Choosing a boat: wondering which boat to get next year

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wondering which boat to get next year

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Choosing a boat
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URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6746
Printed Date: 12 May 25 at 12:41am
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Topic: wondering which boat to get next year

Posted By: clairey
Subject: wondering which boat to get next year
Date Posted: 19 May 10 at 3:11pm

Yes I know that this year is only just started but I like to plan ahead....

I am just after advice on what boat to think about next as I am having trouble thinking of many choices. I weigh about 53 kg, am about 5'6" tall (and am 38 so will not change much now except get a bit heavier maybe!). I have a Pico with a sport sail which I do love except when its really windy ( though thanks to everyones tips from my last posting in the beginners forum can manage strong winds better!).

I also have a laser with a 4.7 sail which I have only sailed once as I did not like it and preferred the pico. Mainly as I nearly concussed myself every time I tacked or gybed as the boom is so low. That or got the mainsheet stuck round the transom I only got the laser as it was v cheap and I thought I should progress into a more 'grown up' boat. It may have been a false economy though as it has all old style control lines which are not so easy to adjust...I know all boats take a bit of getting used to, and I will try it in lighter winds in the summer, but so far I am not keen.

So I have been looking round at what boats there are for people about my weight range apart from toppers and picos. I am not that good at sailing - I can do basic stuff and have raced a couple of times, but I need lots and lots of practice. When I am good ( in about 10 years time) I am planning on a non foiling moth ( if theyre still around then). But in the meantime I am wondering about the Byte CII, think I am too light for a europe or a streaker.

I will only be sailing on the sea, and want to do handicap racing with it. The only single handed boats out much at my sailing club are toppers and lasers, then the odd rs800 or finn. I might just stick with my Pico, but would quite like something that you can adjust a few more bits on to aim for.

Any suggestions gratefully received !

Claire

Replies:

Posted By: zailor
Date Posted: 19 May 10 at 5:33pm

Europe may suit if you find one with the most flexable mast.
Thats one dissadvantage with the Europe its not one design and getting parts etc. can be hard.

Byte CII is one design so easy to get hold of all the bits etc.
The CII rig is a fair bit to get your head round if you are a compleate beginner as it has a traveler and full battons in the sail but on the CII website there is a brilliant video on how the byte Works.

Have you looked at the "old" byte rig?

Posted By: Jack Sparrow
Date Posted: 19 May 10 at 6:00pm

Perfect for a.... Splash / Flash.

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Posted By: Jon Emmett
Date Posted: 19 May 10 at 7:00pm

At 53 Kgs I would definitely suggest you go down the Byte CII route.

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http://www.amazon.co.uk/Be-Your-Own-Tactics-Coach/dp/0470973218/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312565831&sr=8-1 -

Posted By: zailor
Date Posted: 19 May 10 at 7:16pm

Re thinking as its next year you ought to be at a level where you could easily pick up the CII's contolls.

Posted By: clairey
Date Posted: 19 May 10 at 7:53pm

Thank you for your replies. I like the look of the Byte cII a lot ! I was a bit put off initially as I looked at the list of clubs that had them on their website and I thought they were mostly inland, so I wondered if they werent so good on the sea, but then looking again plenty of people have them on the sea too.

I had a look for the Splash after Jack Sparrows suggestion and I did quite like it, but there dont seem to be many around any more...

Claire

Posted By: timeintheboat
Date Posted: 19 May 10 at 9:58pm

Lightning 368

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Like some other things - sailing is more enjoyable when you do it with someone else

Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 20 May 10 at 9:11am

I would suggest you draw up a shortlist of boats and then have a sail in each one. If there are none at your club contact the class association as they may be able to put you in touch with a friendly boat owner who will let you have a go.

Were I your weight I would probably choose the Byte CII. I had a go in one a while back and liked it but at 85kg I am waaaay too heavy.

You may also want to consider what other wingle handers are sailed where you sail as this will help you in getting to grips with the boat.

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Paul
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D-Zero GBR 74

Posted By: Scooby_simon
Date Posted: 20 May 10 at 10:38am

Claire,

Where are you based? Might be worth seeing what is sailed at the clubs local to you. This might help you.

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Wanna learn to Ski - PM me..

Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 20 May 10 at 10:53am

Hi Claire,

You say there are Toppers at yuor club? Join them! You are the right size, they are much simpler (and more indestructable) than most alternatives and if you really don't like it you'll be able to sell on in a week for no loss. There are also open meetings galore if you ever feel like sailing in a bigger fleet. The Byte is quite twitchy from memory.

Posted By: dave.blakesley
Date Posted: 20 May 10 at 1:12pm

The topper isn't exactly a step up though? If you were seriously considering "upgrading" to a topper, you might as well stick with the pico for another year, especially as you seem to be enjoying it.

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Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 20 May 10 at 2:16pm

It would be worth joining the Toppers if they had good fleet racing, but otherwise it would just be a step sideways.
The Byte is a nice little boat, and you will get wet while learning, but I'm sure it would be fun.

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Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

Posted By: zailor
Date Posted: 20 May 10 at 6:07pm

If you like a good screaming reach then the byte is deffo the best IMO!

Someone said the Lightning 368, I would think that was too big a boat?

Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 21 May 10 at 9:12am

Possibly it would be on the sea. Mind you, the winner of the 1st race at Cotswold, where the wind was gusting from 5 mph to 20 with no warning in random directions, weighs in at less than a knat's whisker, as the sail is pretty good at being depowered. Certainly worth having a go in all of these boats - a fun pastime in its own right, as well as helping to decide which boat.

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Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686