| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| sandy |
Posted - 02 Jan 2009 : 16:35:53
I have just received an email from a fellow Stratos Centreboard owner and was surprised to learn that from January 2009 Laser will no longer be selling the Stratos Centreboard version. He had been looking at the Laser website and found a notice to say that the Stratos Centreboard has been discontinued:
http://www.laserperformance.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=925&Itemid=620
I have tried to contact Laser today to get some clarification but have been unable to get through as they are closed until 5th January. The website states that spares will be available for 2-5 years, which I don't find very encouraging. You may want to contact Laser to see what they say about this availability of spares. I will try to contact them as well and post any response.
The Stratos Keel will continue to be available.
Sandy |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| David Duckham |
Posted - 28 Apr 2009 : 15:23:07
I see the depressing news that Laser are discontinuing the centerboard version. You can imagine their reasoning, and that makes me wonder if it might be economic for a smaller company to make the boat. As it is in the interest of all of us owners for the boat to continue to be made, is there any mileage in / enthusiasm for seeing if Laser would sell us the moulds, etc., and the right to the design? I am not sure what I could contribute to this, but would be happy to put some effort in if that would help.
David Duckham 576
David Duckham |
| deswift |
Posted - 10 Mar 2009 : 16:03:10
Re Laser discontinuing the C/Bd version..
Really, I'm not at all sure what material changes there might be for us... I mean, the spares are still available, as they're interchangeble with other boats (including sails from both Hyde and NorthSails) and your local chandlery can supply identical blocks and rudder fittings.
Whilst the keel version has a fairly unique place in the dinghy market, I'm not at all surprised that schools and clubs are going to opt for cheaper plastic boats (rs or bahia) that you can mis-use for years on end without having to repair the gelcoat.
David
303
p.s. uuuuummmmm In fact, anyone have a phone number for RS ?? 
|
| neilgbj |
Posted - 08 Mar 2009 : 19:40:02
Spoke to a number of the 'laser Performance' reps at the Dinghy Show....main concensus is that with the merger with North America profit is all........the Bahia is cheaper and whilst many tried to convince me that it was as good as if not better than the Stratos the all privatley agreed that our boat was far superior. I asked about lack of consultation with the CA and all were somewhat non plussed,particualrly when I mentioned how RS appear to retain loyalty to all classes, even compartive classes like the Vision. All in all I think in the longer term we will benefit and I think that laser has effectively sold its sailing soul !
Anyway its been great sailing weather, was out on the Deben River yesterday and it really was delightful so role on Spring !
Neil |
| bubble |
Posted - 26 Feb 2009 : 23:35:25
hi Simon,
welcome to the stratos world, I also have two kids on board, one 5 one 8, and so do some others,
so you are in good company! [ with that in mind I would recommend a mast float, to stabilise a capsize]
trolley jockey.......
I found mine in a general chandler's, its about £50 with an inflated wheel
I have also locked it to the trolley because it looks too tempting when its just on with a spring clip, but it has to come off when you go on to the combi trailer. [one more thing to cart about].
It helps but its not vital.
try googling 'Trojan jockey wheel'
http://www.trailerspareparts.co.uk/shop/launching-aids-c-155_157.html
regards Neill Cambridge |
| simon thomas |
Posted - 26 Feb 2009 : 20:06:56
Many thanks to you all for your comments. I am now the proud owner of a 2002 Stratos and very much looking forward to getting out on the water.
Can I please ask for some more help? Your hints and tips pictures show a detachable trolley jockey wheel and handle for moving the boat around on the trolley. I have the standard Laser supplied West Mersea combi, can anyone tell me where to purchase the trolley jockey?
Thanks,
Simon.
|
| neilgbj |
Posted - 10 Feb 2009 : 21:35:11
Simon
Should have said Mike Beggs I think normally puts something on here re crusiing at Lymington where there are some boats, not sure if thats helpful ?
Neil |
| neilgbj |
Posted - 10 Feb 2009 : 21:30:37
Simon
Whilst I am biased go for it. Yes there are still nationals (Whitstable this year) and last year I think we had about 15 boats. Whilst the withdrawl of the centreboard is frustrating from a lack of communication point of view from laser practically it wont be a problem. The keel will still be made, we share most parts with the 2K and longer term it might present us with an option for cheaper replacement sails etc (subject to change in class rules)....as you maybe aware the 4k and 5k have gone to Northmapton sailboats for their spares now and that is always an option longer term I suppose.
I sail other boats but my favourite is the Stratos as it really is so flexible.......
Regards
Neil (270) |
| simon thomas |
Posted - 10 Feb 2009 : 20:44:36
Thanks very much, Simon. Is there still a national championships do you know? |
| stratos796 |
Posted - 10 Feb 2009 : 11:26:25
hello simon
I think the stratos c/board or keel is the best boat in the market for your needs.
From new i worked out that ive lost about £650 - £750 a year on my stratos centre board.
When you compare with some other classes of dinghys/sail boats, this seams to me pretty good.
With laser not building the stratos c/board anymore ,it could go either way because they are so sought after they wont go up in value but might stay quite strong in the s/hand market.
but i dont think they will drop massively as they are still building the keel version and most parts are the same, for how long this might go on for we dont know.
laser??
hope this helps you simon
|
| simon thomas |
Posted - 10 Feb 2009 : 09:24:29
I am after some reassurance, please.
I was a Laser 4000 sailor with my wife in a previous incarnation but now we have 3 kids under 5 and think the Stratos would be ideal for club racing and as a family boat for us. I have an offer in on a boat on your website which is newish and has had little use.
I did the deal before finding out about Laser pulling the plug but have yet to complete. My obvious worry is that the value of the boat may plummet,much as the 4 and 5Ks did when Laser stopped supporting and producing them. I worry that if the kids don't like it and my wife can't find the time to sail with me, it could be a very costly mistake.
So I'm tempted towards a Wayfarer, which I think is a lot less fun (and might require me to grow a beard, though I understand these are now in fashion) but a good deal cheaper with much less risk of depreciation. Is the class still strong, do you think; is there, for example, still a National Championships or strong Cruising Club? I'm keen to be swayed back towards the Stratos as I sailed one many years ago in Menorca and liked it very much, but I don't want to get my fingers burned financially.
Thoughts gratefully received,
Simon Thomas. |
| G Hardwick |
Posted - 06 Feb 2009 : 16:42:11
What if any legal or copyright issues are there from branching out away from Laser given they are no longer marketing the class.
I would be particularly interested in opening up the replacement sails market, all we need to do is get Hydes to help us with measurements, alter the rules and allow any sailmaker to supply, just like the traditional classes with sails measured by an RYA measurer, or am I being completely naive.
I would have thought Hydes would be supportive as I am sure their margins supplying Laser aren't that high, and if they aren't we can always do it without them. |
| bubble |
Posted - 10 Jan 2009 : 20:57:13
hi all
just got back from the boat show and the stratos keel is on the stand, but no center board!!!
ho hum
neill cambridge |
| pcarter |
Posted - 10 Jan 2009 : 13:00:44
Strangely enough - I've just received an email from LaserPerformance advertising their presence at the London boat show. In the email is a listing of prices of boats for sail at the show including the Stratos centreboard from £8295. Interesting marketing.
Pete 789 |
| neilgbj |
Posted - 09 Jan 2009 : 19:09:27
Sandy...not sure how you faired but I e mailed Laser to state my dismay about lack of communication and the situation re spares and so far absolutely no response.........no surprises really. Thanks for putting the dates on for the Nationals, hopefully we will ahve bit less wind than 2008 !
Cheers
Neil |
| bubble |
Posted - 03 Jan 2009 : 15:07:44
hi and a happy new year too,
drop the laser from the ass. name, yes, they dropped us a while ago didn't they?
I talked to one of the 'laser people' and the stratos hull was one of the few things that are still made here in England. everything else comes in a container from the far east , so no surprises there then!!
Car clubs that I belong to hold there own spares or have them made, could this happen here?
On a different subject, got my boat out yesterday, sails on and then it got so cold we had to put it away without sailing  , the 8 year old moaned so much before we set off of been cold, I couldn't face another hour of it. I think he was probably right  , as by the time we had packed it back up I was frozen and felt quite exhausted, a cup of tea sorted me out , but it is very cold right now!!
anyway enjoy the new year
Neill, Cambridge 622 [centre board  ] |
