Technique: Boss or laser 4000

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Boss or laser 4000

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Technique
Forum Discription: 'How to' section for dinghy questions and answers
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9912
Printed Date: 25 Jun 25 at 6:45am
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Topic: Boss or laser 4000

Posted By: 123standish
Subject: Boss or laser 4000
Date Posted: 07 Oct 12 at 9:12pm

Hello all,

I have a f18 nacra which I love but I fancy buying a skiff to mess about on.

I have always wanted a boss but wonder if it too much of a handful and whether a laser 4000 would be more suitable. I understand that the laser 5000 is more comparable to the boss but they seem even rarer than a boss. I do not want to spend a fortune as it would be my secondary boat and you seem to get more boat for your money with a boss.

I understand that there will be much swimming with either of these and it will be very different to the cat but I am prepared for this. Myself and crew would be circa 180kg so classed as heavy weights and we are not interested in racing and would be used purely as a thrill machine.

My question is whether you can still get spares for boss dinghies. Also is the sailing difficulty between a boss and laser 4000 is very different. Any experiences people have would be much appreciated.

Thanks

John

Replies:

Posted By: Neiljbg
Date Posted: 07 Oct 12 at 10:30pm

John

Don't dismiss the 5000.... We are still very active, far more so than the Boss (not saying the Boss is not a good boat)....we have a calendar of events, class training and boats are cheap ish and fun....have a look on the Facebook page or Laser5000.org. If you get a boat there will be lots of support available...if you are a heavy crew the 5k will give you it's of thrills and spills. Inlands at Rutland on 20th October if you wanted a look...

Posted By: Rockhopper
Date Posted: 08 Oct 12 at 6:47am

Your too big for the 4000 we had one at less than your weight and it felt underpowered that was after coming across from sailing 5000s for years i would look for a 5000 rather than a boss as there is more about but saying that the boss with the 41 sq meter kite looks like fun

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Retired now after 35 seasons in a row and time for a rest.
2004 national champ Laser5000
2007,2010,National Champ Rs Vareo

Posted By: alstorer
Date Posted: 08 Oct 12 at 6:58am

The active class of the 5000 would likely make getting spares that work correctly easier with that than the Boss, which is a truly dead class.

Having said that,

*engage plug mode*

rather than hanging around, have you considered sitting down? Get a B14!

*/disengage plug mode*

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-_
Al

Posted By: haroosh
Date Posted: 08 Oct 12 at 8:11am

Dont dismiss an old RS800. Seen one recently going for £2000.

Much better way to spend your money than an old 5000 or Boss that are worthless but have similar running costs.

So much nicer boat as it doesnt weigh 5 tonnes!!!!

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Keith
RS100 GBR 116 (XLR8)

Posted By: haroosh
Date Posted: 08 Oct 12 at 8:19am

Or an old I14? Loads of spares kicking about the class...

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Keith
RS100 GBR 116 (XLR8)

Posted By: pondmonkey
Date Posted: 08 Oct 12 at 9:49am

L4k and the Boss are very different boats, especially for the helm. The 4k will feel smaller and more sailable in confined space, the Boss needs a good expanse of water. AFAIK some Boss spares can still be sought from http://www.wet-windy.co.uk/shop/category/sailing-dinghies-1010 - Wet & Windy as they're just the same as on the ISO, but there could be some specific items which you'd need to get machined if your current bit broke- probably best to speak to someone there, but they're going to be pro-Topper obviously.

Personally if it's just for giggles, I'd look for a 5000 or ideally, an RS800 or B14 as has been suggested.

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Posted By: fudheid
Date Posted: 08 Oct 12 at 1:19pm

not sure you can get a replacement mast for the 5000.....

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Cheers you

only me from over the sea......

Posted By: Max McCarthy
Date Posted: 08 Oct 12 at 5:59pm

Originally posted by haroosh

Or an old I14? Loads of spares kicking about the class...

I agree, we have got an old (1987) penultimate 14, and it is great fun, so far all that has been had to be repaired was the mainsail and that was because I fell through it! Anyway, they are great fun, and not as expensive as other twin trap boats, ours was £400?

Then again, I am no expert on this matter, the only twin trap boat I have sailed is our 14 :)

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Vintage skol moth 3438

Posted By: AlexM
Date Posted: 08 Oct 12 at 7:10pm

If I was looking for a skiff just for a laugh surely a 49er would be good. Pick one up for 1.5k - 2k

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Posted By: 123standish
Date Posted: 08 Oct 12 at 7:33pm

Thanks for all the replies.

My concern with a 49er and such boats is difficulty to sail. I have once been on an albercore but never a skiff. We are at Rutland so have plenty of space to sail.

Posted By: alstorer
Date Posted: 08 Oct 12 at 9:04pm

you know what you're doing with power and speed already. All you need to add is balance!

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-_
Al

Posted By: Neiljbg
Date Posted: 08 Oct 12 at 9:38pm

If you are at Rutland come and say hello to the 5000s should be a few there weekend of 20th as part of the Laser Open meeting which will also include the 4000s.....

Posted By: Menace
Date Posted: 10 Oct 12 at 5:31pm

Originally posted by AlexM

If I was looking for a skiff just for a laugh surely a 49er would be good. Pick one up for 1.5k - 2k

No brainer +1!

Owned 4000s, 5000s and 49ers. Wouldn't say a 49er is more difficult to sail than the 5000, just different. Need to be more athletic than brute. The 49er flows much better as a boat and is pretty easy to right in comparision to the 5000. 49er is easier on kite drops too. The 49er will keep you on your toes more as she is more responsive and quicker. If you have any doubts, pick up a very cheap 4k for a season, thrash it around, then step up to another boat. Wouldn't look at a 5000 and say it will be a lot more straight forward than the 49er. 180kg is a bit heavy for the 4000 but if it's just a boat to get you into skiff sailing can't go much wrong. If you are considering Boss's and 5000s, seriously look at the 49er.

Posted By: 123standish
Date Posted: 12 Oct 12 at 7:52pm

Yeah you made a good point. I have been offered a boss for less than £500 but it does not have a road base. Are the road bases a universal fitting I.e. a laser 4000 base would fit?

I think I need to post in the classifieds to see what is out there.

Posted By: zippyRN
Date Posted: 13 Oct 12 at 4:12pm

Originally posted by 123standish

Yeah you made a good point. I have been offered a boss for less than £500 but it does not have a road base. Are the road bases a universal fitting I.e. a laser 4000 base would fit?

I think I need to post in the classifieds to see what is out there.

ideally you'd need to measure the the length of the trolley the Boss is sat on

that said there is often some flexibility in what trailer can take what boat as i've used the same trailer to transport an Ent, a Solo or a laser with straegic 'adaption' of the fixing between the bow of the trolley and the drawbar of the trailer - obviously you are going to struggle to get some trolleys onto some road bases but it would not suprise me if a ruoghly the correct length road base won;t fit a range of different boats with the majot differences being confined to the cradles/ pads on the trolley

Posted By: RS400atC
Date Posted: 13 Oct 12 at 5:47pm

Originally posted by zippyRN

I think I need to post in the classifieds to see what is out there.

West Mersea, Sovereign and Rapide Trailers are not really interchangeable as such. Then each brand comes in 2 or 3 lengths. There are other brands too!
But most road bases rarely get used. If you can't borrow one from someone in your club, that would be a fairly sorry state of affairs.