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Opinions on the Europe and other things |
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GeorgeT415
Newbie Joined: 29 Aug 19 Online Status: Offline Posts: 11 |
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Topic: Opinions on the Europe and other things Posted: 01 Jan 20 at 10:41am |
Hi, all
I am currently a laser sailor but looking to move into something a bit larger as I am on the larger side and find getting under the boom and the very small cockpit are a bit challenging, I do however like the look of the Europe. I would welcome any opinions on the boat and any suggestions for other boats. I am 5ft 10" and weigh c.92kg Many thanks |
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craiggo
Really should get out more Joined: 01 Apr 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 1810 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 01 Jan 20 at 12:48pm |
The Europe is aimed at similar size people to the Laser Radial so you are too big. The Europe also has a fairly shallow cockpit and low boom so not really helping your situation.
I suggest you look at OKs |
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OK 2129
RS200 411 |
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GeorgeT415
Newbie Joined: 29 Aug 19 Online Status: Offline Posts: 11 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 01 Jan 20 at 1:13pm |
Thank you very much, but I was aiming for a dinghy along a more open cockpit plan as the cockpit idea in general is a bit of a turn off for me I also need to make sure the boat is reasonably cheap and I thought OK's were a little expensive? I also had a look at boats like the contender as I am not opposed to trapezing but they were also a bit expensive. Have you any ideas that might fit with that description?
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Do Different
Really should get out more Joined: 26 Jan 12 Location: North Online Status: Offline Posts: 1312 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 01 Jan 20 at 1:22pm |
You are Phantom sized but I don't know how much you would have to pay to get a sound one good to go.
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JimC
Really should get out more Joined: 17 May 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 6648 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 01 Jan 20 at 1:23pm |
The Europe is a nice little boat, but definitely not for folk on the larger side. I don't know that good recent boats of any class are particularly cheaper than another, after all they all cost much the same to build if they are of the same materials. I'm not sure the low boom of the OK is especially helpful in this context. The Phantom is an obvious choice for sailors who want a bit more room in the boat. Pre foam sandwich/carbon spar ones are cheap, but also not very competitive.
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KazRob
Far too distracted from work Joined: 22 Oct 16 Location: Scotland Online Status: Offline Posts: 245 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 01 Jan 20 at 3:13pm |
Give the OK a try as you’re a good size for them. While the boom looks low there’s tons of room under it in reality and far more than a Laser. The deep cockpit and popping the mainsheet off an armful when tacking help create more space. If you’re near the south coast the class demo boat is at Stokes Bay if you want to try it. Have a look at https://www.okdinghy.co.uk/classifieds/ there’s boats there from a few hundred upwards
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OK 2249
D-1 138 |
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Rupert
Really should get out more Joined: 11 Aug 04 Location: Whitefriars sc Online Status: Offline Posts: 8956 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 01 Jan 20 at 4:24pm |
Take a look at the Supernova.
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Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686
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GarethT
Really should get out more Joined: 21 Apr 07 Online Status: Offline Posts: 714 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 01 Jan 20 at 4:51pm |
I've moved from a Laser to Europe in the last year, and love it.
I'm 5ft10 and was 95kg, but used it as motivation to shed some pounds and I'm now 80-5kg. Above 85kg I'd say you will struggle to tack without getting water in over the back corner, but you'll still have a lot of fun. The boom is low, but you don't have kicker on upwind so as long as you ease the main it pops up in the tack. It's all about the timing. My main reason for swapping was the Laser just took too much toll on a dodgy shoulder and elbow, but the health benefits of losing weight and getting fit have made it a total life changer, plus it is a fabulous boat to sail. The open meetings are fun as it's a really diverse fleet (at nationals 50% were under 40, and 40% were female). My boat is reasonably competitive (I'm the weak link) and cost less the £1,500. If you don't fancy the weight loss, I'd recommend the OK. As others have said, the cockpit is so deep that there is loads of headroom. |
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Sam.Spoons
Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 12 Location: Manchester UK Online Status: Offline Posts: 3398 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 01 Jan 20 at 5:05pm |
Another +1 for the OK here but definitely consider a Phantom or, if you sail on open water, a Blaze too. All there will carry weight well, Blaze is best if it has room to stretch it's legs, Phantom and OK are good all rounders and both cope with restricted waters better than the Blaze (though I sail my Blaze inland as well as on the sea). For a decent club level competitive boat a Blaze or Phantom probably starts at around £1500 not sure about OKs.
I agree with Gareth T that the Europe is a gorgeous boat and lovely to sail but, if you hope to be competitive you'll definitely need a stiff mast and the right sail* (same with an OK TBF but suitable rigs are more plentiful). When I was considering a Europe rigs for heavyweights were few and far between. * I'm 75kg and 5' 7"
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Spice 346 "Flat Broke"
Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish" |
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Neptune
Really should get out more Joined: 08 Jun 09 Location: Berkshire United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 1313 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 01 Jan 20 at 8:58pm |
Don’t discount a 300 or a 600, amazing amount of performance from both for the money and plenty of space in both
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Musto Skiff and Solo sailor
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