laser 3000

Having had the same requirements a couple of years back I bought a 3k, there was nothing else that quite coped with all our family's helm & crewing combinations, was still fun and was still single handable.

There are a few around at £1500, but as usual £2000 will get a better one.

It is indeed a rather wet boat - when at sea the helm should consider ski goggles and may need the crew to shout directions.   Had ours out beyond the Thatcher Rock off Paignton in a F5/6 and it was FUN - but I didn't see much between Torquay and Brixham.

It's a really good single hander, just get a 160cm extension and go for it. Though dealing with three sheets, two of which don't have cleats (in the lastest version) can be challenging, and to be honest, with the new North sails on,  it is overpowered for my 12stone in anything over F4.  You can always furl the jib away, but it feels a bit slow.

Still dithering... ...thanks for all the messages. Have been thinking too about Vago's and RS200s too. Are either likely to cope with Solent chop better ?

For a boat with a low freeboard, the 3000 copes very well with a chop. The waves  get very steep and short on the Medway in some conditions, and I'm always amazed how well the bow rides over them. Can be a wet ride, though, but that's all part of the fun, and you're going to get wet in any dinghy...

hi buzzfan

If it influences your decision, the PY for the 3000 has just changed from 1030 to 1032, so it's getting more competitive in handicap racing (okay, that's only 7 seconds in the hour) ... I think that's after it was put back on a trial number after launch of the lighter V3000

There are three well maintained club boats available on the 3000 website at the moment, located at Benbridge SC on the IOW, just across the Solent for you ... I bet you could easily arrange a test drive:-

http://www.3000class.org.uk/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=81 (the three posts advertised by charlie egerton-warburton)

I started Fireballs and standard Lasers, then moved into cruisers in the 80s, then dropped out of sailing for about 10 years. I bought a Laser 3000 five years ago as a route back into asymmetric trapeze dinghy sailing and haven't regretted it.

I mainly do class events, but finish mid fleet in club racing on a large pond (Laser 3000 more fun and more competitive on the sea/estuaries, with more space) and I sail single handed with 2/3 sails for fun and to try and master single handed trapezing. The low freeboard (sidedecks) of the 3000 suits singlehanded trapezing.

£1500 is a bargain for a boat like this!!! (and the ongoing cost of ownership/time involved in maintenance should be very low)

Or you can buy my 405. Less power than a 3000 but easier on your own. Cheaper than a 3000 too. Idea if you are lighter