POW

Originally posted by JimC Originally posted by Riv They look like so many other skiffs How many other skiff classes are there? But it does interest me that their period of greatest popularity was when they were, to my way of thinking, a rules restricted design disaster that had headed off down a very peculiar development blind alley. It might just demonstrate the power of advertising of course, but it is a very interesting phenomenon.

Musto skiff seems to be attracting the kind of person who might have teamed up to buy a 14 25 years ago?
Then there are 49ers for those with high aspirations and RS800s for those wanting something a bit more accessible.
And the B14 has a steady following.

I suspect the peaks in many boats are linked to the ease with which some people can remortgage and 'find' a five figure sum of cash.

This is a very 'UK' view, it's an international class. Some UK people will want to take part or not depending on what's going on in the rest of the world.

Originally posted by Riv They look like so many other skiffs

How many other skiff classes are there?

But it does interest me that their period of greatest popularity was when they were, to my way of thinking, a rules restricted design disaster that had headed off down a very peculiar development blind alley. It might just demonstrate the power of advertising of course, but it is a very interesting phenomenon.

I've never sailed one but remember looking at beautiful examples of woodworking at various dinghy shows, they were always distinctive and had a very strong brand image.

Since merging with 14ft skiffs they are now just that....14ft skiffs and really of very little interest.

They look like so many other skiffs and require the same sort of dedication and skill. As  David yacht says above, great if you can spend the time. However I expect they will now slowly disappear unless the class decides to do something different and distinctive to revitalise the brand.

It also depends on the class. Modern FRP Solos are competitive for well over 5 years but guys at the top of the fleet (granted, many of them pro sailors) get a new boat every year which ensures a good supply of nearly new (and well-tuned) second hand boats. But then they are a load cheaper than and i14.