Boat for father and post-Topper son?

Flying 15 is a different kind of sailing. Being a keelboat changes a few things, like it's much harder to get out of the  water, less trivial to tow to another venue. The racing is different, often closer, but not the thrills of getting the kite up on a 400. Annual costs likely higher? In keelboats, I think small differences in boat speed can be magnified, so you may want your boat to be as good as the others, while a 400 can get away with not having new sails if you sail it well? Well worth asking for a ride or two. Just be warned it's the first step down the slippery slope of 'leadmines' which can get expensive,,,,  :-)

170kg goes well in a Flying Fifteen inland, e.g. somewhere like Chew Valley, so why not try one of those if they have an active fleet?  I had a Fifteen prior to an RS400 and have just got another one.  Love both classes.

Originally posted by Sam.Spoons Originally posted by Rupert 400 would be great. The kite isn't huge, and I'd imagine loads of teens crew them.   No teen crews at my home club but some small adult experienced crews in the 400's. Not sure how they go in a breeze.  100kg helm will be fine in a breeze. Light airs maybe less so, transom may drag a bit! If the lad's been helming a Topper solo why not put him on the helm and the 100kg up front.

If you're going to be sailing with a growing teenager you can't get a boring boat!.
RS400 is the obvious choice, you may be over the ideal weight for a Merlin but if you're not planning on winning Salcombe Week then it won't may a significant difference.
In your initial post you said no trapeze, but then said the club has Flying Fifteens and a Musto Skiff, so why not look at a trapeze boat?. A proper one...Fireball, Osprey, 505, much more appealing than sitting, glued to the water, in a 2000, or hanging out, swapping ailments, with the Albacore gray heads.

Edited by Old bloke - 17 Aug 22 at 9:13am

Originally posted by Sam.Spoons Originally posted by Rupert 400 would be great. The kite isn't huge, and I'd imagine loads of teens crew them. No teen crews at my home club but some small adult experienced crews in the 400's. Not sure how they go in a breeze.

100kg helm will be fine in a breeze. Light airs maybe less so, transom may drag a bit!