Quote:
Originally Posted by gbam
1.) Must be mass produced
2.) Must be able to handle intense learn to sail smashed into pier conditions
3.) Needs to be easily sailed under main alone
4.) Needs to be easy to repair |
This sounds just like a Sunchaser. These are made of tough ABS Armorclad plastic and can be sailed with either a Lateen main or sloop rigged with a
jib. You can
repair the plastic with
epoxy and fiberglass just like a FG boat. They're pretty cheap too at only $4000 new. They also have enough capacity to hold up to four adults. This seems like a pretty good beginner boat. For
spinnaker work I would move up to something larger once they are competent with these.
In comparison a Raider II is twice the price with half the weight capacity. At 200 lbs it is also more difficult to right after a capsize than the Sunchaser at 125 lbs.
I might also mention that because of the extra weight capacity (900 lbs total) you can bag the boat for more stability. In other words you can either sail it light with an experienced crew who can use their weight for stability or you can make up 25 lb sandbags and place two to four of these in the bottom for less experienced or lighter weight crews. Of course you lose the bags if you capsize so you need plenty of extras.