Looking at buying a 2nd hand dinghy - any advice

[Marcellus]

As per title really we're looking at buying a Laser 1 and not really too sure as to what to look out for so any pointers much appreciated.

[schmalex]

• Check the leading edge of the dagger board & rudder for chips & dings

• Check the dagger board for cracks

• Check around the dagger board case, mast step & pintles pintles for cracks

• If it has been raced a lot, the rig can sometimes take on some pre-bend - not an issue in itself, but it could mean that the sail is somewhat stretched.

• Check the bottom of the transom for any big chips & dings

• Have a good check around the hull / deck join to see if there are any obvious signs of deterioration.

• Press the hull all the way round with your hand to make sure there are no really soft spots

That's about it, really. They are bloody tough little boats & withstand a hell of a beating. So long as there is no delamination or cracks around the dagger board case & mast step, then anything else is really just cosmetic.

[happygoron]

And make sure it's still watertight!

Sails are always something to look at, pretty essential and make a huge difference to the boats sailability, though if you only want it to pootle around in it won't be a major factor. Remember there are 3 sail sizes available for the laser and I belive all require different mast sections. Smaller sails are handy if you have teenage kids that will want to use it.

[Marcellus]

Thanks for all the advice... no teenagers involved we're actually looking at buying two (a his n hers) so that Mrs M and I can both enjoy our sailing as Mrs M is still very much a beginner (so yes the 4.7 sail is ideal) whereas I am a "tad" more advanced.

We've agreed that single handed boats are the way to go and it is paying dividends in Mrs Ms confidence and ability and not the cause of on board "Domestics".... (plus she hates the fact that I go a lot faster!!)

[Engineer1]

Just consider is a Lazer big enough, I had a Topper and it soon got uncomfortable the boom is too low the hull too shallow in the end it was too uncomfortable to sail regularly and for any length of time.

[Rum Runner]

Press side deck for micro cracking / softness of the GPR where fat blokes have been hard on the roll tacks

[Marcellus]

Engineer1 said:

Just consider is a Lazer big enough, I had a Topper and it soon got uncomfortable the boom is too low the hull too shallow in the end it was too uncomfortable to sail regularly and for any length of time.

We see these as interim boats for a season or so, during which time Mrs M can actually get upto speed and then we can move on in something more interesting (thinking Fireball).

I have raced Toppers and Lasers (420s, 505s and Fireballs) at National level many moons ok decades ago and haven't really put on much size or weight since then.... plus there's not that much more space in a Fireball!! so yes I am aware of the space issues associated to Lasers and have never found it as a problem.. you only get a boom swipe once before you start to learn!!!

[Hard-Drive]

Also, probably the only dinghy that you actually need to check it's not nicked...beware if buying from eBay etc and check for anything suspicious on hull numbers.

A top sailor once told me that a Laser sail only stays truly competitive for about 20 hours, so sail condition is important. I think that you have to pay extra if you want a replacment sail that's rolled, not folded! Also, check that the sail is genuine Laser, not Rooster. Rooster (or similar) is fine, however if your local fleet are picky then you might not be allowed to race with it, such are the joys of one design sailing.

Also, check for any kneecaps/cruciate ligaments/sinews/cartilidge that might be stuck in the bailer... :-)

[chrisga]

Hi Marcellus - did you get up to Draycote on Wednesday? Did you get some good laser buying tips sorted? The laser fleet are a pretty friendly bunch. Would be good to have another PH'er at the club.....

[Marcellus]

Hi Chris... you stalking me???

Yes I did get to Draycote and met a few of the guys but more importantly Alan showed me what he'd said in his email, which coupled with everything everyone has said on here is a great checklist.

Now just need to find two in our budget.

[chrisga]

Nope, sorry, Marcellus is a pretty unusual username and i saw your post on the DWSC site and then on here and put two and two together....

If you need any info about the club or anything else let me know. I dont sail a laser, but have an RS300 up at Draycote. Bit like a laser but a bit more, well, err, good really, one of these:



Might be worth a look also, if you've done a bit before...

Edited by chrisga on Friday 10th September 17:38

[Marcellus]

Hi Chris, we're actually already members and using the club boats whilst we found things that suit us.

RS300 nice, but I think it might be out of our budget at the moment.

[chrisga]

Cool. In that case I hope to meet you in the bar! Good luck with the hunt for the lasers! As i said, if you need any info let me know either through here or DWSC forum. I've been a long time member at Draycote and am on the committee for my sins. Theres a couple of other PH'ers there too, hardrive who posted a few posts up is a DWSC member and sails fireballs.

I've also got a B14 so if you fancy a go in something which might score a bit more PH cred than a laser or fireball let me know!

Edited by chrisga on Friday 10th September 18:24