: Ross
Date Posted: 05 Aug 09 at 4:55am
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Fin
120kg hull weight
'nuff said. ------------- Ross If you can't carry it, don't sail it! |
Posted By: laser4000
Date Posted: 05 Aug 09 at 10:23am
What about a Phantom - 1/2 the weight of the finn and not a 'pro' class so more approachable etc. But the best advice surely is to find what is raced at your local club and get one of those? |
Posted By: CCTV
Date Posted: 05 Aug 09 at 11:30am
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Hi All, thanks for all your replies so far, there is a mix of boats at our club, Enterprises, Wayfarers and the Odd laser, I got tired of looking for crew week in week out when I had an Enterprise, so decided to go Single Handed, so will mainly be sailing in Mixed Fleets, the Phantoms' PY will be a little too fast for our Fleet, I'll definitely have a look at the OK, are all the best OK's Timber built or do they come in GRP/FRP. Also, why are the (decent) 2nd hand Finn's so expensive? Is this the main reason why they are so scarce compared to other classes... |
Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 05 Aug 09 at 12:15pm
| One of the differences between SMODs and other One designs is that SMODs tend to be built down to a price, and the other built up to a standard, since the builder who makes the fastest boat will sell more than the one who makes the cheapest. In the case of the Finn, being an Olympic class, the standard is very high indeed, thus so is the price. |
Posted By: Adam MR 1137
Date Posted: 05 Aug 09 at 12:21pm
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Modern OKs are nearly all built in GRP/FRP. My boat is a mid 90's all wood O'Donnel and could be in the middle of the fleet if sailed by a better helm. I am most certainly the limiting factor at the moment and should think I will be for a couple more seasons to come. There is no reason why an older GRP boat with a decent sail and helm could not be mid fleet competitive. The handicap if 1110 so fits in well with the classes being sailed at your club, this is one the reasons I enjoy sailing mine because at my club I have enterprises, laser radials and wayfarers of similar speed to race against. Check out the class website http://www.okdinghy.co.uk/ - Link ------------- Merlin rocket 1137 OK 2049 Can be seen at http://www.wellandyachtclub.co.uk/ - WYC |
Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 05 Aug 09 at 1:05pm
I rather suspect that you're grossly exagerrating boat speed differences. Top of fleet to mid fleet is normally about 10% in finishing times. With a standard OK PY or 1110 you're suggesting that an old GRP OK is way slower than a new Laser 4.7 or British Moth. Somehow I doubt it! |
Posted By: Adam MR 1137
Date Posted: 05 Aug 09 at 1:50pm
Sorry Jim not the intention, When I was talking Fleet I was reffering to an average OK open fleet, although I realise I did not actually point this out!  ------------- Merlin rocket 1137 OK 2049 Can be seen at http://www.wellandyachtclub.co.uk/ - WYC |