can everyone please just stop trying to make small changes to the wheel. it works how it is. if its not what you want then sail a boat that fits your needs and its as simple as that
In addition to Alan's and Gordo's comments, I'd like to add that I disagree that you'd be able to sail a Laser in higher winds with foils. The rig will not consistantly withstand higher winds. I can hear mast steps, masts, and booms snapping. I'm deleting any discussion of what kind of sail it would take, as well! Ha ha.
I have always wondered about the Rooster 8.1 Laser in this regard - mainly the mast step strength issues. I always assumed that (some) helm on an 8.1 would be somewhat heavier than on a standard and this with a greater righting weight (more weight hiking out) and with the larger sail would be generating larger stresses on the mast step (and the mast already has quite a high leverage advantage). Not heard of any damage yet but as more people start using the rig and maybe on older boats who knows.
Ian
From the comments, you can see it wouldn't be popular in maintaining the one-design aspects of the class.
I think it would be a fun thing to try, and a good exercise in fiberglassing skills. I would just use an old hull.
Even for fun I don't see the reason to spend time or money doing any serious mods to a Laser.
I'm sure there's used 49er's and Moths out there that would add up to not that much more in terms of money, it would be equal once you figure in time spend modifying a Laser.
I guess someone's idea of fun is spending countless hours hacking up, reglassing and re-engineering a Laser then have at it. Keep in mind whatever Laser byproduct comes out of such a project it would be inferior to whatever boat is trying to be emulated.
Even if the end goal is sailing for fun rather than racing I think it would be more worthwhile getting the right boat from the onset and start sailing sooner. Rather than spending time and money reworking the wheel.
Yeah, and someday I'd like to develop my woodworking skills and build my own Windmill. Now I could go out and BUY one, and it would probably sail better. But it wouldn't be the same would it?
If someone wanted to do something like this for fun (not that urbo100 necessarily wants t do so), I wouldn't knock anybody for trying.
Yeah, and someday I'd like to develop my woodworking skills and build my own Windmill. Now I could go out and BUY one, and it would probably sail better. But it wouldn't be the same would it?
If someone wanted to do something like this for fun (not that urbo100 necessarily wants t do so), I wouldn't knock anybody for trying.
I agree Peter, at least it contributed. When changes are happening quickly and people are forced to update to keep up, then start to reconsider whether to continue. The introduction of wings forced people to update their boats. For us the mouldie hull had been around for a decade without much development.
As for the cost, I was designing and building my new boat each year or two for a while, the cost involved was covered when I sold the boat, which allowed me to build the next one at minimal cost.