Laser vs. Laser II

D

DaveK

New Member
Hi!! .... new here and I'm glad to find this place. I have just recentley realized that I need to buy a laser. I grew up in a sailboat racing family and have been out it for while. My son is eight (the same age as when I started) and thought this would be the perfect boat. So, if someone doesn't mind giving me a brief explaination on the differences, I would really appreciate it. I'm not planning on racing it right away, but if there are things (options that you should have) that are hull specific, please let me know. Mainly used a day sailor here on lake travis and other water bodies around Austin, TX.

Appreciate any help
DaveK
 
hola Dave. at age 8, perhaps an opti would be a better choice for a starter boat. easier to handle, less powerful rig, plenty of competition if your child desires that, many kids doing the opti together.

best of luck

ARM....an opti dad and new laser sailor
 
This would be a boat for the both of us (mostly me)...lol. I'm not thinking of something that he can take out on his own right now. Maybe in a couple of years.

Thanks
DaveK
 
Hello Dave,
I sail with the Austin Laser fleet (fleet 22) in District 15 out of Austin Yatch Club upon occassion. I can put you into contact with the fleet captain and perhaps an indivual or two that might be able to fix you up with a Laser to test drive. Feel free to contact me at mmashl @ msn. com (lose the spaces)
I'm sure if we get a chance to talk I can get you a ride in a Laser. There is a really good informal regatta coming up mid-september it would be an excellent first regatta...
Talk to ya soon,
Fishingmickey
150087/181157
 
Well...I had this all typed out and of course browser issues...so here goes again:

The obvious differences is that the II is bigger than the laser. It can run a main, jib, and spinnaker. There is a larger cockpit area which is good for sailing with another person, hence why it is a double-handed boat. I sail with my 10 year old and 5 year old pretty combortably, but sailing alone is difficult. The setup of a II takes a bit more time too. Also, there are more active clubs for lasers than II's in the US so more opportunities for racing. Since the laser class is much larger in the US, it is also easier to find used boats.

Here are some links for II's and you have already found top site for lasers:

http://laser2.est.org/
http://www.laser2sailing.org/
http://www.warwick.ac.uk/~phsbm/laser2/2stips.htm
Hope that helps some in your decision. I'm sure you'll get plenty of useful insight and assistance from the members here too.

Fair winds
 
It all depends on what the most common use of the boat will be - single handed or sailed with your son. If it is just for you to sail on your own and to occasionally take your son out as well, I would recommend a laser. However, if your son is interested in sailing with you regularly then a laser 2 is the way to go. You can sail a laser 2 single handed but you need to be fairly proficient. If you do this, however, I recommend that you leave the jib on.
 
Thanks everyone for the input. I'm clear on the differences. I doubt this could be done but, it would be very cool if you could convert a Laser to a Laser II. Also..... does anyone know anything about a similiar boat called a US1???? A buddy of mine has on that hasn't been used in a couple of decades. I'm not finding much on the internet about them either.

Anyways... thanks again and thanks Michael for the emails!!!
DaveK
 
DaveK said:
I doubt this could be done but, it would be very cool if you could convert a Laser to a Laser II.
Click to expand...

I have the impression that the Laser II is a tippy boat and quite a challenge and maybe wouldn't be the way to introduce an eight-year-old to sailing. Have you been to the Vanguard website? There are a number of boats they sell that have jib and spinnaker.

http://teamvanguard.com/2005/base/index.asp

Also, there's a little sailboat that is a fairly big class in England called the Mirror. It has a jib and spinnaker and is for two people. I've seen some for sale in America. This one at the link is sold, but you can see the hull.

http://www.sailingtexas.com/smirrordinghya.html

Merrily
 
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