Choosing a boat: Playboat

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Playboat

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Choosing a boat
Forum Discription: Ask any questions about the sport!
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13549
Printed Date: 08 Aug 25 at 7:10pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Playboat

Posted By: StupidStu
Subject: Playboat
Date Posted: 01 Mar 20 at 9:01pm

Hi All

I am looking for a boat to chuck on the roof to take to France this summer to sail on the lakes we are staying at. Cannot tow as have the caravan. I have been offered a Topper Taz very cheap and I know it will fit my 11 and 14 year olds but not having actually seen one in flesh will I be able to sail it at 5'11 and 85kg? I won't be racing or expecting much just a bit fun.

Thanks in advance

Replies:

Posted By: 423zero
Date Posted: 01 Mar 20 at 9:24pm

Topper Taz is very small, Optimist size, for children.

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Robert

Posted By: Sam.Spoons
Date Posted: 01 Mar 20 at 11:24pm

Better with a Topper, still a bit small for 85kg but doable and cheap. Should be much better for you than a Taz though.

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Spice 346 "Flat Broke"
Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish"

Posted By: ColPrice2002
Date Posted: 02 Mar 20 at 8:33am

Having sailed the Taz at our sail training centre - several times - I reckon you'll be ok until you need to tube or tack...
I'm 5'8", and you require the ability to crouch low to miss the boom...
Alternatively, Dr a pair of kneepads!
The other thing I noticed is that the Taz is quite heavy for its size (like most rotomoulded hulls).
Topper a reasonable suggestion - another is (depending on car load ability) an old laser or minisail.
Is there's possibility of buying a budget dinghy near your campsite?

Colin

Posted By: StupidStu
Date Posted: 02 Mar 20 at 8:36am

Thanks for replies I may try and keep my eye out for a Pico or Topaz. Also saw a Byte don't know much about those.

Posted By: Sam.Spoons
Date Posted: 02 Mar 20 at 11:00am

Topaz is a good boat for a 'normal sized' adult to sail singlehanded or even two up but, realistically, needs two adults to get it on the roof, and it may well exceed the roof weight for many cars. Topper is a fair bit lighter and it is possible to get it on and off the roof on your own.

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Spice 346 "Flat Broke"
Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish"

Posted By: StupidStu
Date Posted: 02 Mar 20 at 11:02am

Tar. Will never be in my own so should be OK. Topaz is 60kg. My bars are 75kg and roof is 100kg. So should be fine. Had a Topper before and too cramped.

Posted By: Sam.Spoons
Date Posted: 02 Mar 20 at 11:14am

Fair enough. Good choice then, my windsurfing pal taught himself to sail boats in one.

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Spice 346 "Flat Broke"
Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish"

Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 02 Mar 20 at 12:51pm

If you found the Topper cramped the Taz would be impossible... Bytes are more of a mainstream racing boat, being glass fibre with all the relevant pros and cons. Kinda like a short Laser.

Posted By: snowleopard
Date Posted: 11 Mar 20 at 5:39pm

Important consideration if you haven't done this before: France requires all visiting boats to be registered. The only exceptions are 'engins de plage' i.e. beach toys. It was for this reason the SSR or Part 3 registry was introduced.

The procedure is pretty simple but costs £35 and has to be renewed every 5 years. No measuring required, just fill in a form.

Link: https://www.gov.uk/register-a-boat/the-uk-ship-register" rel="nofollow - https://www.gov.uk/register-a-boat/the-uk-ship-register

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One hull good, two hulls better.

Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 11 Mar 20 at 6:14pm

Get yourself a Minisail. Ideal for 2 kids or one adult, or combinations of the above. Great on a roof rack.

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Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686