Topaz Uno Race vs RS Feva vs Laser?

Just for future reference or users, actually repairing fibreglass delamination really isn't something you should wish you hadn't started! There's some really helpful stuff online, for example: http://www.epoxycraft.com/a-solid-repair-for-fibreglass-delamination/

I wouldn't suggest that a 'rotomoulded' Topaz Uno Race is any kind of a substitute for a Laser when it comes to racing, however the Topaz is designed as a very durable boat for beginners. We own one so that my wife, who's a quite new to sailing can sail it with the standard rig, meanwhile I sail it with the race sail and I'm having a great deal of fun competing at club level. We can also add the jib and sail it with my five year old as crew.

The Laser is a great boat, it would probably be far more appropriate to my club racing, however there's always an element of compromise to choosing a boat and in my case it has to accomodate the needs of my wife, daughter and myself. I'm not in any way suggesting that Kevin H ought not to consider other boats as his choice is going to have to be a compromise just like my own situation. There's always an unhelpful element on this forum who are overly quick to criticise everyone elses choice of craft  - as long as we enjoy ourselves sailing, does it really matter ?

(it's only a matter of time before somebody suggests a Cherub ?!  )

stick with the Laser unless you really have to make a change - nothing else offers those trained the opportunity to go race at their local clubs and find others there already (can't imagine there are many Vareo's or Topaz in the US?), Laser is international and there's tons of tuning, racing and other tips all over the place.  Want to make your Laser's last longer? here's a few tips:

1. go for a low friction insert at the bottom of the mast slot and wash them out regularly
2. apply duck tape (or fabric tape) around the gunwhale edge, bow and transom (helps stop cracking in collisions and doesn't look too bad)
3. avoid nice, expensive Harken block setups on training boats, a) they "walk" without notice, and b) you'll feel bad when they get trashed and have to be replaced
4. Fit a bigger rudder bolt
5. If you get an old boat, follow the tried & trusted Ed Baird advice and take off all the fittings before replacing with good dollops of sealant, and where you can reach (if inspection ports have been cut), decent backing washers and nuts

... if you're determined to change, go for a Vareo, no one interested in taking up or improving (their) sailing deserves to have the Topaz xxxxxx foistered upon them

Think long and hard before ditching the Lasers in favour of a rotomoulded boat if durability is what you're after. You still have to look after a rotomoulded boat!

With a glassfibre boat, you can do repairs yourselves, and it sounds like from a sailing point of view, the laser is perfect. Be careful you don't compromise on the sailing performance just to satisfy your criteria for a rotomoulded boat, which in my opinion won't mean a whole lot less maintenance.

 

Aren't the Feva and Topaz essentially childrens boats?  The Feva in particular seems to be a modern Mirror.  The (full rig) Laser is for larger people.  I'm suprised you are comparing Fevas to Lasers, they seem to be aimed at different people.

If you're in the US, what about an Escape?