Choosing a boat: Laser Pico Stability under Heavy Load

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Laser Pico Stability under Heavy Load

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=6209
Printed Date: 16 Aug 25 at 7:21pm
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Topic: Laser Pico Stability under Heavy Load

Posted By: Rob Roy
Subject: Laser Pico Stability under Heavy Load
Date Posted: 06 Dec 09 at 8:42pm

We're looking for a stable, GRP/plastic dinghy and would
like some advice please.

We weigh 125kg (50+75) and in many ways something like a
GP14 would suit although the ease of handling the much
lighter Pico is vey tempting. I know that Picos are
extremely stable with a lightweight on board but, am I
right in thinking that the stability will be compromised
by our combined weight & we'll be going swimming
regularly? Would we swim less with a GP?

You might have gathered by now that we don't enjoy being
dunked in cold, salty water so we'd love to hear your
comments, especially if you have experience of 2 adults
on a Pico.

Thanks

Replies:

Posted By: winging it
Date Posted: 06 Dec 09 at 9:27pm

To be honest, you will go nowhere very slowly as well as constantly being in each other's way. In short, the Pico is too small for two adults.

There are many other boats that would suit you that could still be lighter than a GP. Where are you sailing, and what are the boats most often sailed there? Do you want to race or cruise? What is your budget? What is your skill level?

Let us know the answers then we can advise you better!

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the same, but different...

Posted By: ham4sand
Date Posted: 06 Dec 09 at 9:44pm

get another laser like a 2000 or maybe a rs 400?

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John Hamilton
cherub 2645 - cheese before bedtime
cherub 3209 - anatidaephobia
laser 176847 - kiss this
[FORSALE]

Posted By: ellistine
Date Posted: 06 Dec 09 at 10:00pm

Originally posted by ham4sand

get another laser like a 2000 or maybe a
rs 400?

RS400. Really?

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Posted By: Garry
Date Posted: 06 Dec 09 at 10:23pm

2000 is a good suggestion, RS Vision might be worth looking at but a 400 is a very very powerful boat compared to a Pico.

really if you don't want the occassional dunk then you ought to be looking at a keelboat not a dinghy. What is it about capsizing? If its just the cold buy a drysuit and decent gloves - problem solved.

Garry

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Garry

Lark 2252, Contender 298

www.cuckoos.eclipse.co.uk

Posted By: Merlinboy
Date Posted: 06 Dec 09 at 10:40pm

Laser 13, if you want something to potter around in thats cheap, reliable and stable.

RS400 is a stupid sugestion for someone looking to sail a Pico and doesn't wan t to be swimming loads!

Posted By: Rob Roy
Date Posted: 07 Dec 09 at 12:48pm

Hi Guys

Thanks for your replies - I'm glad I asked. Here's a
little more info to help you help us: we're returning to
dinghy sailing after a long break, we're getting on a bit
& we'd rather not handle a heavy boat on land (eg
Wayfarer) or recover from several capsizes on the trot
(even though I had a proper Laser in the past and plenty
practise righting it)! We're into pottering now on the
Norfolk Broads where the water is smooth but the wind can
be very gusty. So we're looking for a compromise, ie a
boat which is light but stable (mutually exclusive I
know) to suit two smallish adults, at the sacrifice of
speed, preferably under £2k. All suggestions welcome.

Posted By: Merlinboy
Date Posted: 07 Dec 09 at 1:31pm

Laser 13 would be a great boat for what your after and would definately fit 2 or more full sized adults. £2k fhould easily buy you one.

Posted By: asterix
Date Posted: 07 Dec 09 at 1:37pm

I agree about the RS400.

I also think a Laser 2000 might be a bit more of a handful than you are looking for (as well as probably being too expensive even 2nd hand). They are stable, but do capsize occasionally (depending on how you sail them) and then they have a habit of turtling pretty fast. They are also a good few kilos to haul up the beach/slipway at the end of the day.

Strangely (?) there is a L2000 called Rob Roy

Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 07 Dec 09 at 4:35pm

There are all sorts of older designs that would suit, and can be bought for 00's not 000's. The Otter and Gull can both be found in GRP, and in plywood there are all the boats from the 60's home build boom. The Mirror is the most common, but a look through here http://www.cvrda.org/dinghydata/index.htm - http://www.cvrda.org/dinghydata/index.htm will help you spend an idle hour in contemplation!

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Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

Posted By: Contender443
Date Posted: 07 Dec 09 at 4:47pm

Then there is the Miracle you can occassionly get these in GRP. Then there is the Wayfarers little cousin the Wanderer.

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Bonnie Lass Contender 1764

Posted By: Mister Nick
Date Posted: 07 Dec 09 at 8:18pm

Pico would be a very, very bad choice for you guys. I sail
one at the moment, there would be no where near enough room
for the two of you.The pico is going to be very slow and
tippy with two of you on board. I would go with something
different.

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Posted By: desteve1
Date Posted: 30 Dec 09 at 7:19pm

top tip- dont reef pico 5 times or you cant depower in a force 7 gust :) or you'll "stack it"

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laser 81188 (looking for a name)

Posted By: kinnie
Date Posted: 08 Jan 10 at 2:02pm

I am also getting back into sailing after quite a break. I will mostly sail
alone but will occasionally sail with my partner. I want something i can get
onto the roof of the car quite easily alone and drag across the beach ( i live
in Dubai).

I was looking at the Pico as they are easily available here new, there is not
much of a second hand market here!

Any suggestions greatly received!

Posted By: alstorer
Date Posted: 08 Jan 10 at 2:45pm

Not big enough for two adults. Not even close. Bit small for even one medium or larger adult male.

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-_
Al

Posted By: NickA
Date Posted: 08 Jan 10 at 3:50pm

I have sailed our pico with two adults in it ..... It's perfectly stable, but I really would NOT advise it, it's a constant limb tangle and bruising on the knees. You get pretty wet too as they constantly flood with water. My twin sons (now 17) still just about cram into it for a laugh but really grew out of it aged 13. Being of "robust" rotomould construction the pico is not terribly light either. Certainly couldn't be car topped single handed!

A wanderer sounds a good idea - especially as you can fit rowlocks and row home when the wind dies (or gets too strong).

If you don't mind getting a bit wet (low freeboard) and want a little more excitement, a laser 2 (especially the simpler "fun" version with no kite) might be OK too.

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Javelin 558
Contender 2574