Choosing a boat: Laser Stratos Keel

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Laser Stratos Keel

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=8713
Printed Date: 05 Aug 25 at 12:58pm
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Topic: Laser Stratos Keel

Posted By: Philsy
Subject: Laser Stratos Keel
Date Posted: 15 Dec 11 at 3:52pm

I've had a Laser 2000 for a few years and have been very happy with it. However, my 10-year-old son is talking about doing some longer cruises, including to the Isle of Wight and even round it (we're in Chichester) and, as he's a lightweight crew, the 2000 may not be ideal.

So it occurred to me that upgrading to a Stratos Keel could be the solution, especially as it also take an outboard. I am concerned, though, that it's a heavy boat for lugging up and down a slipway.

Any thoughts very welcome.

Oh, and I did wonder about converting the L2000 to take a lifting keel but I guess that's a silly idea... :)

Cheers

Phil

Replies:

Posted By: timnoyce
Date Posted: 15 Dec 11 at 4:00pm

It could be worth having a sail in a standard Stratos as you might find that it gives the added stability that you are after, without going for the keel version. Either that or looking at the ability to put a reef into your sails so that you can depower more effectively in a blow.

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Posted By: rb_stretch
Date Posted: 15 Dec 11 at 8:19pm

I always thought that form stability is much more important in dinghy sized boats than a bit of lead underneath. The reason being that the lead does nothing until the boat starts healing and because it's usually not that heavy anyway doesn't actually give you that much even when well heeled.

I guess the best bit about the keel version is it won't turtle, which is obviously worth something.

Posted By: NickM
Date Posted: 18 Dec 11 at 12:02am

Philsy: I have a Stratos Keel as a second boat for holidays where it is very versatile. It would be an ideal boat for the longer cruising you are looking for, with plenty of room to carry stuff like flares and a hand held radio etc. If you hang an outboard on the stern you won't notice much difference in performance.

But it is heavy to pull in and out (over 300kgs). If your ramp is steep and slippery, launching can be as much a problem as pulling out. One club I sail at has a Wayfarer winch which does the trick. I leave it on a mooring on holiday. You also really need a firm launching surface too as it bogs down easily on the standard trolley/tyres.

It is very stable, so much so that I look forward to racing it in a F5/6, the only time incidentally it will ever sail near its official handicap: a c/b Stratos will beat it in all other conditions. But if your are not careful (read incompetent) and really press it in such conditions, it will lay flat and could invert if the keels falls back in the hull (as I have discovered.)

It is handy to have the ability to reef quickly if caught by a sudden wind increase offshore but I have rarely foud the need in normal day crusising.

You can ask Laser to try one out at their test centre at Weymouth and I think a number of sailing shcools have them e.g. at Rutland.