I had a Laser when I was a teenager but haven't sailed much since. Now I'd like to get my 14year old daughter out on the water. She's a light weight (45kg) I'm 60kg and her Dad is around 90Kg. I used to sail my laser with two people even though it was a bit cramped. No racing, just having fun. Any advice?
I'd suggest looking at another boat.
Lasers usually get a flogging and are probably one of the worst built sailing dinghy going around. Anything over about 10 years with alot of use is probably going to have a soft deck which means the foam and glass have seperated and it's a slippery slope from there.
Where abouts are you??
I would strongly recommend a Sabre. They are the fastest growing class in the country and you can pick up well built timber boats in good nick for under $1500, here are some examples www.sabre.org.au/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3361#3361
It is a much better behaved boat than a Laser with the hull form offering far better stability. They also have about 10 times the cockpit space and aren't about to break your knees while hiking as a Laser can do!!!
I also like the idea of a timber boat as you and your daughter can do some maintenance together, there is no better way to get kids into sailing for life than for them to take pride in the boat they worked on over winter!!
rumble is on the money crazy.
Another worthwhile boat is the Tasar. www.tasar.org/
I sold a good one for $1,000 last year.
Thanks for your thoughts. I shall have to have a look at some Sabres. I always liked the laser because it was so quick and easy to get into the water. I think they were pretty new on the market in 1975 and it was light enough to tow behind my Mini!
Ever thought about a small cat?? Rediscovered the joys today after a looong break from little boat sailing.
Calypso 16...manageable for me and my 8 year old daughter and 11 year old nephew. They loved getting out on the trapeze!!!
Just a bit more room on a cat with the tramp ....oh, and loads more fun...hush my mouth![]()
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Good luck with it all
Trace
hi if just for her open bic quick to rig fun to sail hard to break no bailing easy
righting great modern little boat
or for the family go the beach cat nacra or windrush good hull volume to carry the weight fast and fun
if going to get into racing later go to your local club see what their racing also will have some courses you may be intrested in.
Hmm.. Where are you situated.? I have an old laser, and for the critics there is nothing wrong with an older laser..... Sure there is some bad ones ...but isnt that allways the case?
Im either selling mine dirt cheap, or spending some time and TLC and selling for more.
Planesailing - thank you but I'm on the opposite side of the country! Far South Coast NSW. Am on the chase for a local laser that has been passed around the district. The last possessor has forgotten where he's left it. The original owner agrees that it would be perfect for us.
And Frant - I had a mini when I was a teenager and sold it because someone told me a Toyoto Corolla was better! It broke down three weeks later.
Thanks for all the replies. We've found the local laser so we'll have a go on that and see how we get on.