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RS400 proposed changes |
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RS400atC
Really should get out more Joined: 04 Dec 08 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3011 |
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Topic: RS400 proposed changes Posted: 11 Oct 10 at 10:41am |
So it's finally crawled out from its lair in the murky depths of Chandlers Ford!
RS are proposing 'updating' the 400
The proposed changes:
The boat, which will simply be numbered “2011”, also features 2 other “cosmetic” changes: Firstly the foredeck has clear gel and carbon top layer (similar look to RS100) – no weight reduction, and would be an option on the order form. Secondly the thwart is reinforced allowing a higher cutline both fore and aft to reduce chafe on the straps. This surprised us as it definitely looks “crisper” somehow, and of course will be better for shins of both helm and crews!. (end of quote)
What do people on here think?
Will a 'modern' sail plan look silly on a 'classic boat'?
Will a square head sail be faster? Will it last as long?
Will this sell lots of boats, or make half the fleet obsolete?
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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: 11 Oct 10 at 10:57am |
Seems like a lost opportunity. For my money the main is too big and the kite too small.
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alstorer
Really should get out more Joined: 02 Aug 07 Location: Cambridge Online Status: Offline Posts: 2899 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 11 Oct 10 at 11:11am |
Saw it at the weekend at Hayling- both the revised hull and sail plan. An older hull had the new sails out on Sunday. Did actually look quite nice- impossible to tell any performance difference. Apparently the boom on the prototype is essentially the RS100 boom. The prototype mast ram needs a bit of work- they blew up the ply fitting under the foredeck. Apparently the idea is that it will be a cast metal part. Didn't spot the carbon pole (if it had one).
Spinnaker looked a different (better?!) cut too.
All the changes will be put to the class, to vote on whether they adopt them in part, in whole or reject them entirely.
With the Vinylester hull, will they be shifting production to the same site as the 100s? |
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Al |
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G.R.F.
Really should get out more Joined: 10 Aug 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 4028 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 11 Oct 10 at 11:17am |
Why no weight reduction?
What is it with dinghy land that wants us to keep putting our backs out hauling the things around. Commercially I would have thought stronger stiffer lighter would be precisely a reason for buying a new boat, or have the Phantom Class got it wrong? Unless you make the old boats obsolete, nobody is going to rush to buy a new one. Not I should point out do I have the remotest interest in this boat, it's just as usual my three happorth, my pal has one, think he might jump if it had something 'special' going on. Are they not boats that male/female teams like to use, another reason for it to be lighter. |
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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: 11 Oct 10 at 11:20am |
Why is the change needed for a start? I think it all sounds great, can you update an older boat with the systems and kit? There must be a performance advantage with all these new bits and bobs!
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alstorer
Really should get out more Joined: 02 Aug 07 Location: Cambridge Online Status: Offline Posts: 2899 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 11 Oct 10 at 11:22am |
The new sails certainly fit straight on to the "old" rig. The mast remains the same (now THAT's a wasted oppertunity)
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Al |
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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: 11 Oct 10 at 11:25am |
I would think the main motivation for the changes would be sales figures.
As for mainsail size - firstly the upwind/downwind righting moment balance is out, and secondly the mainsail very heavy on the hands. Edited by JimC - 11 Oct 10 at 11:28am |
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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: 11 Oct 10 at 11:39am |
Jimbo, not sure the new 300 sail had anything to do with the class resergence. The class had taken a massive upturn long before the sail was launched. |
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maxibuddah
Really should get out more Joined: 06 Mar 09 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 1760 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 11 Oct 10 at 11:48am |
GRF, the phantom was always heavy to its original rules, therefore losing weight (unlike the owners) was ok. The 400 is the weight it is and would therefore mean rule changes, and lets face it, it would make the current fleet obsolete. Turkeys don't vote for christmas.
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Everything I say is my opinion, honest
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G.R.F.
Really should get out more Joined: 10 Aug 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 4028 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 11 Oct 10 at 11:57am |
Hah, and there you have it, exactly the reason no attention should be paid to what 'the class' might think, they're hardly going to vote for improvements are they?
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