dart question (or daft question?)

I've sailed for a fair few years now, but always monohull dinghies. Just recently, I have started sailing cats, and they are just the most fun ever. I've sailed dart16, dart18 and hobie16, and they are all great. However, I am faced with a dilemma.

I like the bulletproof nature of the dart16 (dart18 chips too easily) but it has no spinnaker. And the hobie does, which is great, but I think that also chips a bit easily, but far worse, it pitchpoles easily, which I really don't like!

I am sailing for my own pleasure, not racing. So, suggestions please. Is there anyone who makes a spinnaker for a dart16, and if not, what is the nearest equivalent that does have one, but doesnt pitchpole as easily as the hobie.

(oh, and I suppose I should mention I am a particular fan of there not being a boom!!!)

Thanks

Perry

You're right as well. Found it in the back of the laser website. Never seen one with it though!

Any idea who the person is on grafham. I'd love to meet them!

Thanks

Perry

I mostly sail at Datchett near Heathrow in west London, but Grafham is only an hours drive, so it's perfectly doable as a Sunday out!

Andy,

Looks good. I can't get to canvey on 3rd, but I might well take you up on your offer sometime. I know the area quite well, and used to sail a lot out of leigh-on-sea nearby when I was younger.

Can you tell me one thing. What is the hull made out of. Something I noticed at our local club was the difference between the rotomoulded dart16 and the grp dart18. When the dart 18 touched the pontoon, it immediately chipped, whereas the dart16 ended up getting pulled up the slipway and didnt seem to do any damage to it.

Much as I like the speed of the dart 18 and similar boats (which is unquestionably faster than the dart16) I still think I want something which will be almost bombproof.

Anyway, thanks for the heads up, I'll keep my eyes open, and perhaps give you a shout when I get some time to come down and see one.

Thanks

Perry

Guys,

Thanks for all the suggestions, but unless I am wrong, nearly all the boats you are talking about have fibreglass hulls and are not the 'toughest' in the world. I really want something that will last. I love the look of the spitfire, but again, what are the hulls made from.

I am looking for fun, not competition, and something that will last being treated badly (there you go, I said it!).

Any furhter suggestions! Keep em coming.

Thanks

Perry