New Rules

[Matwing]

As in most classes that have withstood the test of time, the Laser class is trying to improve. I think that what they did was a good idea, trying to modify the boat for the better. Unfortunately, they`ve restricted the hardware to do it by limiting major fittings to ones that must be supplied by a dealer instead of specifying a type of fitting to be used. The prices charged for the 3 pieces of hardware in question are far beyond their use on the boat. I made a similar fitting on my J24 with a pivoting cleat to ajust my cunningham for 10% of what they`re charging for a Harken or Holt Vang fitting! What a ripoff! Matwing

 

[will162878]

That's the price we pay for a strictly controlled class.
The builders have a monopoly over all our parts.

 

[laser161116]

If there is only one part you're allowed to use and only one person making it, then they can charge whatever they want.

 

[will162878]

All the blocks and lines are being sold at the normal price - it is the deck plates and vang units that are over-priced.

In theory, we should get competition between the Holt and Harken vang units but they are sold at the same (high) price by the manufacturers (mainly.)