I'm looking for a first time racing dinghy, 1 person crew and the fastest boat I can get for under £1500.
How does the MC Scow compare to the Laser? Which is faster? The Scow has a much larger sail area but has a higher Portsmouth Yardstick handicap, for a similar size boat this seems a bit odd, though actually the Scow is MUCH heavier.
The laser does seem like a solid choice for a first time racer, but I can't help thinking that there must be somthing just that little bit faster out there for a similar price range?
I don't have any racing experience so for all I know the MC Scow could be completely the wrong choice, the closest I've got to racing is thrasing about in toppers - I've only really cruised about in wayfarers and oysters up until now, which is wierd because I'm usually never happy unless im speeding past everthing else in the harbour..
They are 2 totally different boats and designs. The MC is much larger and heavier. The class has a rule that if the breeze is sustained at 22 knots or more they do not race. Also, the MC can choose to race with a crew member if you want. It is that much bigger. When you capsize they are very difficult to right with one person. Capsize a laser you can get back in the game. Capsize an MC and your race is over.
I actually own both a scow (Melges17) and a Laser. One observation I would make deals with the hull shape. A scow is not going to perform well going upwind, especially in waves. I would say a scow is pretty good as long as you sail on a lake and against other scows. I would not want a scow to sail in waves or against a mixed fleet.