29er GBR 074 Tynemouth |
J24 (Sail No. 4239) Dartmouth |
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List classes of boat for sale |
Pico v Topaz |
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Demelza
Newbie Joined: 01 Aug 21 Online Status: Offline Posts: 31 |
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Topic: Pico v Topaz 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?
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Post Options Quote Reply 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.
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423zero
Really should get out more Joined: 08 Jan 15 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 3406 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 14 Aug 22 at 1:45pm |
Better side height in the Topaz, Pico more of a sailing surfboard.
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Robert
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Demelza
Newbie Joined: 01 Aug 21 Online Status: Offline Posts: 31 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 15 Aug 22 at 12:04pm |
Thanks for the info.
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Paramedic
Really should get out more Joined: 27 Jan 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 929 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 16 Aug 22 at 7:54am |
Not sure how heavy a Topaz is, Picos are quite heavy.
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john80
Newbie Joined: 07 Oct 19 Online Status: Offline Posts: 37 |
Post Options Quote Reply 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.
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Paramedic
Really should get out more Joined: 27 Jan 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 929 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 16 Aug 22 at 9:56am |
^^^Also very true within the bands of reason^^^
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Late starter
Far too distracted from work Joined: 24 Feb 07 Online Status: Offline Posts: 481 |
Post Options Quote Reply 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.
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ColPrice2002
Far too distracted from work Joined: 25 Nov 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 222 |
Post Options Quote Reply 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
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Riv
Far too distracted from work Joined: 23 Nov 13 Location: South Devon Online Status: Offline Posts: 353 |
Post Options Quote Reply 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.
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