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Merlin or Scorpion?

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    Posted: 21 Nov 14 at 4:31pm
They both look lovely and I'm not in the market for either, but what's the pro's and cons of each? Which would you pick?
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kneewrecker View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote kneewrecker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Nov 14 at 4:43pm
without any substantive evaluation or rationale judgement 

Merlin... 

... every time.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Rupert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Nov 14 at 5:11pm
Haven't sailed a Scorpion since 1986, I think. Sailed Merlins a little round that time, too. Back then, they had a similar handicap, but the Merlin must have moved on a lot since.

I'd pick the Scorpion, for similar reasons to KW's above for the Merlin.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Jack Sparrow Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Nov 14 at 5:21pm
Originally posted by kneewrecker

without any substantive evaluation or rationale judgement 

Merlin... 

... every time.

except the time when you have to pay for it.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote boatshed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Nov 14 at 5:28pm
Many years ago, I sailed a season with a pal who had a newish Merlin.   I've gotta say it was lovely to sail, especially upwind.   A rather suspect a Scorp is less rewarding/harder work/more-pain-less-gain etc on the long upwind legs.   Dunno, I could be doing it a disservice.    So, I'd take the Merlin.   But then I like boats that are quick upwind as it get the hard bit over a bit quicker !
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Post Options Post Options   Quote kneewrecker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Nov 14 at 5:54pm
Originally posted by Jack Sparrow

Originally posted by kneewrecker

without any substantive evaluation or rationale judgement 

Merlin... 

... every time.

except the time when you have to pay for it.

lol, too true... although all things being equal, you could easily spend more money on a 'silly car' and a lot more money on a something that floats and burns a lot of gas.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Time Lord Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Nov 14 at 7:16pm
Only one option - go for the Merlin Rocket and b*gger the cost - you'll spend more on a car and get much less enjoyment.

The other thing to consider are the excellent open circuits that the Merlin's have - both National (Silver Tiller series) and regional eg Midlands and Thames as well as the usual Nationals and Inland champs plus the not to be missed Merlin Rocket week at Salcombe with 120 boats of all ages competing. There is also a Vintage racing scene if you're in to old woodies rather than FRP and carbon fibre.

But I will admit to a slight bias!
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Jack Sparrow Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Nov 14 at 12:38am
Originally posted by kneewrecker

Originally posted by Jack Sparrow

Originally posted by kneewrecker

without any substantive evaluation or rationale judgement 

Merlin... 

... every time.

except the time when you have to pay for it.

lol, too true... although all things being equal, you could easily spend more money on a 'silly car' and a lot more money on a something that floats and burns a lot of gas.

when talking Merlins I'm not sure thats true! LOL
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Time Lord Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Nov 14 at 9:39am
Depends what you mean by 'silly car'.

A brand spanking new Merlin Rocket will set you back about the same amount as your normal boring family car. If we are considering a silly, souped up car then a Merlin is considerably cheaper.

However, you do not need to buy new as Merlin's are very well built and a good secondhand boat will set you back a lot less than the family car. With a bit of pimping and a good helm/crew you can be competitive.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote scotsfinn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Nov 14 at 11:23am
Has to be the MERLIN .... why is even ask the question ..... classy, teccccchy and cool is the way to go Wink
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