Dinghy development: Pico v Topaz

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Pico v Topaz

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13966
Printed Date: 26 Jun 25 at 11:21am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Pico v Topaz

Posted By: Demelza
Subject: Pico v Topaz
Date Posted: 14 Aug 22 at 11:34am

If considering one of these for 12 year old grandchildren what are the pros and cons of each and preferred boat?

Replies:

Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 14 Aug 22 at 11:47am

What configuration would it (mostly) be used in - one up, or two? Both boats will get a bad press on here, but both are fine for what they are intended for. I have more pico experience than topaz, and I think the pico is a perfectly good boat. I’m sure the topaz is very similar. The Fusion (also now from Topper) and RS Zest are other options in this market - both slightly newer design so presumably builds upon the lessons of the topaz and pico.

Posted By: 423zero
Date Posted: 14 Aug 22 at 1:45pm

Better side height in the Topaz, Pico more of a sailing surfboard.

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Robert

Posted By: Demelza
Date Posted: 15 Aug 22 at 12:04pm

Thanks for the info.

Posted By: Paramedic
Date Posted: 16 Aug 22 at 7:54am

Not sure how heavy a Topaz is, Picos are quite heavy.

Posted By: john80
Date Posted: 16 Aug 22 at 8:21am

Buy them whatever their mates or potential mates are sailing. Sailing around on your own probably is not that much fun.

Posted By: Paramedic
Date Posted: 16 Aug 22 at 9:56am

^^^Also very true within the bands of reason^^^

Posted By: Late starter
Date Posted: 16 Aug 22 at 10:06am

Both boats are from well established manufacturers, shouldn't cost a lot if bought 2nd hand, and if your grandchildren don't take to sailing you can always sell them again for most if not all of what you paid for them. My daughters had a Pico for a bit when they were around 12, can't comment on the Topaz. With hindsight a Topper might have been better at that age as my girls were probably a bit small for a Pico at that time. It's a great sport, I was about that age when I started and still have friends from that era coming up on 50 years later ! Find a local club you all like as you can probably hire/lend boats first anyway.

Posted By: ColPrice2002
Date Posted: 16 Aug 22 at 11:21am

Just a thought for any second hand purchase...

Pico spares (e.g. rudder, daggerboard) are quite expensive relative to the cost of the package. Check that all are present and in good order before buying.

I assume that the Topaz costs are similar.

Colin

Posted By: Riv
Date Posted: 16 Aug 22 at 11:31am

Our club has both, sailed both a lot.

Pico, lighter and smaller, favoured by children, mast is lighter

Topaz Uno, heavier and bigger, too difficult for some children the right after capsize. Board is very high out of the water.

Pico parts are expensive

None of the Topaz bits have been lost or broken yet.

Buy one from Fresh water. All the stainless steel and aluminium connections corrode really badly on both if used on salt water and not washed (normal)

I'd buy the Pico.

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Mistral Div II prototype board, Original Windsurfer, Hornet built'74.

Posted By: RS400atC
Date Posted: 16 Aug 22 at 12:06pm

Originally posted by Demelza

If considering one of these for 12 year old grandchildren what are the pros and cons of each and preferred boat?

What's your budget?

Two old toppers might be more fun to 'sail in company'/race, rather than arguing about who's helming?

Or even Laser 4.7?

I wouldn't spend proper money on either a Topaz or a Pico for personal use, but the Pico is certainly a fine boat for its purpose, and I expect the Topaz is similar but I've never sailed one personally.

Posted By: Sam.Spoons
Date Posted: 16 Aug 22 at 1:30pm

Originally posted by Paramedic

Not sure how heavy a Topaz is, Picos are quite heavy.

The both weigh 60kg, the Topaz is a little bigger than the Pico though at 3.86 x 1.45m compared to 3.5 x 1.37m. The Topaz can be sailed by two adults, I have done so in a blow and it was a good laugh but I wouldn't usually bother. Ok for a single adult though or two kids.

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

Posted By: Demelza
Date Posted: 16 Aug 22 at 4:50pm

Thanks for the useful comments. I have in mind that it might be a 5 min wonder so not wanting to spend a lot. Also have it in mind that we do not want to join a sailing club as likely use only half a dozen times a year. Toppaz with trailer looking best option.