Another boat for a Laser lover but Laser challenged?

annettepanon

New Member
I have a Laser that I sail on a lake in Maine. Since I don't sail it often, I still consider myself a definite beginner. I love this boat. However, I end up in the water(which I don't mind) but sometimes capsized. That's a bummer mostly because it takes so much out me to right it. I then can't sail for a few days. Ok, I'm old, not very strong, and not super fit. What I lack in physical attributes I make up for in spirit.

I may need to face facts. I think I know what will be suggested but I am resisting taking action until my suspicion is confirmed.

Please feel free to suggest a more suitable boat. I'm listening.:)
 
Mast-top float. then it won't go completely inverted.

Any time you feel it going over, unload the sails by turning or letting out the main + jib sheets

Inset weights in a wooden dagger board More weight WAY low will do a LOT to prevent going over and aid in righting the boat if it does go over.

And... You may need instruction on an easier way to right the boat.

Add a swim/boarding ladder. Getting back into the boat is probably a lot of what is wearing you out.

From an old guy with just one leg.
 
Sunfish is easier to get back upright...

But mobility challenged people need more room to move around when tacking and jibing. More room lets you respond faster to the need to change sides.

I'd look for a wider (more stable) boat before a narrower one for someone already having issues with turning turtle.
 
I feel your pain... I am only 80 which I don't consider old and while the Capri 14 is not too much boat for me I must confess it is getting harder every year to duck under the boom and when I do loose it; righting the boat gets more energy consuming each time. I suspect sometime in the next 10 years or so I will choose to move to another "small boat" like a 20 to 25' Catalina or some similar boat. I find having a small cabin well stocked with scotch and plenty of shade really feels good from time to time. Capsizing is pretty unlikely if you are even remotely conservative in the amount of sail you are flying and sail in only moderate winds. A C22 or similar boat can easily be single-handed and even if you get knocked down the boat will get back on its feet by itself (keep the cabin door closed). A 22 can also easily be put on a trailer provided you have a swing keel.

I love racing the C14 but in the future I suspect I will enjoy a slighter lager and far more stable/comfortable boat just as much. If you are interested in going this rout go find a boat you can rent for the day and see if the slightly larger boat is for you. If you want to stay with the smaller boat consider finding a 22 year old great looking young girl to crew for you and then just set back and enjoy... :p
 
Mast-top float. then it won't go completely inverted.

Any time you feel it going over, unload the sails by turning or letting out the main + jib sheets

Inset weights in a wooden dagger board More weight WAY low will do a LOT to prevent going over and aid in righting the boat if it does go over.

And... You may need instruction on an easier way to right the boat.

Add a swim/boarding ladder. Getting back into the boat is probably a lot of what is wearing you out.

From an old guy with just one leg.

Thank you! Great idea to get a mast top float. I will do it. Can you say more about Inset weights? Should I just do a google search?
I've rigged up a rope that I can put my foot into to get into the boat; if I can avoid turtling, I may be able to continue getting in with this system. Until I can't:)
 
Radial? Or is that your current rig? If so, try the 4.7 rig.
A Sunfish would be another possibility.
The Sunfish is the option I've come up with. I knew someone else would too. It's a very reasonable option. I currently have the Laser Sail not Radial or 4.7. Changing is definitely an option if I don't decide to give it up altogether for a Sunfish.
 
I feel your pain... I am only 80 which I don't consider old and while the Capri 14 is not too much boat for me I must confess it is getting harder every year to duck under the boom and when I do loose it; righting the boat gets more energy consuming each time. I suspect sometime in the next 10 years or so I will choose to move to another "small boat" like a 20 to 25' Catalina or some similar boat. I find having a small cabin well stocked with scotch and plenty of shade really feels good from time to time. Capsizing is pretty unlikely if you are even remotely conservative in the amount of sail you are flying and sail in only moderate winds. A C22 or similar boat can easily be single-handed and even if you get knocked down the boat will get back on its feet by itself (keep the cabin door closed). A 22 can also easily be put on a trailer provided you have a swing keel.

I love racing the C14 but in the future I suspect I will enjoy a slighter lager and far more stable/comfortable boat just as much. If you are interested in going this rout go find a boat you can rent for the day and see if the slightly larger boat is for you. If you want to stay with the smaller boat consider finding a 22 year old great looking young girl to crew for you and then just set back and enjoy... :p

Hi, I never thought of going to a larger boat. This is an intriguing idea. Scotch is an even more appealing notion. I like the way you think! Renting a larger boat is the right scheme and would be lots of fun I think. I currently crew on a 34' Catalina here in SF Bay and love it.
 

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