Family dinghy 2008

   Hi All

I'm considering getting a family dinghy and having done some internet research I'm thinking of testing the Laser 2000, RS Vario and Topper Omega. I'm aiming for something to take out on my own, or with another adult
and a child or 2 (planning ahead, my daughter is 6 months old).

A quick Google search on these classes led me to this forum. I've read through the older threads debating this subject and was wondering what people think now?

Hopefully some of the members who were making this decision a couple of years ago have their experiences to share.

How are the rotomould boats lasting?
Is there anything else new on the market that I should be looking at?

Thanks
MaxiMe

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MaxiMe Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 22 Feb 08 Online Status: Offline Posts: 13	Post Options Post Reply Quote MaxiMe Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Family dinghy 2008 Posted: 25 Feb 08 at 7:25pm
	Hi All I'm considering getting a family dinghy and having done some internet research I'm thinking of testing the Laser 2000, RS Vario and Topper Omega. I'm aiming for something to take out on my own, or with another adult and a child or 2 (planning ahead, my daughter is 6 months old). A quick Google search on these classes led me to this forum. I've read through the older threads debating this subject and was wondering what people think now? Hopefully some of the members who were making this decision a couple of years ago have their experiences to share. How are the rotomould boats lasting? Is there anything else new on the market that I should be looking at? Thanks MaxiMe

timnoyce Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 05 Aug 04 Location: Hampshire Online Status: Offline Posts: 1991	Post Options Post Reply Quote timnoyce Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 25 Feb 08 at 7:41pm
	A completely biassed answer coming here but both the Wanderer and Wayfarer have been redesigned in the last year so are classic boats with a much more modern look. Come and have a look at the dinghy show this weekend. Will give you the opportunity to see all of the dinghys in question in one place (so less walking or driving involved! ) The Laser 2000 is also a very good boat, but more race and less family orientated than some of the others mentioned.
	BEARFOOT DESIGN Cherub 2648 - Comfortably Numb

andymck Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 15 Dec 06 Location: Stamford Online Status: Offline Posts: 397	Post Options Post Reply Quote andymck Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 25 Feb 08 at 7:42pm
	My choice would still be the 2000, easy to handle and its becoming a big class. This means there will be a second hand market for your ship once you dont want it anymore. It will also do all the things you ask, can have some fun in it, but also be stable enough for the kids. I think its becoming the modern GP14. Bound to upset some GP sailors that! I will certainly sonsider one when our little one is a bit bigger. Sticking with the Solution till then. AndyMck Edited by andymck
	Andy Mck

James Morley Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Groupie Joined: 22 Jan 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 46	Post Options Post Reply Quote James Morley Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 25 Feb 08 at 8:46pm
	Don't think that you have to go with a more modern class of boat. There is nothing wrong with a wayfarer or enterprise. Good grp examples of these classes will probably be a lot less expensive than the more modern boats you have short listed.
	James rs200 225 N12 3214 for sale Splash 2297 for sale

Kudlinski Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 18 Sep 07 Online Status: Offline Posts: 132	Post Options Post Reply Quote Kudlinski Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 25 Feb 08 at 8:49pm
	a guy at the club where I used to teach had a new omega and he had nothing but troublw with it and I remember it goin back to topper i believe in more than one occasion.
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29er310 Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 17 Apr 07 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 174	Post Options Post Reply Quote 29er310 Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 25 Feb 08 at 8:54pm
	I was taught to sail in an ancient wayfarer and it was great for that purpose but they are a tad heavy which could be an issue with a slippery/steep slip way. They are thought very good for familys with enough space for food/other things and good for trips down to the beach and stuff. Edited by 29er310
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MaxiMe Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 22 Feb 08 Online Status: Offline Posts: 13	Post Options Post Reply Quote MaxiMe Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 25 Feb 08 at 9:03pm
	Thanks so far, the Wayfarer is too big for what I'm after. I'm familiar with some of the more established classes and quite like the Enterprise, I'll take a look at my in-laws local club this weekend and see what gets sailed there. Wanderer is also possible, but I fancy the idea of an asymmetric. My wife and I sailed a Laser Sport 16 in Turkey a few years ago and enjoyed the flexibility of performance (amongst various niggles that we didn't). I'm after something like that, easy to de-power and sail conservatively, but with a bit of excitement when dad is bored.

radixon Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 27 Oct 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 2407	Post Options Post Reply Quote radixon Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 25 Feb 08 at 9:24pm
	Here comes a Pimp for the Miracle again. Your senario is similar to the other guy who has posted recently regarding the similar situation. Because you are going to sail solo to begin with, the 2k and the Omega are very heavy boats that one person will stuggle with pulling up a slipway however big. An Enterprise is a good option for inland, but on the sea may be a struggle. Again the Mirracle ticks all boxes in my opinion but yes the RYA DINGHY SHOW is the place to go and see, bring the kids along on Sunday for free and things to do while you look at boaty things!!

no limits Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Groupie Joined: 09 Feb 08 Online Status: Offline Posts: 88	Post Options Post Reply Quote no limits Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 25 Feb 08 at 10:09pm
	The miracle is a really good boat to sail and offers a much alternative to the laser 2k and omega. You can easily cruise/race signal handed or take a faimly out for a day crusie. They arn't heavy to push around the boat park. I learnt to sail in one and alought they may not have a asymmetric they do offer other possibilties. The boat iused to sail even had a outboard motor attachment fitted. You should defiantly go down to the dinghy show this weekend as you also buy plenty of equipment at boat show offer prices. Theirs nothing like talking to the experts.

James Morley Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Groupie Joined: 22 Jan 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 46	Post Options Post Reply Quote James Morley Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 25 Feb 08 at 10:09pm
	If you have owned a boat before and have a good grasp on the basics of sailing why not go for something a little more sporty such as the rs 200. A boat like this would suit you if you decided to start racing which most sailors do. I have owned my 200 for a few months and love it.
	James rs200 225 N12 3214 for sale Splash 2297 for sale