Laser std to XD upgrade DIY guide needed

AndyG

New Member
Hello all. First post here. I'm considering making an offer on a '98 laser that has the std controls. I know that I would like to upgrade to the full XD controls at some point. Is it much effort to do this or should I hold out for a younger boat that has the new fittings already? From looking at various guides it looks as though several new screw holes need to be made in the deck to add the two new plates, but no advice is given on size of hole, screw type to use, proper sealing, measurements for proper location of the plates, making good the old screw holes etc . Can someone point me to a good source of info on how to perform this upgrade? I already have the following doc, but it's very light on the DIY details of upgrading the fittings. (http://mpaladin.com/downloads/laser/LaserXDOuthaulCunninghamRigging.pdf)

Thanks,

Andy.
 
No new screw holes needed at all. The new hardware was specifically design to mount to the same mounting holes. Looking at the document you attached, parts 1 and 2 are the only hardware modifications required to the hull. Assuming there have been no major repairs to the hull, you can use the same screws and screwholes that are securing the old hardware. Just be sure to use some silicone.

When it comes to buying a boat, I would go with the best hull for the money. The lack of XD controls would obviously factor into the price. Still, I think it would be better to buy a newer hull with older controls than the other way around.

If you do buy a boat with old style controls, they sell complete upgrade kits. However, my recommendation would be this. Go ahead and buy a complete vang. Yes it is pricey, but it works well and is the best part of the upgrade IMHO.

For the cunningham and outhual, what comes it the kits isn't necessarily the best way to rig stuff. Buy the deck-mount plates, but outfit it with your own blocks, cleats, and line. If you are unsure what do get, look at what other people are using. The APS website also has some good suggestions.
 
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Excellent. Exactly the info (and more!) that I needed. If the new fittings come with necessary screws, I guess all I'd need is marine sealant and the kit parts. Thanks for the advice.
 
Hey Andy,
may aswell use the original screws.
What people keep coming to me with regarding the 'upgrade kit pack' containing all the blocks n lines is that it's confusing...the lines hardly make sense and its apparently really easy to install them incorrectly. ( I binned all mine and went for a different flavour)
The knot most folk seem to have on the old outhaul cleat on the boom, for the new control line, I found kept hooking on the foot of the sail through tacks, it's a bugger in light airs. Following the guide that comes in the kit makes for extra setting up and doing / undoing tight knots later, personal preferences to all here within the rules.
In fact it takes only about 15 - 20 minutes to remove the old, clean up, refit the new, given you everything to hand.
Like Torrid sez, the proper kicker is a must ....in order of desire - Harken, Allen, ( class legal) Holt and Barton (copies).
I've found no need to go overkill on the down haul, it's not used that heavily there's enough power in a 3-1 for when you do use it.
 
Thanks. I guess I will need to look into the various legal configurations and do my own flavour. Re priority upgrades, I agree re the kicker. However, if I'm updating the kicker and outhaul and adding the new deck fittings, I'm most of the way there so I may as well do the lot and have done with it. I'm getting carried away. Its always so tempting to upgrade to the latest kit on a new toy - I don't even have the chuffing boat yet! :)
 
Not yet. Unfortunately, the sale fell through. Looking at a different boat now but the seller is asking too much for it. Going to see it next weekend if I can agree sensible money before making the trip. It has gxd kit. Much younger boat (2005).
 
the only problem with upgrading an old boat is that if the deck is in anyway soft you might have problems getting the screws to stay in teh deck i was lucky (if you can call it that) and my boat allready had inspection ports from a mast step reair, this allowed my to use a bolt with a washer and nut.
 
it's pretty easy to upgrade, if you need help we've got all the measurements and parts you'll need, working on a new rigging video that will be out shortly
 

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