| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
PGuignabaudet
United Kingdom
97 Posts |
 Posted - 09 Dec 2002 : 15:42:58
|
Hi,
I'm about to buy a used Stratos and I've found both a centreboard version and a keel version, but I can't make up my mind. I was wondering whether as owners/regular users you could give me some advice.
I'm planning to take my 7 & 5 year old sons sailing with me most of the time, and that's why I was initially keener on the keel version for the greater safety in strong and gusty winds.
I've read magazine articles and talked to Laser sales reps and they tend to say that the centreboard version already provides stacks of stability and it's quite dificult to capsize her inadvertantly. They also say that with an extra 100 kgs the keel version is not as fast and agile as the centreboard version, and more difficult to move around.
Have any of you ever had the opportunity to compare the two boats and to sail both a centreboard version? Can you comment on the above points and on the suitability of the centreboard version vs. keel version for family sailing?
Also, if you have advice on points to check before buying a used Stratos, I'd much appreciate it.
Regards,
Pascal
|
|
|
JimWhite
22 Posts |
Posted - 10 Dec 2002 : 16:23:03
|
I sail a Keel in the West Solent. The keel provides a very stable platform, much needed when a mile offshore ! The lifting keel mechanism is a slight obstruction when it's in the up position, but when down it's no problem at all.
What to look for ? Hardly anything has gone wrong with my boat, but the boom can scratch the transom area when lowered.
Jim
|
 |
|
|
SteveTaylor
3 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2002 : 15:46:14
|
I sail a keel version from Hayling Island Sailing Club in all conditions with youngsters and have found it to be quick, managable and stable. The only downside that I have found is that it becomes heavy and cumbersome to recover and move around on shore compared to the centre board version that is also at the club.
|
|
|
|
JosEpema
4 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2002 : 17:15:54
|
Hi Pascal,
I sail a keel version. This sommer my youngsters where 7 and 5 as well. The simple fact that the centreboard version CAN capsize and the Keel version CANNOT capsize, made me go for the Keel version for family sailing.
At 5 or 6 beaufort the Keel version is very fast (especialy if you rake the mast 5 or 6 holes down both for upper and lower shrouds), very manageable even with two little children as crew onboard and with the assurance that it won't capsize.
Check carefully the area around the lifting keel, when grounding, this area receives the impact. Otherwise no problems at all.
Kind regards, Jos Epema, Netherlands |
|
|
|
AndrewHowe
13 Posts |
Posted - 13 Dec 2002 : 19:57:36
|
Just to concur with the other respondents:
We bought our Keel only recently and I haven't sailed a CB version. The primary reason for choosing the keel was a potential crew of up to 4 under 10s. The pre-purchase research we did bears out that the CB is more responsive and quicker off the mark. However, our limited experience is that doesn't mean the keel is unresponsive or slow. It is our first spinnaker dinghy and our first attempts in a F4/5 showed both how quick the boat is and how forgiving. |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
Centreboard vs. keel version
Forum Locked
