Probably a Dumb Question...

[ChrisB]

Agree with Peterw11. I would add that the Laser is a solo boat. If your plans include taking wife, girlfriend, etc. along, you probably want to consider something bigger. If you will be by yourself and don't mind getting wet, the Laser will be a blast.

[kkearns]

John,

If you are new to sailing, then I would advise staying away from a Laser. It is a very quick, very technical single handed boat designed for athletic and reasonably experienced sailors. It is used primarily for racing, not leisurely day sailing. Not the type of boat you would want to spend a day on, or even half a day. It will beat you up in a breeze. Very wet. Very tender. Great boat, but not for the beginner in my opinion.

True, nice used boats in the Daysailer class can be tough to locate, and some require a little TLC to bring them back to good condition. But they can be found in the $1,000-2,000 range if you are patient. Get on the Sailing Texas site (By the way, guys, did you see that Dave succumbed to cancer last night? He has been battling for a year or more. His wife says she will continue the site.) and keep looking. I bought a 1965 Daysailer for $800, bought a used trailer for $300 and I am in business. She needed a lot of cosmetic work, but structurally she is sound.

Anyway, I think the Daysailer is a great choice for the type of sailiing you describe.

Kevin

[johncharmon]

Good points since I probably don't want to get wet every time I go out, especially in the winter.

[seandwyer]

John - I think you said you are in Orlando or somewhere nearby? Here's one that was just posted on the Daysailer site, in Savannah GA - Only about 4 hours and a lot of time, sellers will meet you half way. Looks like precisely what you need.

http://forum.daysailer.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3180#12912

[kokko]

If you are still in the market there are two books that I would recommend: Dinghys and Daysailers, and A Field Guide to Sailboats. You can find the books on Amazon. Both books give you specifications and some comparisons.

Like others on this forum, I am biased to the DS. There are thousands out there, it is a proven design, easily trailered, rigged and a joy to sail.

[kokko]

Another suggestion is to check aroudn the area for local racing/social fleets. There is certainly some type of dinghy/daysailer fleet in the area. The advantage is you would be plugged in to a network of owners who can give you a lot of advice and teach you a few things about the boat.

[kokko]

Here's a list

http://centralfloridasailing.blogspot.com/

[talbot]

Regarding Laser vs DS: All of my experience in capsizing has been on Lasers. One of the nicest things about the Laser is how easy it is to right after it goes over. I crewed on two Lasers, one of whose owners subsequently switched to a Daysailer after sailing on my boat; the other got rid of his Laser and occasionally crews for me. That said, there is nothing like the thrill of flying out on the trapeze as the Laser lifts off the wave crests. It's a different experience of sailing. I would try to crew on one so you can see what it's like.

[ChrisB]

The "Laser" that John started the thread by asking about was the original Laser design (singlehanded, one sail, hiking straps only; no trapeze). I believe the boat you're describing is the "Laser 2"

[johncharmon]

Still looking in my spare time but haven't been able to get away from work long enough to see anything far away. This doesn't look too bad for a starter boat--what are your thoughts:

http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1628115689.html

[ChrisB]

I don't know much about the Holder Hawk but from the pics it looks like it carries less sail area than the Laser which would make it less technical to sail. It will also make it slower. Also, as with the Laser this is essentially a one-person boat and it would be wetter than something the size of the DS. For a starter boat, the price is very attractive however. This one looks to be in very good condition.

[kokko]

Too small. Find something at least 14" The Hawk is beg enough for kids, but not adults

[seandwyer]

I agree with KOKO. There really isn't anywhere to sit, so you will get worn out pretty quickly. 14' sounds about right - but the Widgeon wouldn't be a bad fit at all if you can find one.

[kokko]

Here's a good place to browse for used boats. They may not be in your area, but it gives you an idea of what is available.

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

[kokko]

I see there are a couple of Boston Whaler Typhoons down your way.