Singlehanded choice for me?
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=6725
Printed Date: 10 Aug 25 at 3:58am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Singlehanded choice for me?
Posted By: fantasia
Subject: Singlehanded choice for me?
Date Posted: 14 May 10 at 3:00pm
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I currently race a Wayfarer at Hayling Island SC and am considering converting to a singlehander due to lack of crew. I am 56, 1.92m tall and weigh 100kg. Budget £4-5k The choices seem to be Solo, Phantom, Finn or RS100 Great fleet of Solos at HISC, but am I too large? No Phantoms anywhere locally, but I used to have a wooden one and loved it. Great fleet of Finns at Mengeham, just up the road (expensive?). RS100 developing class at HISC, I did try the proto and liked it and have followed Nick P around the harbour and have been impressed.(expensive too) I'm too old to start with a 700 or those skiffy things. I can't make my mind-up. Any suggestions gratefully received. |
Replies:
Posted By: craiggo
Date Posted: 14 May 10 at 3:13pm
| There are a few OKs at Emsworth I believe which may suit you as well |
Posted By: Late starter
Date Posted: 14 May 10 at 3:28pm
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Can't comment on the Finn and 100 as I've never sailed them. I'm around 100kg too and have raced Solo's and Phantoms. Personally I think 100kg is a little too heavy for a Solo, and yes I raced one with the "right" rig for my weight. Very comfortable boat to sail though as a fellow 50 something. I'm way way more competitive in a Phantom, though the modern plastic boats are quite shallow - didn't do a lot for the knees! £4k to £5k will buy a competitive Solo or Phantom which will hold its value well so little to lose by trying either. |
Posted By: gordon1277
Date Posted: 14 May 10 at 3:50pm
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As a fellow 100kg plus and only down the road in Lee on Solent if you want to try the phantom i would be willing to let you have a try.
Just leave a message on here. Gordon ------------- Gordon Lossc |
Posted By: Adam MR 1137
Date Posted: 14 May 10 at 3:50pm
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Try an OK they are excellent boats and as somebody who was 100kg when I started sailing the boat it certainly carries that weight range nicely. I never enjoyed my sailing more. As I am getting used to the boat my results are getting better now aswell. ------------- Merlin rocket 1137 OK 2049 Can be seen at http://www.wellandyachtclub.co.uk/ - WYC |
Posted By: rodney
Date Posted: 14 May 10 at 4:18pm
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Pop down to Mengeham Rythe SC just around the corner! They have about 25 Finns regularly racing (I guess that you've seen them?). Ask any Finn sailors about the Finn - they are always happy to help! You won't get Ben Ainslie's boat within your budget but you can get a good club racing boat which will hold its value well. It's a perfect class, with a great following, for a big boy like you. Rodney OH! I shouild have said that MRSC is a great club with very cheap beer ------------- Rodney Cobb Suntouched Sailboats Limited http://www.suntouched.co.uk" rel="nofollow - http://www.suntouched.co.uk [EMAIL=rodney@suntouched.co.uk">rodney@suntouched.co.uk |
Posted By: fantasia
Date Posted: 14 May 10 at 9:13pm
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Thank you Gordon for an offer to sail your Phantom, I would like to; but I'll put that on hold for the moment. I would prefer fleet sailing and perhaps a Finn is the answer and I am up for a new challenge to improve and invigorate my sailing. They do look a bit techie though. I'll try to call into MRSC over the weekend to ask if anyone knows of a good starter boat, perhaps after tomorrow's Glyn Charles race. Thank you all for your replies. |
Posted By: the answer
Date Posted: 14 May 10 at 9:24pm
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Come over to Mengeham...we don't bite and there is someone to race all the way down the fleet....bring Fantasia with you and who knows, you might get a crew on occasions. your budget is perfect for a 'first finn'
------------- Finn GBR42..The Answer (to life the universe and everything) MRSC |
Posted By: fantasia
Date Posted: 14 May 10 at 9:31pm
| Thank you Adrian and I shall come and visit; but unfortunately my budget does not stretch to owning Fantasia and a Finn (and a vintage fourteen) so sadly Fantasia might be sold. |
Posted By: blaze720
Date Posted: 14 May 10 at 9:58pm
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Can't resist the temptation to plug HALO - one specially for the bigger guys and if it blows you really will need to be that little bit biggger..Might even be the odd one at the Glyn Charles tomorrow ;-) If you are there come and find us. Rigs are currently available for £ 1175 (new mast and North or Hyde sail) and you can still (occasionaly) find good value Blaze hulls - result is something special to say the least. But we are biased as is everyone else so simply try all of the ones that you might like - and make up your own mind. Would not buy a car without trying everything so why not boats as well ? Mike L. |
Posted By: Rockhopper
Date Posted: 15 May 10 at 6:51am
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Why not try a vareo as there is a few at hayling and at 100 kgs you will be perfect for it plus more fun as you have the kite with 100 kgs on side upwind it will be easy i have a list of ten boats for sale at the moment from £2,100 upwards. Try before you buy is the way to go ------------- Retired now after 35 seasons in a row and time for a rest. 2004 national champ Laser5000 2007,2010,National Champ Rs Vareo |
Posted By: treemendos
Date Posted: 16 Jun 10 at 9:13pm
| Looking for a RS Vareo near to Sleaford or delivery to same please as I am disabled,difficulty with back and legs would this suit me for none racing sailing thans Geoff |
Posted By: treemendos
Date Posted: 19 Jun 10 at 9:18pm
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tried our clubs RS Vision today as helm and crew.The wind was at least 20 mph gusting to 28mph. We had the main reefed to its max and used the jib but still found it quite tippy. When it was heeled right to its limit even with the main released the steering seemed not to respond. Once it capsized through the jib not being released .Saw a Topper Xenon at the same venue with a crew less experienced and a none reefed main ,sail ok even though at times they made a hash of tacking because the wind was so flukey it still did not go over.Once it tipped from one side to the other so violent and then did a jibe but still refused to tip. It should have been videoed for you tube.They are very wide at 2 meters.Perhaps that is why it was so stable.Thought please.
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Posted By: G.R.F.
Date Posted: 19 Jun 10 at 11:23pm
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Finn? Why would anyone in their right mind recommend a Finn?
The only reason that junk i still around is because of the antiquities of the Olympic system. Can't believe anyone would actually recommend it. Be serious. Phantom.. Fine good choice, Blaze even better, RS100 if you can stretch or D1 if you can stretch further, but FInn? Do yourself a favour.. And all those other horrible suggestions from history, OK, Solo's chariots of the living dead... Edit. Supernova, why don't folk recommend that, it's a neat little single hander to start out in, good weight carrier.. ------------- https://www.ease-distribution.com/" rel="nofollow - https://www.ease-distribution.com/ |
Posted By: haroosh
Date Posted: 20 Jun 10 at 12:15pm
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Graham, The finn is a superb craft and a great boat for the heavier folks. We have a few at our club and they are superb upwind and down. And as a club boat they appear to be great handicap racing boats. only downside is you need to be mighty strong to pull it up the slip. Beutiful build quality and lovely tweaky rigs. If I was a big lad I would have one over a Supernova anyday. They look aweful boats. Keith... ------------- Keith RS100 GBR 116 (XLR8) |
Posted By: winging it
Date Posted: 20 Jun 10 at 2:09pm
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the Vision, combined with my own lack of foresight (I cleated the main) is the reason I am not sailing this year. It is a tippy boat. if I were given one I would make every attempt to burn it....
------------- the same, but different... |
Posted By: G.R.F.
Date Posted: 20 Jun 10 at 5:03pm
a good blaze going to put it on. ------------- https://www.ease-distribution.com/" rel="nofollow - https://www.ease-distribution.com/ |
Posted By: brookesy
Date Posted: 21 Jun 10 at 9:56am
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For me the Finn is the perfect choice as a completely developed boat which carries weight well but is also sailable by a range of weights by careful selection of the right rig. A very rewarding boat to sail which performs well on inland waters as well as at sea. Club racing in Finns is thriving with our fleet just getting into double figures and still growing. There is a downside, it is heavy to pull up the slip after a hard sail, but as the racing is close you help your mate with his and he reciprocates. I have sailed other classes but can not get it out of the system. GRF we all enjoy sailing different classes for different reasons, why are you trying to change us, Stick to your own choice we respect it, why try to knock others?
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Posted By: Fatboyfinn
Date Posted: 21 Jun 10 at 11:01am
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The Finn is well ahead of sailing boat design - if I recall, aeronautical engingeering gave up using wires to hold up the wings in about the 1930's ........ Andy - Finn 563 and Telstar 127 Don't get me started on multihulls!!
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Posted By: G.R.F.
Date Posted: 21 Jun 10 at 11:05am
I'm here to help.. Clearly you're not well.. Just lay down on that couch and lets discuss your broken childhood... ------------- https://www.ease-distribution.com/" rel="nofollow - https://www.ease-distribution.com/ |
Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 21 Jun 10 at 12:38pm
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Stop feeding the Troll, Brookesy! ------------- Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686 |
Posted By: LarFinn
Date Posted: 21 Jun 10 at 1:46pm
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Come down to Roadford any weekend - or in September for the Masters - and we will show you! ------------- Andi Finn GBR75 |
Posted By: Norbert
Date Posted: 21 Jun 10 at 2:19pm
It's interesting, what goes around, comes around. The best Finns are British Finns, Victor Finns becoming Devoti Finns which eventually went to be made in the Czech Rep (or was that Poland?) and now we have 'son of Devoti/Victor' building them again in the UK. Interesting question as to how much a new state of the art Finn complete with rig would cost, probably frighteningly high. They are stunningly good looking boats that's for sure  |
Posted By: G.R.F.
Date Posted: 21 Jun 10 at 4:35pm
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It shouldn't even work with that flat metal plate thing in the middle..
No matter how much lipstick you apply.. Pork is still pork. Damn thing should have been slaughtered years ago.. Just how long do you think it will last once it's dumped from the Olympics and the D1 put in place.. Come on, none of you can be serious, pay that money for that antedeluvian junk pile when you could have a D1 and probably some change if you like that sort of thing? ------------- https://www.ease-distribution.com/" rel="nofollow - https://www.ease-distribution.com/ |
Posted By: RS400atC
Date Posted: 21 Jun 10 at 5:18pm
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[QUOTE=turnturtle]Graeme- you can't say some Finns don't look good surely: That TackTick won't work properly at that angle! Hope the rest of the fit out has had a bit more common sense and RTFM! |
Posted By: Martin - LSC
Date Posted: 21 Jun 10 at 8:11pm
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Get a Finn - I dealt with Rodney and got a competitive, at Club level, Devoti. Paid £5500, for a '97, with new sail,........ had a ball. Your weight and height is spot on. I sold my Finn for what I paid for it and now sail an RS100. Both great boats, but very different. When you've got the settings right the Finn is a dream to sail upwind and great in big winds downwind. ------------- FINN 57 LSC |
Posted By: Merlinboy
Date Posted: 22 Jun 10 at 8:37am
Is that carpet on the floor of that Finn?? 
Seriously though, that is an awesome looking bit of kit!! Why would the tacktick not work at that angle??? ------------- |
Posted By: G.R.F.
Date Posted: 22 Jun 10 at 10:08am
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Some special health and safety grip..
Designed for zimmer adhesion no doubt.. Why are we still even discussing it, none of you would buy one. If you gold plated one, delivered it on a swarovski crystal bedecked trailer, had a team of semi naked maidens prepared to carry it on their shoulders to launch me, I wouldn't look up from the exciting pile of bricks I'd been studying.. ------------- https://www.ease-distribution.com/" rel="nofollow - https://www.ease-distribution.com/ |
Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 22 Jun 10 at 10:48am
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I'd have one like a shot if I wasn't rather small for it. Oh, and (unless buying an old one) rather more wealthy. ------------- Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686 |
Posted By: Merlinboy
Date Posted: 22 Jun 10 at 10:55am
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Grumpf i would own one in a shot if i could afford one! I
think they are stunning! ------------- |
Posted By: azimuth
Date Posted: 22 Jun 10 at 11:13am
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I got an old Finn about 8 months ago and love it - great boats! I reckon GRF would like one too really: GRF drooling over pictures of the new hi-tech british finn! Give a finn a try GRF - you never know you might surprise yourself and find you're up to the challenge... |
Posted By: G.R.F.
Date Posted: 22 Jun 10 at 11:22am
So what you're saying here, in this year, 2010, you would climb over a D1 to get to a Finn! You need to climb on the couch alongside brookesy and grab that MB whilst you're at it.. I can see we desperately need some group therapy here.. ------------- https://www.ease-distribution.com/" rel="nofollow - https://www.ease-distribution.com/ |
Posted By: azimuth
Date Posted: 22 Jun 10 at 11:25am
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Thanks TT. I seen- that expalins it - dwarf issues hence the need to make so much noise! |
Posted By: G.R.F.
Date Posted: 22 Jun 10 at 11:27am
 ------------- https://www.ease-distribution.com/" rel="nofollow - https://www.ease-distribution.com/ |
Posted By: getafix
Date Posted: 22 Jun 10 at 4:10pm
| Laser with a Rooster 8.1 upgrade might also be worth thinking about... |
Posted By: brookesy
Date Posted: 22 Jun 10 at 4:26pm
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Graeme group therapy seems to be the answer and thats how the class is growing, we meet every Sunday and thoroughly enjoy it. You are more than welcome to come and try a boat anytime, do not worry about your physical build, I am sure we can arrange a suitable rig for you. |
Posted By: Late starter
Date Posted: 22 Jun 10 at 4:39pm
I have a lot of time for the 8.1, but as someone who's a similar age, weight, and size to the OP the main downside I see with the 8.1 is that you're still cramped into a Laser. Us oldies like our comforts, hence why we like "proper" deep cockpit boats like Solos and Finns. I was a bit surprised the Megabyte never took off, as that seemed to be aimed right at this market as a sort of cheaper/lighter Finn or cheaper/deeper Phantom one design. |
Posted By: maxibuddah
Date Posted: 22 Jun 10 at 8:58pm
Couldn't agree with you more Turnturtle. I think that the D1 is plain ugly and the one that I have seen sailing looked awful on the water. The Finn looks fantastic and is by all accounts good to sail too. You don't need a kite to enjoy decent sailing, especially when there is enough sail area up the mast already. Personally I'd have the Phantom any time as it is that much lighter and cheaper and faster too, though once my knees have finally given up then a sit in boat rather than a kneel in boat does appeal. Have to have a winch at the club to get a Finn up the slipway though ------------- Everything I say is my opinion, honest |
Posted By: Thunder Road
Date Posted: 24 Jun 10 at 4:52pm
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I'm so pleased you like my boat, the compass works just fine, the new pattern of tread master is good non slip, the fittings function and the centreboard is a work of art. Why comment on other classes of boat, if your class is so good it will stand on it's own merits and replace the Finn, if not, it will vanish, like so many other pretenders. ------------- Finn GBR16 Thunder Road. |
Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 24 Jun 10 at 5:00pm
For whatever my opinion is worth I think its a very nice boat, but I don't think it ever really had the marketing/advertising/class association stuff which I suspect is far more important than the actual yacht. |
Posted By: Lukepiewalker
Date Posted: 24 Jun 10 at 10:35pm
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It is indeed all lovely and shiny. Surely not difficult to slap an appropriate wedge under the tactick if you feel the need to have it more vertical. ------------- Ex-Finn GBR533 "Pie Hard" Ex-National 12 3253 "Seawitch" Ex-National 12 2961 "Curved Air" Ex-Mirror 59096 "Voodoo Chile" |
Posted By: Lukepiewalker
Date Posted: 24 Jun 10 at 10:43pm
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Just as an aside, is that the kicker lead out to the block on the gunwhale?
And I do really like the disappearing centreboard pennant. ------------- Ex-Finn GBR533 "Pie Hard" Ex-National 12 3253 "Seawitch" Ex-National 12 2961 "Curved Air" Ex-Mirror 59096 "Voodoo Chile" |
Posted By: maxibuddah
Date Posted: 24 Jun 10 at 10:54pm
I love the Finn Thunder Road, really do (though not sure I should as a phantom sailor???). It is just a shame that they are so damn expensive new, though obviously second hand prices are reasonable. It is a class that has nearly seen it all and carries on going and I believe that it will continue to do so for many years and looking at your boat why not? The Phantom is 40 next year so is getting old gracefully and in fact a new one looks gorgeous too. Both are great to sail as well. There is space for both in the country and suit peoples different outlooks. That is why you will always get comments about different classes as well whether they are positive or negative and really we should all just accept that in the main it is just other peoples points of view and more often than not are just fishing for a bite... Keep on sailing the Finn and I'll keep on sailing the Phantom and lets both enjoy our yots and pay no attention to detremental posts ------------- Everything I say is my opinion, honest |
Posted By: bigwavedave
Date Posted: 25 Jun 10 at 7:07am
I had a Megabyte Really nicely laid out and set up boat. light and responsive. Only down side was the mast was a bit soft, but I am sure that would have been rectified had the class took off. Sold it and bought another Finn due to the lack of support as mentioned above. ------------- 
|
Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 25 Jun 10 at 8:42am
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Not sure whether Nigel from Shirehampton SC is a member on here - he sails a Hit dinghy at cvrda events, but has a Megabyte for club use. Loves it, I believe. Anyone got a photo? ------------- Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686 |
Posted By: SUGmeister
Date Posted: 25 Jun 10 at 8:46am
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FWIW i had a sail in a megabyte many years ago when QM Dinghy Store
were trying to flog it. I can honestly say that it was the nicest single hander i have ever sailed, deep cockpit, comfortable, a joy to sail. They were being imported from Canada at the time. What was / is needed is a UK builder ------------- Simon SUGmeister I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me. |
Posted By: Norbert
Date Posted: 25 Jun 10 at 11:11am
  |
Posted By: G.R.F.
Date Posted: 25 Jun 10 at 11:54am
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Thunder Road?
ffs Thunder Box maybe... ------------- https://www.ease-distribution.com/" rel="nofollow - https://www.ease-distribution.com/ |
Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 25 Jun 10 at 12:36pm
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Thanks Norbert. Really is a big Byte, isn't it?
------------- Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686 |
Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 25 Jun 10 at 1:44pm
Only superficially. The cockpit is very much deeper, which makes it a lot more comfortable to sail, and the hull shape is very different. Its basically of NZ design heritage, so its got the performance of the 70s design revolution, but not as sticky in lighter condtions as a Bethwaite shape. |
Posted By: alstorer
Date Posted: 25 Jun 10 at 2:12pm
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I guess that's not the orginal rig pictured, and is msomething akin to the CII upgrade of its little sister? ------------- -_ Al |
Posted By: Thunder Road
Date Posted: 25 Jun 10 at 3:17pm
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GRF what is your problem? Any suggestions from the readership? Do we have an on-line psychologist? You need help, all those childhood problems need putting to rest. You have our sympathy. ------------- Finn GBR16 Thunder Road. |
Posted By: getafix
Date Posted: 25 Jun 10 at 4:10pm
buddy, been posting on here a while, he are my top 3 'survival tips i) don't feed the resident troll ii) take it with the pinch of salt it is intended with iii) if you don't do either of the above, be prepared for the rest of us to laugh and quite possibly join in after a while if you still don't catch on.... you have a lovely boat, you probably don't let it roll around on shingle beaches unattended and therefore have nothing to fear |
Posted By: getafix
Date Posted: 25 Jun 10 at 4:11pm
good points, but as has been pointed out before, many an old Laser can be purchased quickly, cheaply and without a great deal of hassle, travel etc... |
Posted By: Thunder Road
Date Posted: 25 Jun 10 at 4:37pm
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Her bottom is shapely, firm and smooth. I will follow all your advice. ------------- Finn GBR16 Thunder Road. |
Posted By: G.R.F.
Date Posted: 25 Jun 10 at 4:49pm
My problem? I'm frequently misunderstood.. But a far better obstacle to overcome than possessing an out dated, out moded and ugly boat who's bottom I seem to be far too obsessed with, you half to consider for a moment your boat just might be male, then where would you be... Hmm ------------- https://www.ease-distribution.com/" rel="nofollow - https://www.ease-distribution.com/ |
Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 25 Jun 10 at 10:12pm
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I think many on here understand you far too well...or your Y&Y persona, anyway. ------------- Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686 |
Posted By: brookesy
Date Posted: 26 Jun 10 at 10:24am
| At the risk of moderation, the word 'Pillock' springs to mind.... |
Posted By: azimuth
Date Posted: 26 Jun 10 at 10:40am
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Seems fair comment Brooksey - very restrained I'd say. Although he's now admitted to being obsessed with a finn's bottom - is that progress or just a sign delirium from having posted himself into a frenzy? |
Posted By: Late starter
Date Posted: 27 Jun 10 at 4:23pm
Probably more a case that humour and irony rarely work on internet forums. |