carbon mast

sailingmania

New Member
hi who here thinks that the laser rig is old and about time they upgraded? if so please leave a comment on what you think they should do as im interested. i think they should keep the same hull but with a carbon unstayed mast xd kiker, standard legal outhaul and cunningham and a nice fully baterened kevlar sail.
 
I dont agree because I like the one design (in principle if not in practice), however I am surprised there is not any sort of aftermarket for these sort of parts....

I think the vang, cunningham and outhaul upgrades went too far, I cant imagine having to buy a piece of carbom fiber that big along with a Kevlar sail in order to race.
 
hi who here thinks that the laser rig is old and about time they upgraded? if so please leave a comment on what you think they should do as im interested. i think they should keep the same hull but with a carbon unstayed mast xd kiker, standard legal outhaul and cunningham and a nice fully baterened kevlar sail.

so make it into a finn?
 
Personally I think there are other classes that already allow such technologies and development. There is a place for the Laser as it is as there is a place for the other classes. No need to try and turn the Laser into something it is not, particularly when there are already other suitable classes for people who what high tech/development/etc.

For me the strict one design aspect is an aspect that really attracts me to the class. I am happy with some sensible considered development - ideally where the upgrades give no real competitive advantage. The sort of approach the class seems to want to follow.

If the original poster wants something else then there are other classes that might appeal more. No need to take an already successful class and try and turn it into something else.

Ian
 
Um, isn't a carbon upper section for radial sailors wending its way through the rules approval process? Or did that get killed?
 
Laser is one design for a reason. If you want to develop your boat sail something else. And yes carbon top sections were considered but the idea has basically died for various reasons.
 
I dont think that anything should be changed, just the price of laser parts should definetely be reduced. One example as mentioned in another thread is the auto bailer, which is really just a piece of plastic but it is priced high.
 
I would tend to be against such radical upgrades due to their financial impact. For example, in the Finn class masts can run $3000 to $4000. Sails can run $1200 - $1600. Full up new boat package can be $15000 before you're done.

If not for the Olympics, I seriously doubt the Finn would be a viable class, due to these financial constraints. Even with the Olympics, I doubt you would be able to find a Finn regatta in the US with more than 30 boats on the water (Most recent Nationals had 26 boats).

All these upgrades sound good in theory until the bill comes due. What you find is that it chokes off the resource pool of sailors (especially youth) who need access to cheap (relatively) viable used equipment to enter the class.

In reality, enabling this influx of youth sailors is what maintains/grows the fleet, not the development of technical upgrades.
 
I think the vang, cunningham and outhaul upgrades went too far, I cant imagine having to buy a piece of carbom fiber that big along with a Kevlar sail in order to race.

these thing aint taking it to far.. it make it more cometative with the new kicker outhaul n cunningham( ok u can do with out this ) if you sailed a keel boat you would understand how it efects the boat speed ect,

the carbon mast and carbon sails oooo that would b sexy ;) but yea it would b over the top
 
I dont agree because I like the one design (in principle if not in practice), however I am surprised there is not any sort of aftermarket for these sort of parts....

I think the vang, cunningham and outhaul upgrades went too far, I cant imagine having to buy a piece of carbom fiber that big along with a Kevlar sail in order to race.

I would tend to be against such radical upgrades due to their financial impact. For example, in the Finn class masts can run $3000 to $4000. Sails can run $1200 - $1600. Full up new boat package can be $15000 before you're done.

erm just look at keel boats $15k about (7.0k£) is nothing for a new boat kited out for racing at olympic standard, take the new x-yacht's no racing sails no carbon on it your talking 150k£ with carbon sails and carbon spinny polls an extra 30k-40k£ and then 15k every 2 years for new sails and yes they might b 3 times the size but still scales alot more, wana race with the big boys/girls be prepaired to pay for it
 
wana race with the big boys/girls be prepaired to pay for it

Well, that was his point, though.... If a Laser cost $15K then a lot of people would say "Holy dollar-signs! I guess I DON'T want to race with the big boys.... maybe I'll try competitive bowling instead"... and then we'd have nobody to race with. You need at least a few lower-end ($$-wise) classes or the sport will just die.
 
Let's leave the innovations to a minimum. The Laser has become one of the worlds largest classes for a reason. Stop looking for change and enjoy the boat for what it is!
 
If they hi tech the laser, the price will go up. That will kill the class in some countries. Specially en South America where they are struggling for boats and parts. So far the only way you can get the most of a boat it is not buying the latest fashion gadgets, it is time in the water and feeling the boat, trying all the time to sail as efficient as possible. That sailing wisdom you just get it in the water, it is something that does not come with the credit card.
 
If they hi tech the laser, the price will go up. That will kill the class in some countries. Specially en South America where they are struggling for boats and parts. So far the only way you can get the most of a boat it is not buying the latest fashion gadgets, it is time in the water and feeling the boat, trying all the time to sail as efficient as possible. That sailing wisdom you just get it in the water, it is something that does not come with the credit card.

Well said. True in many areas of sailing even in 'well off' countries. There are a lot of people (including myself) who would not be sailing if it was not for that first inexpensive (but still competitive) Laser! My first boat cost me £450 and I used it for about 2 years (and then sold it on for the same amount). I do admit I had spent some of my hard earned on it, new lines, sail etc.. but there are not many classes where you can sail a boat for 2 years and sell it on for what you paid (and even make a profit sometimes).

The one thing that i do dream of is a better standard sail (but I know this already being looked at, I hope the Hyde gets the nod!)

Paul
 

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