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RS400 buyers tips |
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Geoff
Newbie Joined: 06 May 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 35 |
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Topic: RS400 buyers tips Posted: 30 Dec 08 at 3:57pm |
Hi, I am looking at selling my B14 and getting an RS400 as its a bit more suitable to sail on the small lakes that we get up North. Prob got £3,000 at the most to spend. I've owned loads of boats in the past so know what to look out for, but never had a 400. Any particullar things to look out for? Sail numbers to avoid? Didn't they used to have a problem with masts breaking in heavy winds? Am I better off getting an old boat that has new sails, or a newer boat with old sails? I have seen a couple of very early boats for sale that have brand new sails with them. Thanks Geoff
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hollandsd
Really should get out more Joined: 12 Oct 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 852 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 30 Dec 08 at 4:06pm |
If i were you, i would go for a 59er, you could also fit a trapeze if you wanted and they certainly shift. The downside of course is the lack of class racing if thats what you are after.
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Laser 184084
Tasar 3501 RS600 698 RS600 782 |
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JimC
Really should get out more Joined: 17 May 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 6649 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 30 Dec 08 at 4:43pm |
Apart from usual stuff I've seen problems around the mainsheet hoop supports and IIRC the cockpit floor in general, but on the whole they seem OK. Check rudder fittings. New rags and old boat is faster than old rags and new boat in just about any class I think, but of course new rags get old and then you have an old boat with old rags... Edited by JimC |
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Geoff
Newbie Joined: 06 May 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 35 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 30 Dec 08 at 5:00pm |
No thanks, class racing is what I am looking for. I've spent 4 years floating around ponds on the B14 handicap racing, trying to get past slower boats that are easier to sail to their optimum. Decided that it is a boat that needs to be on the sea, or a massive lake. I think the 59er would be in a simillar league, plus I might as well throw my money into a fire cos once I buy it I'll never be able to sell it again if I don't like it!! So I am def after an RS400. Anyone know if there have been any changes made to the boat or internal structures over the years? Cheers Geoff |
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Jamesd
Far too distracted from work Joined: 01 Feb 08 Online Status: Offline Posts: 377 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 30 Dec 08 at 8:59pm |
Hey mate good choice in boat. this is something roger gilbert wrote a few years ago: A few thoughts below Should be able to get a very competative boat for £3000. there are a few things that really help such as continuous control lines but i wouldnt worry about them when buying a boat. the moulds were changed in 2001 which i think is about 1100+ numberwise. not a great deal of difference, apart from the foils. the early 1200s were pretty shoddy built. But they are probably a little above £3000. An older boat is fine, they still seem to be stiff and as long as it isnt to beaten about will probably be fine. 2nd at this years nats was number 9?? and 4th was 645. the hulls are very much the same whatever age as long as they have no repairs dents scratches etc. just pm me if you have any queries about anything.
Jim
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Geoff
Newbie Joined: 06 May 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 35 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 30 Dec 08 at 9:42pm |
Cheers mate for the comprehensive reply. One last question - have the spreader brackets been upgraded? If so are the newer ones anything to do with avoiding mast breakages and are they easily changed on an older mast. Apologies for all the mast questions, but I have seen more 400 masts break than any other boats put together!! Just need to sell the B14 now!! Geoff |
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Merlinboy
Really should get out more Joined: 03 Jul 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 3169 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 30 Dec 08 at 9:49pm |
I think the masts break on the 400's when you dump the main sail down hill in a guest, the problem occurs when the boom hits the shrouds. The secret is to not dump the main that much. I have never seen a 400 mast break at the spreader bracket, its usually just above the deck.
The 400 is a fantastic boat, with very few build quality issues, Just watch for soft cockpit floors! |
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Geoff
Newbie Joined: 06 May 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 35 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 30 Dec 08 at 9:55pm |
Is that inthe Helm or Crew area? or both? I guess that is a big job to fix, so walk away from any boat with that problem then.
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Merlinboy
Really should get out more Joined: 03 Jul 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 3169 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 30 Dec 08 at 10:00pm |
From what i understand they all have a "little" flex. But i wouldn't buy a boat with a flexible, soggy floor. Its generally found in the crew/helm area (where you run around on the inside of the boat)
They are great boats, i crew for my brother when its blowing his boat is an early one and holds rig tension well, it is still fast and beats newer boats. You won't be disappointed. |
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redback
Really should get out more Joined: 16 Mar 04 Location: Tunbridge Wells Online Status: Offline Posts: 1502 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 30 Dec 08 at 11:32pm |
Yes the 400 is a fantastic boat for lakes, and tighter courses, and not having such a huge kite is OK on some of the tighter legs pond sailors have to live with. The 59er is a completely different sort of boat which needs big wide open spaces and windward/leeward courses. In fact the 59er is more like the sort of boat that a B14 is. The mast can break if you dump it in a gust downhill, rather try to bear away but being a B14 sailor you'll understand that. Incidentally the 59er breaks mast in just the same way. Edited by redback |
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