Hi, I recently took a couple of ASA classes, but my wife isn't willing to commit the time to get into cruising keel boats (I dream Caribbean). I kind of left with the void of wanting to sail.
My local body of water is an inland lake, that can be very dead wind wise; I'm thinking my sailing days won't be as often as I may want, which makes me think I should mitigate how much I spend as I check out a new hobby. I've reached out to a local yacht club that has a laser fleet, but have not got a response... I'm kind of giving up on them for now at least... maybe it's the season... maybe they are as snotty as I might stereotype a yacht club to be (I'm picturing the Caddy shack golf club.... I'm sure I'm way off).
I want something I can single hand. I expect I will mostly sail solo. That said, I would like to be able to take my college age kids out to horse around and learn to sail if they take interest. I've seen photos of people with guests on a laser. I weigh 160 lbs, 5'8"
I thought about a hobie cat (I think everyone that saw Jaws 2 when they were a kid has pondered a hobie), but I really want quick set up. From what I hear, set up can be pretty lengthy. I do like the idea of having a foresail.
I also like the idea of being able to truck bed or roof rack to save the trailer hassle... or store at marina and dolly to ramp....
It seems like used Lasers are pretty high $$, should I consider something else? If spending $6.5K on a used laser, should I consider an RS Aero? They are light enough to single hand load on top of car I understand....
Any thoughts appreciated.
My local body of water is an inland lake, that can be very dead wind wise; I'm thinking my sailing days won't be as often as I may want, which makes me think I should mitigate how much I spend as I check out a new hobby. I've reached out to a local yacht club that has a laser fleet, but have not got a response... I'm kind of giving up on them for now at least... maybe it's the season... maybe they are as snotty as I might stereotype a yacht club to be (I'm picturing the Caddy shack golf club.... I'm sure I'm way off).
I want something I can single hand. I expect I will mostly sail solo. That said, I would like to be able to take my college age kids out to horse around and learn to sail if they take interest. I've seen photos of people with guests on a laser. I weigh 160 lbs, 5'8"
I thought about a hobie cat (I think everyone that saw Jaws 2 when they were a kid has pondered a hobie), but I really want quick set up. From what I hear, set up can be pretty lengthy. I do like the idea of having a foresail.
I also like the idea of being able to truck bed or roof rack to save the trailer hassle... or store at marina and dolly to ramp....
It seems like used Lasers are pretty high $$, should I consider something else? If spending $6.5K on a used laser, should I consider an RS Aero? They are light enough to single hand load on top of car I understand....
Any thoughts appreciated.