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!!

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

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.

crazydaisy said...

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 would agree at 45Kg, and 60kg the Sabre would be the best bet, they are only 41kg so easy to handle and almost the same size as a 125 so can carry two when teaching. Having sail both laser and Sabre the Sabre is much easer to handle than a laser.

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.

frant said...

At 45kg a 4.7 rig would be best bet. At 60kg a radial rig would be ideal. At 90 kg the full rig is perfect. Stick with the laser. Its a bit like someone telling you that a Toyota Corrolla would be a more suitable small car than a Mini. Its just not true.

Frant I think you should go for a sail on a Sabre if you haven't already, they are nothing like a Laser at all. they are far lighter to move around, far more stable as they are not round bilged and alround a much better boat for the purpose discribe by crazydaisy. I have both a Laser and a Sabre so I speak from some experence. The Sabre would be more like a BMW to the Lasers Corralla for the purpose described.

hello what state do you like in?