cajunsailin
New Member
I am a 50 year old novice sailor. I have done some recreational Sunfish sailing on friends’ boats over the years, but I have not sailed much over the last 30 years.
I recently sailed a Sunfish on a lake in Louisiana, and that rekindled my interest in the sport.
I am trying to decide between purchasing a used Sunfish or a Laser Radial. I have read a lot on the forum about the two boats, and I cannot make a decision. I am 5’8” and weigh 135 pounds. So, the Radial is the best option on a Laser.
I am drawn to the Laser because it sounds like the boat is
·[FONT="] [/FONT]more challenging and responsive than a Sunfish;
·[FONT="] [/FONT]faster;
·[FONT="] [/FONT]provides a better workout (I am in good shape and like to stay that way); and
·[FONT="] [/FONT]more complicated and therefore more likely to keep one’s interest over a longer period
·[FONT="] [/FONT]comes rigged for performance (hiking strap, adjustable gooseneck, etc.).
But is the Laser Radial more responsive, challenging etc.? The smaller sail depowers the Laser and makes it more comparable to a Sunfish on a performance basis.
I am drawn to the Sunfish because:
·[FONT="] [/FONT]it is easier to rig (I don’t know how to rig a Laser);
·[FONT="] [/FONT]easier to sail and control (I don’t have a lot of experience);
·[FONT="] [/FONT]less costly to buy (greater cost/benefit ratio especially if the Radial does not offer any more than the Sunfish);
·[FONT="] [/FONT]less costly to maintain;
·[FONT="] [/FONT]it can be rigged for racing, and so I could grow into the boat.
None of the clubs around here have much of a fleet in dinghies, and so this is not a consideration. So, the likelihood is that I will be doing recreational sailing. What I am looking for is something that is challenging and will keep my interest, is not too much for a novice who will be learning on his own mostly by trial and error and books, does not require a lot of upkeep (I don’t have a lot of time to be refurbishing the boat and doing significant repairs) and within these strictures is cost effective.
I have not seen much on the forum about the upkeep and maintenance differences between the two boats. Are they about the same, the cost of replacing rigging and sails aside. I realize the Laser parts costs more.
I would appreciate feedback from experience sailors who have sailed the two boats?
I recently sailed a Sunfish on a lake in Louisiana, and that rekindled my interest in the sport.
I am trying to decide between purchasing a used Sunfish or a Laser Radial. I have read a lot on the forum about the two boats, and I cannot make a decision. I am 5’8” and weigh 135 pounds. So, the Radial is the best option on a Laser.
I am drawn to the Laser because it sounds like the boat is
·[FONT="] [/FONT]more challenging and responsive than a Sunfish;
·[FONT="] [/FONT]faster;
·[FONT="] [/FONT]provides a better workout (I am in good shape and like to stay that way); and
·[FONT="] [/FONT]more complicated and therefore more likely to keep one’s interest over a longer period
·[FONT="] [/FONT]comes rigged for performance (hiking strap, adjustable gooseneck, etc.).
But is the Laser Radial more responsive, challenging etc.? The smaller sail depowers the Laser and makes it more comparable to a Sunfish on a performance basis.
I am drawn to the Sunfish because:
·[FONT="] [/FONT]it is easier to rig (I don’t know how to rig a Laser);
·[FONT="] [/FONT]easier to sail and control (I don’t have a lot of experience);
·[FONT="] [/FONT]less costly to buy (greater cost/benefit ratio especially if the Radial does not offer any more than the Sunfish);
·[FONT="] [/FONT]less costly to maintain;
·[FONT="] [/FONT]it can be rigged for racing, and so I could grow into the boat.
None of the clubs around here have much of a fleet in dinghies, and so this is not a consideration. So, the likelihood is that I will be doing recreational sailing. What I am looking for is something that is challenging and will keep my interest, is not too much for a novice who will be learning on his own mostly by trial and error and books, does not require a lot of upkeep (I don’t have a lot of time to be refurbishing the boat and doing significant repairs) and within these strictures is cost effective.
I have not seen much on the forum about the upkeep and maintenance differences between the two boats. Are they about the same, the cost of replacing rigging and sails aside. I realize the Laser parts costs more.
I would appreciate feedback from experience sailors who have sailed the two boats?