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A manufacturer in Australia is making class approved fibre glass blades. I saw a set last weekend. Apparently they are slightly heavier than the originals and much stiffer. They don't have the metal stiffening inserts and are a brown colour as they are not painted or coated at all.
Other more experienced sailors were discussing them and suggesting the stiffer centre board is good but that the rudder may be too stiff. They felt it was more prone to stalling and that a slightly flexible rudder would be better.
I think all new lasers is Australia are being supplied with them as standard.
Sorry I can't find an online Aust dealer with pictures or detailed description but I know these guys are supplying them ....
www.boatinghardware.com
Change that - here's a picture ...http://www.lasersailing.com.au/index.html
... but maybe they're made in UK ??
I'm a big fan of some variability in the rigging, but I don't know about this. Multiple blade options, carbon fiber spars, this is getting away from even my definition of "one design". ....
Was there any reason for updating these besides performance? I can understand if there was a rash of blades breaking or something, but I doubt that is the case.
These composite blades are available in the US, but the finish is white.
From the 2007 APS catalog:
V20096 Rudder blade $210
V20097 Daggerboard $450
Considerably more expensive than the 'classic' version!
That would make them illegal then? How did they get that claim past the rule makers?Here is an interesting claim from an Australian Laser dealer
"Latest News:
New Fiberglass foils for your laser!
Be the first at your club with the ability to sail faster and higher with the latest in laser technology."
These composite blades are available in the US, but the finish is white.
From the 2007 APS catalog:
V20096 Rudder blade $210
V20097 Daggerboard $450
Considerably more expensive than the 'classic' version!