R
well remember that there are people out there that sail more often then you, and probably sail alot harder, and break stuff, a lot! i know guys that go through boats every six months, sails every regatta, and throw away spars like its goin out of style
if we made better products(masts) this wouldent be happening, by one, maybe another as a spare, and thats it
I ALWAYS travel with a spare topsection because of the threat that it will break/bend/snap, and i have 6 more in my garage of varying vintage, I beleive this is rather uncommon for other classes, it should be stopped
I have the exxact same problem. I sail alot too tho (I am young and do not work much) I have a practise hull tho to stop the newer one from getting deystroyed. Also unheard of in ANY other class
The bad parts make the laser look like a 'cheap' boat. A little more room in the rules would be very nice for example the little traveler block I replaced 5 times last year. If it could be changed to any other block of the same diameter made by harken or something it would last.
Lasers are unbelievably cheap to sail compared to any other Olympic or international class.
OK. We're about to pound this puppy to death, but one last point. As it relates to bent/broken spars. Why do you think Robert Scheidt continued to use the "old style" vang system and even won the 2004 games w/one, (other than the fact he is one of the best laser sailors of all time)? I'm surprised the recent SW interview did not ask this question, but I wonder if he did it to avoid breaking/bending the top section? I think they should allow the sleeve on the top section or something to support the heavier loads being applied with the new vang, but not carbon.
Thing is that most parts on a laser are quite cheap a little more quality instead of quantity would be good. Putting a block that costs an extra $10 that lasts forever or pretty close, I see as a good thing. I personaly think the rules are way to tight. Like the amount of purchase in the outhal and cuningham????? Doers it realy matter if Joe has to pull with half the force as Bob to get the vang on????????? No it doesn't, It's a pain in the ass for young kids in the radial really.
That's all fine and dandy, and yes, its much cheaper than a Finn mast. But... dont be fooled, the aluminum tube is about $30 worth at the most. Add another $4 worth of plastic, and now you are at manufacturing cost. Who's getting the rest of the $200+ ?I'll take my chances and either invert or buy a new top or bottom section for $250.00 thanks. .
Opti's are a One Design class that is completely out of control, missing the whole point of of racing One Design, where the sailor wins the race. It's a checkbook war, and really sends the wrong message to the kids.
Al
LAserrite, The carbon testing is only for radials correct?
It would appear this thread has been hijacked/morphed into one on composite spars... Maybe Bradley can separate it?
The main testing will be aimed at the Radial and not at the Standard or 4.7 rigs.
Tracy